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Last week, Jason and I went to dinner with one of our closest friends and you know that feeling you get when you know there might be more to the dinner than there really is? Like all day, I was like, “something is going to happen” or “why do I get this unsettling feeling that my world is going to come crashing down soon?” Well, not totally crash down, but you get what I mean. So, we were talking and catching up and something was said that alluded to ‘colder weather’ and then it happened. They told us they’re moving to San Francisco :'(
Such a bittersweet moment. Of course we’re thrilled for this new adventure that they’re embarking on but my selfishness gets in the way and I don’t want them to leave us! I guess on the bright side, we can always visit them in San Francisco since it’s a very easy plane ride and hello, Napa weekend! It’s definitely a hard pill to swallow when you realize your close friends are moving across the country and you can’t just randomly call them up for lunch anymore but actually have to plan months out, but nonetheless, we wish them the best of luck.
I don’t like when friends move away. Everyone that I know should just bloom where they are planted. Just kidding :) I’m just being emotional.
Okay, so homemade caramel is REALLY easy to make. Sometimes I wonder why I even run to the store to get caramel candies and melt them. Caramel sauce at home is suuuuper easy and really does taste A LOT better than store-bought. It’s got a better consistency and not to mention it’s cheaper! I’m in love with salted caramel so what better way than to make jars of homemade salted caramel sauce?
You’ll want to bookmark this recipe because several upcoming recipes use this homemade salted caramel sauce! Can you tell I was pretty much up to my eyeballs (still am) in salted caramel so I decided I’d drizzle it on everything? You can always cut down the recipe and not make as much as I did but I like having some in the fridge just for those days that you feel like your ice cream or dessert needs a bit of a sprucing!
Before the recipe, I put a step by step on how the sugar meltdown will look. It’ll help you with the process and you won’t doubt yourself! It’s kind of weird in the beginning because everything clumps together and you’re like, “OMG DID I MESS UP?!” so seeing these photos will definitely ease those feelings! Just be patient and you’ll soon get a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce!

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 12 tablespoons (168 g) unsalted butter, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt, please see notes
The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
Instructions
- In a semi-deep non-stick pot, heat sugar over medium high heat, stirring often.
- The sugar will soon start to clump together. This is ok and what it is supposed to do! (See photos above)
- The sugar will soon start to break down into a liquid and you'll want to switch to a whisk to get rid of the clumps.
- Once the sugar is in liquid form, you'll want to continue swirling the pot until it boils until it turns an amber color.
- Once that happens, carefully add the butter. The mixture will hiss and splatter a bit. Continue stirring until all the butter has melted.
- Once the butter has melted, CAREFULLY add the heavy cream. Since the heavy cream will be cold, your mixture will bubble and splatter a bit as well. Stir the mixture then let boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the salt, and let completely cool before you pour it into any jars.
- Store in the refrigerator and warm up slightly to drizzle or use for desserts.
Recipe Notes
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
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Emily
Tuesday 19th of September 2023
Hi! I have loved this recipe previously but now I'm getting ready to make a bulk batch for party favors and I am a little confused on the format of how many servings it makes. Is it supposed to make one serving of ~1/2 cup or ~1.5 cups? Thank you!
Julie Chiou
Wednesday 20th of September 2023
oh, sorry about that! the recipe card isn't interpreting it correctly. it's about 1.5 cups
Kayla
Wednesday 10th of May 2023
Thanks for the lovely recipe. Used on cheesecake. The leftovers are a hit for apple dip and sweet treats for the kids.
Polly
Saturday 27th of November 2021
Why does my sugar keep burning?
Julie Chiou
Monday 29th of November 2021
probably because you aren't stirring it frequently enough and/or the heat is too high.
LMEA
Wednesday 24th of March 2021
Hi, how long does this last in the fridge? Thank you!
Julie Chiou
Monday 29th of March 2021
should last a good month or so!
Patricia Williams
Sunday 14th of March 2021
can you make half?
Julie Chiou
Tuesday 16th of March 2021
sure