My Salted Caramel Sauce cooks in 10 minutes with 5 ingredients, no candy thermometer needed—rich, velvety, and perfect for ice cream and more.
- 1 cup (8 oz/225 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (2 fl oz/ 60 ml) water
- ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) heavy cream , at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (3 oz/85 g) butter , cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
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In a small heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, add the sugar and water and heat until the sugar has dissolved. Don't let it simmer at this stage.
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Once the sugar has dissolved turn up the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do NOT stir the caramel once it comes to a simmer as it can crystalize.
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Simmer steadily until you reach a deep amber-colored caramel, 8 -10 minutes. Be careful not to leave the pot unattended while it simmers.
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Carefully whisk in the butter, this mixture will bubble up rapidly. Then add the cream and continue whisking until the cream is fully incorporated.
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Remove from the heat and whisk in the salt. Allow the caramel to cool completely before using.
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Re-heat in the microwave or in a sauce pan and enjoy. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 4 months.
- Use the Right Pan: A medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan is best. Avoid thin or nonstick pans, which heat unevenly.
- Keep It Clean: Make sure both the pan and sugar are free from impurities to prevent crystallization.
- Dissolve Before Simmering: Heat sugar over low heat until fully dissolved. Swirl or gently stir if needed, but do not stir once it simmers.
- Avoid Crystallization: If sugar crystals form on the sides, brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
- Be Patient: Caramel takes around 10 minutes to reach a rich amber color—never crank up the heat to rush it.
- Add Cream & Butter Carefully: Once amber, stream in cream while whisking constantly, then slowly add butter. Remove from heat before adding salt or vanilla.
- No Candy Thermometer Needed: Only required for making candies; basic caramel can be done by visual cues.
- Burned or Crystallized Caramel: Cannot be salvaged. If burned, add water to dissolve residue for easier cleaning.