Salted Caramel Sauce

Name: Salted Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Indulge in the rich and buttery flavor of homemade salted caramel sauce. This versatile sauce is perfect for enhancing desserts, from cakes to ice cream. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a luxurious treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making your desserts unforgettable.

Ingredients

– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields about 1 cup of salted caramel sauce. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Nutritional value per serving (1 tablespoon):
– Calories: 60
– Total Fat: 4g
– Saturated Fat: 2.5g
– Carbohydrates: 7g
– Sugars: 6g
– Sodium: 60mg

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Once the sugar begins to melt, stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a golden amber color.
3. Add the cubed butter and stir until completely melted.
4. Carefully pour in the heavy cream; it will bubble up.
5. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract.
7. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a jar.
8. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
9. Reheat gently before serving if it thickens too much.
10. Enjoy your homemade salted caramel sauce!

Alternative Ingredients

You can use light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Sea salt can be substituted with kosher salt, though the flavor may vary slightly.

Serving and Pairings

Salted caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or brownies. It can also be used as a filling in cakes or as a dip for fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless!

Storage and Reheating

Store salted caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe container and heat in short bursts until warm. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture.

Cooking Mistakes

Burning the sugar: Keep an eye on the sugar as it melts; it can burn quickly.
Not stirring enough: Stirring helps achieve an even melt and prevents clumping.
Adding cream too quickly: Pour it slowly to avoid splattering.
Using cold cream: Make sure the cream is at room temperature to avoid a temperature shock.
Not measuring salt: Adjust salt to taste; too much can overpower the sweetness.
Cooling too quickly: Allow it to cool gradually for the best texture.
Skipping the vanilla: This adds depth to the flavor, so don’t omit it!

Helpful Tips

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly.
Keep a candy thermometer handy for perfect caramel consistency.
Experiment with different salts for unique flavor profiles.
Try infusing the sauce with spices like cinnamon or espresso for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar can be used to give the sauce a richer flavor, but it may change the texture slightly.

How do I fix a grainy caramel sauce?

If your caramel becomes grainy, you can gently reheat it and add a bit more cream to help smooth it out.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

How long does salted caramel sauce last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last up to two weeks.

Can I freeze salted caramel sauce?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture, making it grainy upon thawing.

Conclusion

Homemade salted caramel sauce is a delightful addition to any dessert. Its sweet and salty flavor enhances a variety of dishes, making it a versatile treat. Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream or using it in baking, this sauce is sure to impress. Try making it at home and enjoy its rich flavor!