Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe

This Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe is the stuff dessert dreams are made of: silky, buttery, and lusciously sweet with that perfect hit of salt to keep things utterly irresistible. If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just level up your ice cream nights, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket—it turns just four simple ingredients into a showstopping treat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe is how it relies on just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role. Here’s why each ingredient truly counts for the final flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color!

• Granulated Sugar (“Pure Cane”): Choose sugar labeled “pure cane” for the smoothest melt—this is what creates that deep caramel flavor and the enticing amber color.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened, real butter brings richness and body to your caramel, helping it thicken and pick up that signature glossy shine.
• Heavy Cream: Room-temperature heavy cream turns the caramel luxuriously pourable and creamy—don’t skip this for dreamy texture.
• Salt: Whether you use fine sea salt or flaky salt, this is the magic touch that wakes up all the flavors and tames that sweetness.

Variations

Not only is this Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe super easy, but it’s also endlessly adaptable! Try switching things up to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you’re craving in the moment.

• Classic Caramel (No Salt): Simply reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon for a traditional, all-sweet caramel sauce.
• Bourbon Salted Caramel: Stir in 1 teaspoon of good bourbon right after the cream for a sultry, grown-up twist.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use a quality vegan butter and full-fat coconut cream—your sauce will be slightly different but still luscious and deeply caramelized.
• Espresso Salted Caramel: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso in the cream before adding it for a bold, coffee-infused caramel perfect for drizzling over gelato.

How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Caramelize the Sugar

Start by adding your granulated sugar to a heavy-duty stainless steel saucepan (skip nonstick cookware, as it can interfere with caramelization). Heat over medium, stirring constantly with a high-heat silicone spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will first clump, then gradually melt into a thick, deep amber syrup—just keep stirring and savor those caramel notes wafting through your kitchen!

Step 2: Add the Butter

As soon as all the sugar is nicely melted and amber in color, carefully add the slices of room temperature butter. The mixture will bubble up—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want! Stir the butter into the caramel until it’s totally melted and combined. If you see it separating or clumping, pull it off the heat and whisk vigorously until smooth, then return to the stove as needed.

Step 3: Pour in the Cream

With the butter fully melted, it’s time for the magic moment: slowly drizzle in your room temperature heavy cream while constantly stirring. Get ready for another round of bubbling! Once all the cream is in, stop stirring and let the caramel boil for about 1 minute—it’ll puff up and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Salt and Cool

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt. Now, your caramel will seem thin—don’t worry, it thickens up beautifully as it cools down. Let it sit for a bit, then use right away or store as directed below. Look at that gorgeous, velvety sauce!

How to Serve Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe

Garnishes

A swirl of this golden caramel is a statement all on its own, but for extra flair, try a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts, or even a hint of shaved dark chocolate. Each brings a new layer of flavor and texture that makes every bite shine.

Side Dishes

Pair your Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe with classic vanilla ice cream, baked apples, cinnamon-y bread pudding, or even a wedge of warm, fudgy brownie. It’s also pure magic spooned over pancakes, waffles, or crêpes for a decadent brunch treat!

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, pour cooled caramel into little glass jars, tie with a ribbon, and add a handwritten tag. For parties, set up a “caramel bar” with mini spoons so guests can drizzle and dip to their heart’s content. Or pipe a swirl onto cupcakes, cheesecakes, or cookies to make even store-bought treats look bakery-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salted caramel in a tightly-sealed jar or container in your refrigerator for up to one month. It thickens as it chills—just warm it gently to return that pourable magic whenever you need it!

Freezing

This Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe also freezes beautifully! Pour cooled caramel into an airtight freezer-safe jar and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then give it a gentle stir before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the caramel sauce in short bursts (10–15 seconds), stirring between each, until perfectly smooth and runny. Alternatively, warm it slowly in a saucepan over low heat and stir—never let it boil!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making your own caramel before, this Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe is the sweetest place to start. I can’t wait for you to taste that first dreamy spoonful—give it a go and let this golden, buttery sauce be your new kitchen secret weapon. Happy drizzling!

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