Make rich, silky caramel sauce in just 15 minutes, no candy thermometer needed! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for a homemade treat that’s far better than store-bought.
Recipe by Tessa Arias on October 20, 2025
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT15M
Rating
4.91 stars (43 reviews)
Keywords
caramel, caramel sauce, salted caramel
Ingredients
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt ((optional))
Categories
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Steps
In a dry, medium-sized stainless steel saucepan or pot, cook the sugar over medium heat.
Swirl the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts and begins to turn a deep golden color, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter until melted.
Whisking constantly, gradually add the cream. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. If the caramel seizes or clumps of sugar form, continue heating on low heat until they melt back into a smooth sauce.
Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof container.
Stir in the salt (if using).
Let hot caramel cool until warm and thick. Use or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Reviews
TLD on 2025-11-05 (5 stars): I Agree!!!!!! Kindness and Politeness go a long way!!!!
Mrs Dunn on 2025-10-25 (4 stars): Good recipe. But for cryinoutloud... just give us the recipe!!!! Stop yammering aimlessly and present your recipe!
Jada on 2025-06-22 (4 stars): Such a simple recipe and easy to can't wait to make this!
Anne on 2025-06-05 (5 stars): My brother and i make this caramel all the time. He makes it for his coffee. I make it for my ice cream. It is absolutely amazing. So delicious. We give it to all our friends and family and they all absolutely love it as well. Good job.
Liv on 2025-02-02 (5 stars): I make it twice. The first time I decided to turn the heat up when cooking the sugar. It came out burned. Did it again with patience. It turned out great. The direction are easy to follow.
Sarah on 2025-01-12 (5 stars): Easiest caramel sauce recipe!
Nurse Sandra on 2024-11-26 (5 stars): K, this is what I did. After watching dozens of videos on YouTube about making Caramel, some complicated and finicky, some just thrown together in a pot, I decided to try. I'm a travel nurse, and have very limited space in my extended stay kitchen, basically a 3 qt Instantpot, a 8 inch nuwave cooking eye, a micro, and a large toaster oven/air fryer. So using the saute function on my Instantpot, I melted 1 c Salted Kerrygold, added 1 cup organic cane sugar, 1/8 c filtered water, 1 c chopped pecans, 1/2 t. Redmond salt, and added a splash of vanilla extract. Whisking or using a silicone spatula, I Took it to the color of peanut butter, poured it in a pan with parchment paper, and baked it at 350 for 5 minutes. I took it out, let it set for 5 minutes, lightly sprinkled Ghiradelli milk chocolate bits, spread it out, sprinkled chopped pecans on top with barely a few Maldon's flakes, and after sitting an hour on the counter, I put it in the fridge for about 3 hours. It was gorgeous, and honestly the most delicious Toffee I've ever had in my life, and easier than I ever imagined. I was so pleased with the results, and even though I don't eat carbs, I'm going to make it to give out at work for Christmas.
Austin on 2024-11-18 (5 stars): I made the sauce and tried it right away and idk what I did wrong but it taste burnt and I kept on medium-low heat. Can you give me tips on what to try next?
