Caramel, with its rich, buttery sweetness, is a magical ingredient that can elevate everything from desserts to drinks. While it might seem intimidating, making caramel at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips and tricks to ensure you achieve perfect, golden caramel every time. Get ready to transform sugar into liquid gold!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium-low heat, swirling the pan gently every 20 seconds. The sugar will form clumps before slowly melting—be patient and watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously—this is expected!
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Taste a cooled spoonful of caramel and, if needed, add more salt to taste.
- Transfer the caramel to a small bowl or container and let it cool completely before using.
NOTES
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor—since caramel has minimal ingredients, the butter and cream make all the difference!
- For a thicker caramel, reduce the heavy cream to 1/3 cup.
- Customize your caramel by adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, or any other flavorings at the end.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month or freeze for up to three months.
