The Secret to Making the Best Caramel Desserts Using This Recipe for Salted Caramel Sauce

The world of tasty desserts wouldn’t be the same without the rich, butteriness of caramel sauce. Its warm, sweet notes can transform any mundane dessert into an indulgent experience. However, have you wondered about the origins of the decadent sauce?

If you thought caramel sauce was a recent European or American invention, you will be surprised to learn that over a millennium ago, it was the Arabs who had the genius idea of cooking sugar and water and letting it crystallize into what was probably the earliest, rudimentary form of caramel sauce. It is unclear whether it was used for consumption — some even say that it was used for beauty purposes — but this was essentially the birth of caramel sauce.

Many, many centuries later, it was the Europeans who gave caramel sauce its dessert profile — specifically the region of Brittany that was known for its quality of dairy products, especially milk, cream and butter. Brittany was also the only region in France where the salt tax wasn’t imposed, which made it possible for the locals, who could afford it, to use salt in the production of their butter — giving caramel sauce its distinctive taste. However, at this point, there was no addition of milk or any kind of fat to the sauce. It was only much later, around the 1860s, that chefs began incorporating milk and cream to create a smoother, more drizzle-able sauce. This paved the way for the different types of caramel sauces and candies that we enjoy today.

The Application of Caramel Sauce in Different Types of Desserts

Today, caramel sauce is used in a variety of desserts to enhance their taste.

• When used as an ice cream topping, caramel sauce provides a warm, almost nutty flavor.
• When used in cake fillings and frosting, it aids in adding moisture.
• When used as a drizzle over pastries, it amps up the visual appeal.
• When used in drinks, it not only injects a sweet, rich flavor but also makes the beverages eye-catching.

Making Salted Caramel Sauce at Home

As much as dessert connoisseurs would like you to believe, there’s no crazy science involved in the creation of caramel sauce. While confectioners around the world have created their own versions of it, sometimes employing complex techniques, it doesn’t have to be difficult to create caramel sauce at home. Here’s a quick recipe for salted caramel sauce that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

• 200 gm granulated sugar
• 117 gm heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¾ tsp salt

Instructions

•  In a saucepan, combine sugar with 59 ml water over medium-high heat. Stir to combine. Let the mixture cook — don’t stir — for about 10-12 minutes until the sugar has turned into a deep amber color.
•  In another saucepan, warm heavy cream. Slowly whisk the caramel into the warm cream and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until you get a smooth-looking sauce.
•  Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter and salt.
•  Your delicious caramel sauce is ready.
• If you’re looking for a much more convenient way to create caramel sauce at home, try this microwave method.

Tips to Keep in Mind

To make sure that your caramel sauce turns out perfect, every single time, here are a few points you should consider:

• Using Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your caramel sauce will highly depend on what kind of sugar, cream or butter you use. Always use high-quality ingredients.
• Monitoring the Temperature: Remember that caramelization occurs at around 170°C. You can use a candy thermometer to check and ensure that the sugar has reached the optimal temperature without burning.
• Being Patient: All the best things in life require time and patience. When making the caramel sauce, heat the sugar slowly over medium heat, stirring gently until it turns into a deep amber hue. The key is to avoid stirring too vigorously as this can cause the sugar to crystallize.
• Storing it Correctly: Allow your caramel sauce to cool completely before transferring it into a container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When you do need to use it, heat it gently first.

Before you leave, here’s a fun recipe for Oreo Salted Caramel Bark.