How to Make Caramel

By á-51103

An easy vanilla sea salt caramel sauce recipe.
Intimidated by homemade caramel sauce? We’re here to change that. How to make caramel has never been easier. We’ve developed a foolproof caramel sauce recipe that will quickly become your new go-to. The caramel has a buttery, brown sugar flavor, with a hint of vanilla. Homemade caramel can often feel stiff, but ours is silky smooth. Pro tip: set yourself up for success by having all of your tools and ingredients ready before you begin. The steps move quickly once you get cooking! The caramel sauce is delicious for slathering onto cakes, tossing into salted popcorn, or as a dip for fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 1 1/4 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 1/3 1/3 cup water
• 3/4 3/4 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 5 5 1/2 6 (2 1/2 oz.) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
• 2 2 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 1/4 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt

Details

Servings 2
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 30mins
Adapted from realsimple.com

Preparation

Step 1

Step 1
Combine sugar and water in a large heavy saucepan over medium-low. Cook, stirring often, until sugar dissolves, 5 to 6 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, and boil gently (without stirring).

Step 2
Occasionally brush down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush and swirl pan.

Step 3
Swirl pan, without stirring, until syrup turns a deep amber color, 8 to 10 minutes. (Be sure to swirl pan in a circular motion, rather than stir, to promote more even cooking.)

Step 4
Gradually stir in cream (sauce will bubble vigorously).

Step 5
Add butter, 1 piece at a time, stirring constantly, until butter is melted. About 3 minutes.

Step 6
Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and salt. Serve warm or let cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.