Easy Salted Caramel Sauce: Hostess Gift, or Just for You
As always, I joined Mary Ann and Cindy on Sunday for our favorite finds of the week. This salted caramel sauce has been a favorite for a while, and if you haven’t tried making it homemade or if it’s been a minute, here’s your reminder to make it the next time you need a last-minute dessert or wrap it up as a hostess gift.
A great hostess gift
Very few recipes require such little effort yet taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. This easy recipe is one of them. And all you need is a little bit of time, patience, and the willpower not to stir the sugar while it is melting.
Because it is so delicious, it makes a great gift for a hostess. Repurpose a fun glass jar and fill it with the caramel sauce. Add a few small white bowls, a set of spoons, a small jar of flaky sea salt, and a pint or two of gelato, and you have a wonderful hostess gift to take to your next dinner party.
What can I serve with salted caramel sauce?
Caramel sauce is pretty versatile and can be served on many different things. Here are a few of my favorites:
- A topping for vanilla ice cream sundaes, or you choose the flavor (personally, I prefer gelato)
- On top of chocolate mousse.
- A sauce to drizzle on top of a slice of flourless chocolate cake
- Drizzle it on top of a warm piece of apple pie
- Caramel iced coffee
Minimal equipment needed
- Measuring cups
- Saucepan
- A pitcher for the salted caramel sauce
Simple ingredients for easy salted caramel sauce
- White sugar
- Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions for making this easy salted caramel sauce
- Spread the sugar evenly in the bottom of a medium saucepan. Over low heat, let the sugar melt until it turns a golden brown color. Resist the temptation to stir the sugar, as doing so will cause the sauce to become lumpy.
- Once the sugar dissolves, slowly pour in the heavy cream.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until all the sugar has dissolved and a thick sauce has formed.
- Remove the creamy caramel sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Once the caramel sauce has reached room temperature, transfer it to a small pitcher or glass jar and let it cool for up to 2 hours.
Can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a small airtight container or a glass mason jar. Alternatively, cover the serving pitcher with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve again, just reheat the caramel in the microwave. However, be careful not to let it simmer for too long, as the caramel sauce can burn.
Easy Salted Caramel Sauce: Hostess Gift, or Just for You
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- A pinch or two of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Spread the sugar evenly in the bottom of a medium saucepan. Over low heat, let the sugar melt until it turns golden brown. Resist the temptation to stir the sugar because if you do, the sauce will be lumpy.
- Once the sugar dissolves, slowly pour in the heavy cream.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer until all the sugar has dissolved and a thick sauce has formed.
- Remove the creamy caramel sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes,
- Once the caramel sauce reaches room temperature, transfer it to a small pitcher or glass jar and let it cool for up to two hours.
Notes
Make sure not to stir the sugar while it is melting. Stirring will cause the sauce to be lumpy and not velvety smooth.
The caramel sauce sounds lovely. Is the salt to be added just as the sauce is served, or when? Also, should the mixture be stirred after the cream is added, while simmering?
Thank you
Hi Jan – You leave the sugar until it melts, but when you add the cream to the sugar once it has melted, you will need to stir as you will have some sugar that has hardened from the cream. It will eventually dissolve. ENJOY! It is so yummy for being so simple!
Question – In step 3, do you stir the sauce while the sugar is dissolving with the cream or do you leave it alone as in step 1? Looks so good and easy to make!
Hi Diane – You leave the sugar until it melts, but when you add the cream to the sugar once it has melted, you will need to stir as you will have some sugar that has hardened from the cream. It will eventually dissolve. It’s so good! ENJOY!
Wow!! My mouth is watering.
When does the salt come into the recipe?
Hi Arlene – I just a litte at the end before taking off the heat, and then I sprinkle some flakey sea salt on top! Just a little, but it’s so good!
Hi Arlene! So sorry I didn’t say…we add a little as we are cooking the caramel and then just a little sprinkle of something like Maldon sea salt as we are serving it on ice cream or gelato! Enjoy!
Have a wonderful trip to FL. I loved in Atlantic Beach for many years and love it, I think you will too!
Love the linen pants! And the caramel sauce.
Elizabeth! You lived in Atlantic Beach?
Annie this looks like the cutest gift. I love the little jars. Salted caramel is so good. Have the best time in Florida. xo