There’s something about the rich, golden swirl of homemade caramel that feels like a little indulgence you can stir together from scratch. Whether you’re drizzling it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream, folding it into a holiday tart, or bottling it up as a sweet gift, this simple caramel sauce recipe is a staple you’ll want to keep in your back pocket all year long.
The Best Caramel Sauce Recipe (with a Sea Salt Twist)
I’ve been making this sauce for years — a little creamy, a little salty, with just the right amount of butter to give it that smooth finish. You only need a few pantry staples to make a caramel sauce from scratch, and it’s a great way to impress guests or elevate a weeknight dessert. I especially love adding a pinch of flake sea salt right at the end, but you can leave it out if you’re going for a classic version.
This is a go-to recipe from my kitchen, inspired by the simple ingredients and heirloom recipes passed down over generations — made just a touch more modern with that salty finish I can’t resist. It’s a great, easy recipe for caramel sauce and one I think you should try your hand at learning to master if you’re needing a caramel sauce recipe in your arenseal.
Sea Salt Caramel Sauce
Description
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbs water
- 2 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanila extract
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the sugar and water together over medium heat in a small saucepan and bring mixture to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce heat to a simmer.
- Next, add in butter and whisk until combined. Let mixture simmer for about five minutes until it turns a deep brown color. Remove pan from heat and gently whisk in the cream. Whisk cream until it is completely combined and add in salt and vanilla, whisking both in.
- Carefully pour sauce into a heat-proof jar. Let cool before serving.
Caramel Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbs water
- 2 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanila extract
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the sugar and water together over medium heat in a small saucepan and bring mixture to a boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce heat to a simmer.
- Next, add in butter and whisk until combined. Let mixture simmer for about five minutes until it turns a deep brown color. Remove pan from heat and gently whisk in the cream. Whisk cream until it is completely combined and add in salt and vanilla, whisking both in.
- Carefully pour sauce into a heat-proof jar. Let cool before serving.
Tips for How to Make a Caramel Sauce
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Use a light-colored pan so you can easily see the sugar changing color.
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Don’t walk away — caramel can go from golden to burnt quickly.
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Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and reheat gently before serving.
Ways to Use This Caramel Sauce
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Drizzled over ice cream, warm apple crisp, or bread pudding
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Stirred into coffee for a homemade caramel latte
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Poured into vintage jars for a holiday gift — just add a spoon or ribbon and handwritten tag
Make It Your Own
Want it even richer? Try adding a splash of almond extract instead or a dash of bourbon at the end. Prefer it unsalted? Just skip the sea salt — it’s still the best caramel sauce recipe around either way.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This is by far my favorite home made recipe for caramel sauce. There’s something special about recipes like this — the kind that come together with just a few ingredients and a little care. Whether you’re learning how to make caramel sauce for the first time or just searching for a new favorite, I hope this one brings a little extra warmth to your kitchen.
If you try it, I’d love to see! Tag @heirloomedcollection or use #heirloomedkitchen on Instagram.
heirloomed is a lifestyle brand with a mission of “keeping heirlooms around for another generation.” Our blog features stories about family recipes, creating traditions with your family, interior design and entertaining by mixing new and vintage pieces, classic style, and small town + historic travel. Our shop features a collection of “goods inspired by the past, for generations to enjoy” with an array of products and meaningful gifts including linen aprons, tabletop linens, art, ceramics and beyond. Learn more at www.heirloomedcollection.com.
