Salted butter caramel, also known as salted caramel, is a delicious and popular confectionery flavor that combines the richness of caramel with a hint of saltiness. It’s made by heating sugar and water until it caramelizes, then adding butter and cream to create a smooth and creamy texture. Finally, a pinch of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor profile.
Here’s a basic recipe to make salted butter caramel:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Heat the granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel color. Be careful not to burn it.
- Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the butter. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Again, be cautious as the mixture will bubble up. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated and the caramel is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flaky sea salt. Taste and adjust the saltiness if needed.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before using it. It will thicken as it cools.
You can use salted butter caramel as a topping for ice cream, drizzle it over desserts like cakes or pies, or even use it as a filling for chocolates or pastries. It adds a delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness to any treat.
