Salted Butter Caramel

Name: Salted Butter Caramel
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 1 tsp fleur de sel (or coarse sea salt)

20 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Indulge in rich and creamy salted butter caramel, perfect for drizzling over desserts or enjoying by the spoonful.

Prep

5 min

Cook

15 min

Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Salted butter caramel, or 'caramel à la fleur de sel', is a luxurious treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness. This French classic is adored worldwide for its rich and indulgent flavour. Whether drizzled over ice cream, swirled into your morning coffee, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful, this caramel sauce is versatile and utterly delicious. Its smooth texture and complex flavour make it a favourite in both dessert and gourmet applications.

Ingredients

Servings

Caramel Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the sugar mixture

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir gently to moisten all the sugar.

Pro tip: Use a pan that distributes heat evenly to prevent hot spots.

Heat the sugar

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Without stirring, allow the sugar to dissolve and bubble until it turns a deep amber colour, about 10-12 minutes.

Pro tip: Swirl the pan gently if needed to ensure even caramelization.

Add the cream

Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of room temperature heavy cream, stirring constantly. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously.

Pro tip: Remove from heat if the bubbling becomes too intense.

Incorporate the butter

Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the mixture, stirring until smooth and fully combined.

Pro tip: Ensure the butter is cut into small pieces for easier melting.

Season with salt

Stir in 1 teaspoon of fleur de sel or coarse sea salt, adjusting to taste.

Pro tip: Add more or less salt depending on your preference.

Cool the caramel

Remove from heat and let the caramel cool slightly before transferring to a jar for storage.

Pro tip: For a thicker consistency, allow the caramel to cool completely.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even caramelization.</li><li>Keep a close eye on the caramel to prevent burning.</li><li>Stir gently to avoid crystallization.</li><li>Always add salt at the end for the best flavour.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your salted butter caramel as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles. It also pairs beautifully with apple desserts or as a filling for chocolates. Store leftover caramel in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, gently warm the caramel in a saucepan or microwave until it reaches a pourable consistency.