Salted caramel sauce

Salted caramel sauce is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by everydayisfeastday on YouTube.

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

Cost: $1.90 total, $0.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (fine kosher salt)

Instructions

  1. Melt Sugar

    Place 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat‑resistant rubber spatula. The sugar will clump, then melt and turn a deep amber color.

    Time: PT7M

  2. Add Butter

    Reduce heat to low and carefully add 6 tablespoons butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted; the mixture will sputter.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Cream

    Slowly pour 0.5 cup cold heavy cream into the pan while stirring. The mixture will bubble vigorously; continue stirring until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Boil Briefly

    Stop stirring, increase heat to medium, and let the sauce come to a gentle boil for 60 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add Salt

    Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Cool and Store

    Pour the hot caramel into a heat‑proof container. Let it cool to room temperature; it will thicken as it cools.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
0.5 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Salted caramel sauce

Recipe by everydayisfeastday

A quick and easy homemade salted caramel sauce perfect for ice cream sundaes, drizzling over desserts, or adding a sweet‑salty touch to any treat. This recipe follows Sally's Baking Addiction method and uses just four ingredients.

EasyAmericanServes 8

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
1m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.90
Total cost
$0.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramelizing the sugar to amber color without burning
  • Incorporating butter safely to avoid splatter
  • Adding heavy cream gradually to prevent overflow

Safety Warnings

  • Caramelized sugar exceeds 350°F and can cause severe burns; use heat‑resistant utensils.
  • Butter and cream may splatter; add slowly and keep face away from the pan.
  • Do not leave the caramel unattended; it can burn quickly.

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 desserts?

A

Salted caramel became popular in the United States in the early 2000s as chefs began pairing sweet caramel with a pinch of sea salt to create a balanced sweet‑salty flavor. It quickly spread from upscale restaurants to home kitchens, becoming a staple topping for ice cream, cakes, and pastries.

cultural
Q

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

A

In the Pacific Northwest, maple‑infused caramel is common, while the South often adds bourbon or pecan flavors. In New York bakeries, a touch of fleur de sel is used for a premium salty finish.

cultural
Q

How is salted caramel sauce traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically drizzled over vanilla ice cream, folded into milkshakes, or used as a dip for apple slices. Many families also swirl it into brownies or drizzle it over pancakes for a sweet‑salty breakfast treat.

cultural
Q

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

A

Salted caramel is popular at summer barbecues, holiday dessert tables, and birthday celebrations, especially when paired with ice cream sundaes or caramel‑topped cupcakes.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are required for classic salted caramel sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The classic recipe uses white granulated sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and kosher salt. Substitutes like brown sugar, salted butter, or half‑and‑half can be used, but they alter flavor, texture, and the precise sweet‑salty balance.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with salted caramel sauce?

A

Salted caramel complements apple pie, pecan pie, chocolate brownies, cheesecake, and fluffy pancakes. It also works beautifully with baked goods like cinnamon rolls and churros.

cultural
Q

What makes salted caramel sauce special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The addition of a pinch of salt transforms the pure sweetness of caramel into a complex flavor profile that highlights both sweet and savory notes, a hallmark of modern American dessert trends.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include letting the sugar burn, adding butter or cream too quickly (causing splatter), and over‑boiling the sauce, which can make it too thick or grainy. Follow the temperature cues and add liquids slowly.

technical
Q

Why does this salted caramel sauce recipe use butter instead of oil?

A

Butter provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel and contributes to the classic caramel flavor. Oil lacks the milk solids that give caramel its characteristic depth and can result in a thinner, less flavorful sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel everydayisfeastday specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel everydayisfeastday focuses on simple, everyday comfort foods and quick dessert sauces that home cooks can make with minimal equipment and pantry staples.

channel

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