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Homemade salted caramel sauce is a velvety blend of sugar, butter, and cream. It has a delicate balance of sweetness and saltiness, perfect for elevating desserts to gourmet status.

 

 

If this is the first time you have found a recipe for sea salt caramel sauce, welcome to the best part of all my desserts.

This is my go-to recipe for all my desserts.

There is something about the blend of sweet caramel with just a hint of saltiness to create a flavor profile that’s indulgent and addictive.

With just three simple ingredients, this easy caramel recipe transforms ordinary kitchen staples into an easy salted caramel sauce worthy of any dessert.

Whether you use it for topping ice cream or filling cupcakes, this caramel sauce adds a touch of luxury to every drink and dessert.

Skip the store-bought caramel salted sauce versions filled with additives and preservatives, and savor the pure, homemade goodness of this easy caramel sauce.

 

 

What Ingredients are in Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

• White Sugar: Provides the base sweetness and caramelization.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and a subtle saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a creamy texture and enhances the luxuriousness of the sauce.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature butter to help it not sputter at you when you add it to the melted sugar in this easy salted caramel sauce recipe.

 

 

How to Make Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

1. Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, slowlywhisking sugar crystals until the sugar dissolves and it reaches a smooth, dark amber color.
2. Add butter to the melted sugar, whisking vigorously until fully melted.
3. Remove from heat and slowly pour heavy cream into the sugar mixture while whisking until smooth.
4. Be sure the caramel cools before transferring to a heat proof container for storage.
5. Serve at room temperature or gently warm before drizzling over your favorite desserts.

Pro Tip: Patience is key when melting granulated sugar – be sure to stir continuously and watch closely to prevent burning. You do not need to use non-stick pans if you stay at the stove and stir until melted.

 

 

Can You Add Salt to Store-Bought Caramel Sauce?

Yes, you can add regular table salt to store-bought caramel sauce.

Add a pinch of salt at a time to get that perfect sweet-salty balance in delicious caramel sauce.

Does Sugar Melt?

Yes, sugar melts when exposed to heat.

It will transform from solid crystals to a liquid state, creating a rich caramel base for this sauce recipe.

 

 

Can you use unsalted butter to make Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter to make salted caramel.

But if you do not adjust the amount of salt by adding more, you will have regular sweet caramel sauce, which is also delicious.

To adjust and make the best salted caramel sauce, you will want to add 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every 1/2 c (1 stick) of unsalted butter.

That is enough to give you just a hint of salt in your caramel sauce.

 

 

What to Use Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce For?

This caramel dip is the perfect topping for vanilla ice cream sundaes, brownies, and specialty drinks.

It also makes a great filling for cupcakes like these Rolo Cupcakes and drizzling over Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. 

We like to make apple nachos by drizzling warm homemade caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over apple slices.

You can also use this to make caramel apples or just dip for your apples.

Get creative and experiment with a salted caramel frosting or on top of any of your favorite desserts!

 

 

How to Store Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

Store salted sea salt caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I like to use a glass jar so I can warm it in the microwave or in a boiling water bath before drizzling.

How Long Can You Keep Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

You can keep caramel sauce for up to three weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator.

It will keep its flavor and quality.

 

 

Does Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce Need to be Refrigerated?

Yes, this easy salted caramel sauce should be refrigerated because of the dairy content.

Refrigeration will preserve its freshness and prevent spoilage.

Can I Freeze Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze homemade salted caramel for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using, then gently reheat if desired.

 

 

Is Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce Gluten Free?

Yes, this homemade caramel is naturally gluten free.

There is no gluten in sugar, butter, or cream. 

But it’s always a good idea to double check your prepackaged ingredients before serving this to someone with dietary restrictions.

 

 

Is Caramel Sauce Vegan?

No, traditional caramel sauce contains animal products.

Traditional dairy (butter and cream) make this sauce unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Can Dogs Eat Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce?

No, dogs cannot eat caramel sauce.

Ingredients like sugar and dairy are not safe for canine consumption and may cause digestive issues.

It’s best to avoid feeding it to your furry friends.

 

 

Additional Desserts You’ll Love…

• Tres Leches
• Buffalo Chip Cookies
• Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies
• Raspberry Bars
• Almond Joy Cookies
• Kool Aid Popcorn
• Oreo Cupcake Filling
• Blueberry Pretzel Salad
• Coconut Key Lime Chiffon Pie
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
• Raspberry Fool
• Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
• Blueberry Loaf Cake Recipe

This Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce is an easy recipe you will make again and again; it really is the next level goodness for all your favorite desserts!

 

Originally Posted: August 25, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: April 10, 2024

 

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