This easy homemade salted caramel is smooth and creamy when warm for drizzling, and becomes chewy when cooled for using as a filling. With just 5 ingredients and under 15 minutes, you can make a versatile sweet-and-salty caramel sauce at home.
How to make Easy Homemade Salted Caramel
- Add the sugar to a large saucepan and cook over medium heat. It can take about 5–7 minutes before you see it start to melt.
- When parts begin to melt, stir gently. It may look clumpy at first, which is normal.
- As soon as only a few clumps remain, the sugar will cook quickly—stay at the stove and stir until completely melted.
- Immediately add the butter and stir until it melts into the caramel.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream in two additions, stirring well between pours. Cook about 1 minute to incorporate the cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Stir in the vanilla, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the sea salt and mix until even. The caramel should be a warm amber color.
- Let the caramel cool about 15 minutes, then transfer to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Use warm for drizzling and dipping, or chilled for a chewy filling.
This caramel is excellent as a drizzle, a dip, or a chewy center for desserts such as pretzel Oreo balls.
Safety Tips:
- Use a large saucepan. Caramel becomes extremely hot and will foam and bubble when ingredients are added. A deeper pan reduces the risk of overflow.
- Consider oven gloves to protect against hot splatters.
- Once the sugar has melted, work quickly to avoid burning. Have all ingredients measured and ready at the counter before you begin.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. To use as a drizzle, warm in the microwave for 15-second intervals or reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
The process may look detailed, but the caramel comes together fast. After a few batches you’ll be comfortable making it and likely won’t reach for store-bought caramel again.
Try this salted caramel as a filling in salted caramel–filled pretzel Oreo balls for a decadent treat.
Enjoy!
Easy Homemade Salted Caramel
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Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoon salted butter room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Place the sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat and wait until it begins to melt—about 5–7 minutes. Stir gently as melting starts; clumps are normal.
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Stir continuously as the sugar finishes melting, then quickly add the butter and stir until melted.
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Slowly add the heavy cream in two portions, stirring between additions. Cook about 1 minute to fully combine; expect vigorous bubbling.
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Stir in vanilla and remove from heat. Mix in sea salt to taste.
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Allow to cool about 15 minutes, then transfer to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Use warm for drizzling or chilled for a firmer, chewy texture.
Video
Notes
Safety Tips:
- Use a large saucepan. Hot caramel foams and can splatter; a deeper pan helps prevent overflow.
- Oven gloves can protect against splatters.
- Have all ingredients measured and ready because the final steps go quickly and sugar can burn if left unattended.
Recommended Equipment:
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