Introduction
Indulge your sweet tooth and elevate your dessert game with this 5-Minute Salted Caramel Sauce! Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even popcorn, this quick recipe will have you creating a rich and flavorful sauce that makes everything taste even better. Let’s get saucy and dive into this sweet indulgence!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons sea salt (to taste)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, add sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula as the sugar melts into a deep amber hue.
2. Carefully add butter to the melted sugar. Be ready for some sizzling action—it’s like a science experiment but sweeter!
3. Once the butter has completely melted, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Expect more bubbling—just keep stirring until combined.
4. Let the sauce boil for 1 minute, no more no less! Then remove it from the heat.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before using it in fabulous ways.
6. Enjoy your caramel masterpiece on everything from popcorn to pancakes!
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon, approx.)
Calories: 115 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 0g
Sugar: 13g
Now that you’re all set, go ahead and create this delicious treat that will impress friends and family alike!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Sugar
In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula as the sugar melts into a deep amber hue.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Carefully add 6 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter to the melted sugar. Be ready for some sizzling action—it’s like a science experiment but sweeter!
Step 3: Incorporate the Heavy Cream
Once the butter has completely melted, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Expect more bubbling—just keep stirring until combined.
Step 4: Boil the Sauce
Let the sauce boil for 1 minute, no more no less! Then remove it from the heat.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Salt
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt (to taste). Let the caramel cool slightly before using it in fabulous ways.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your caramel masterpiece on everything from popcorn to pancakes!
Notes
Tip 1: Sugar Melting
Make sure to stir the sugar continuously to prevent burning and achieve an even caramel color.
Tip 2: Cooling Time
Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before serving; it thickens as it cools.
Tip 3: Storage
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before use.
Cook Techniques
Caramelization
Caramelization involves heating sugar to transform it into a rich, golden-brown syrup. Stirring constantly ensures the sugar melts evenly and prevents burning.
Temperature Control
Cooking the sugar over medium heat allows for gradual melting and helps achieve that perfect amber color without scorching.
Incorporating Ingredients
When adding butter and cream, do so carefully to prevent splattering. Stirring continuously helps in incorporating the fats with the sugar mixture smoothly.
Bubbling Reaction
Expect bubbling when adding cream; this is a natural reaction. Stir consistently to ensure the mixture combines well without overflowing.
Flavor Infusion
Adding vanilla extract and sea salt at the end enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness of the caramel and adding depth to the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, using brown sugar will give the caramel a deeper flavor, though the texture may differ slightly.
How do I store leftover salted caramel sauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before using.
Can I use this sauce for desserts other than ice cream?
Absolutely! It’s fantastic on pancakes, waffles, popcorn, or drizzled over cakes and brownies.
What should I do if my caramel hardens?
If the caramel hardens, you can gently reheat it with a bit of cream or water over low heat to restore its pourable consistency.
How do I know when my caramel is done?
The caramel should be a deep amber color and have a pleasant, nutty aroma. Avoid cooking it too long, or it may burn.
Conclusion
Enjoy the delightful experience of making and using your homemade salted caramel sauce! Perfect for adding a sweet touch to a variety of dishes.