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Easy Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe - Perfect in 25 Minutes!

This foolproof Homemade Salted Caramel Recipe delivers rich, buttery caramel with the perfect balance of sweetness and salt. Made with just five simple ingredients in under 25 minutes, it’s a luxurious sauce perfect for drizzling, gifting, or elevating any dessert.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1 ½ cups caramel sauce
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 112

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter room temperature, cut into cubes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Cube the butter and allow it to come to room temperature. Measure all ingredients before starting.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. The sugar will form clumps before melting into a smooth amber-colored liquid.
  3. Once fully melted and caramelized, reduce heat to medium-low and carefully add the butter. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until fully incorporated.
  4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble vigorously—continue stirring until smooth.
  5. Increase heat to medium and allow the caramel to boil for 1 minute without stirring.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in the sea salt and vanilla extract until fully blended.
  7. Let cool for 3 minutes, then pour into glass jars. The caramel will thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter and cream to prevent seizing. Stir constantly during caramelization and avoid high heat to prevent burning.