Salted Caramel Sauce

Chef John's salted caramel sauce recipe, made with sugar, cream, butter, and a pinch of salt, is the perfect topping for ice cream and other desserts.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 215 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 1 pinch sea salt to taste
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into slices
• 0.5 cup heavy cream

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until sugar begins to melt. Continue stirring until sugar completely melts, begins to darken, and all chunks are dissolved, about 10 minutes. Stop stirring; continue cooking until sugar begins to smoke and turns a dark shade of amber, 3 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and wait 30 seconds.

Step 2

Whisk in butter until melted and combined. Slowly pour in ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon cream, taking care because it can bubble over. Sprinkle in salt; stir to combine. Transfer sauce to a jar; cool completely before refrigerating.