Description
This homemade caramel sauce is a rich, buttery treat made from simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop. Perfect as a condiment or dessert topping, it offers a smooth, velvety texture with an optional hint of sea salt for that classic salted caramel flavor. Easy to prepare, it enhances any dessert or snack with its sweet, creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the sugar: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon as the sugar melts and transforms into a thick, amber-colored liquid. Be patient and watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Add the butter: Once the sugar is fully melted and golden in color, carefully add the cubed unsalted butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously—continue stirring until the butter is completely melted and fully incorporated into the caramel.
- Incorporate the cream: Slowly pour the heavy cream into the caramel mixture while stirring continuously. This will help thin the caramel and make it smooth.
- Boil and finish: Allow the caramel to boil gently for 1 minute, then remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the sea salt if using for a salted caramel variation.
- Cool and store: Let the caramel cool slightly before using it immediately or transferring it to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Handle hot caramel with care as it reaches very high temperatures and can cause burns.
- Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
