How To Make Homemade Caramel Sauce

Step 1: Choose A Pot

Choosing the right pot is an important step in making caramel sauce. You'll need something heavy enough to evenly heat your caramel, and tall enough to prevent bubbling over.

Step 2: Use Unsalted Butter

Stick to unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your sauce. You can add sea salt at the end if you'd like for added flavor.

Step 3: Use Refined Sugar

Using white refined sugar will create the smoothest caramel. The smaller grains help it melt easily. Add 3/4 cup to your sauce pan over medium heat.

Step 4: Add Butter

Add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and stir into sugar. Stir often as it melts so the mixture doesn't burn to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Swirl

Once the mixture begins to change color, give the pan a gentle swirl to ensure even browning. Be careful, stirring too much will cause the sugar to crystallize.

Step 6: Remove From Heat

Once your mixture begins to bubble and spatter, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Slightly warming your cream before adding it to the caramel mixture will make it easier to incorporate.

Step 7: Stir Until Smooth

Place it back over low heat and stir until mixture is smooth and thickened.

Step 8: Add Flavor and Serve

Finally, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 teaspoon of sea salt to taste and serve caramel sauce warm over ice cream or your favorite dessert! Ready to get started?