Salted Caramel Sauce

5 from 2 votes

Salted Caramel Sauce is quick and easy to make at home with only 6 simple ingredients. It's delicious drizzled over ice cream, cakes, cookies, or anything you can dream of!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: condiment, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 1100kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup cold water
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 cup warmed heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup salted sweet cream butter
1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Add the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup to a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Gently whisk until the sugar dissolves.
Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down the sides of the pan to ensure no sugar crystals cling to the sides above the mixture line.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, do not stir any longer. Allow the mixture to simmer for 12-15 minutes until the color turns a deep golden or amber color. Remove from the heat.
Slowly drizzle the warmed heavy cream into the mixture while whisking. Be VERY careful; the mixture will bubble up and splatter.
Whisk in the vanilla extract and the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding the sea salt. Stir to combine.

Notes

Storage:

To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container (I chose three 8-ounce jars) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top to bring it back to a liquid consistency.

Tips:

I recommend using a candy thermometer while making the sauce. The ideal temperature is 350°F-355°F.
You can substitute kosher salt if you do not have sea salt.
Do not swap the heavy cream for a lower fat alternative, like half and half or whole milk, or the sauce will be too thin.
Use a light-bottomed saucepan, not a dark colored pan because you will not be able to see the sugar change color.
To save steps, you can stir the vanilla into the warm heavy cream before drizzling it into the sugar mixture.
To prevent splatter injuries, wear an apron and drizzle a little at a time, whisking until the bubbles subside before adding more cream.

Nutrition