3 ingredients to homemade caramel sauce! Cozy season favourite ☺️

3 ingredients to homemade caramel sauce! Cozy season favourite ☺️ is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 100 calories per serving. Recipe by Still Busy Baking on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 22 min

Cost: $2.15 total, $0.27 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated, measured loosely)
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat (35% milkfat))
  • 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Measure Ingredients

    Measure 1 cup sugar, 6 tbsp butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and ½ tsp sea salt. Cube the butter and have the whisk ready.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Melt the Sugar

    Place the sugar in the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with the whisk until the sugar fully melts, turns amber, and is free of lumps.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Incorporate the Butter

    Reduce heat to low and add the cubed butter. Whisk vigorously; the mixture will separate briefly before becoming smooth again.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add the Heavy Cream and Boil

    Slowly pour the heavy cream while whisking. Increase heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 1 minute.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Season with Salt

    Remove the pan from heat and stir in sea salt until dissolved. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Cool and Store

    Pour the hot caramel into a heat‑resistant container. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
100
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
14g
Fat
5g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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3 ingredients to homemade caramel sauce! Cozy season favourite ☺️

Recipe by Still Busy Baking

A simple three‑ingredient salted caramel sauce that can be made in under 20 minutes. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, apples, or any dessert you like.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.15
Total cost
$0.27
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Stir sugar continuously to prevent burning.
  • Whisk butter thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth.
  • Add cream slowly and watch for vigorous bubbling.
  • Do not over‑boil after adding cream, or the sauce will become grainy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot sugar can cause severe burns – keep children away and wear oven mitts.
  • The mixture will bubble aggressively when cream is added; stand back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of salted caramel sauce in American cuisine?

A

Salted caramel originated in France in the early 2000s and quickly became a staple in American desserts, especially as a topping for ice cream and pastries. Its sweet‑salty contrast reflects modern American taste trends that favor bold flavor pairings.

cultural
Q

How does salted caramel sauce fit into the broader American dessert tradition?

A

In American dessert culture, salted caramel is used as a versatile sauce that elevates classic sweets like brownies, pies, and milkshakes. It represents the fusion of traditional caramel making with the modern love for a hint of salt.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of caramel sauce in the United States?

A

While the basic caramel sauce is consistent nationwide, Southern cooks often add a splash of bourbon, and West Coast chefs may incorporate sea‑salt flakes for texture. Some regions also blend in maple syrup for a local twist.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is homemade salted caramel sauce traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Salted caramel sauce is popular at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and summer barbecues where it can be drizzled over fruit or desserts. It’s also a favorite for “dessert‑only” evenings and brunch spreads.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic salted caramel sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The classic recipe calls for granulated sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and sea salt. Acceptable substitutes include brown sugar for a deeper flavor, half‑and‑half for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for a dairy‑free version.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with homemade salted caramel sauce?

A

It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, apple pie, cheesecake, brownies, pancakes, waffles, and even popcorn for a sweet‑salty snack.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade salted caramel sauce?

A

Common errors include letting the sugar burn, not whisking the butter enough, overheating after adding cream, and adding salt too early. Follow the critical steps and keep the heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this salted caramel recipe use a heavy‑bottomed saucepan instead of a thin pan?

A

A heavy‑bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly, reducing hot spots that can scorch the sugar. This ensures a smooth, lump‑free caramel.

technical
Q

Can I make homemade salted caramel sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can make it a day or two ahead. Cool the sauce, then store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my salted caramel sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be a deep amber color, glossy, and pourable. When you lift the whisk, it should coat the back of the spoon and flow slowly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Still Busy Baking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Still Busy Baking focuses on quick, approachable baking and dessert recipes for home cooks with limited time, often using minimal ingredients and clear step‑by‑step visuals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Still Busy Baking's approach to caramel sauces differ from other cooking channels?

A

Still Busy Baking emphasizes simplicity—using only three core ingredients and no fancy equipment—whereas many other channels include complex steps or specialty tools. The channel’s style is fast‑paced, friendly, and perfect for busy home cooks.

channel

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