Easy Salted Caramel Sauce - Only 4 Ingredients

This salted caramel sauce is great for dipping apples, over ice cream, apple crisp, or even with cream cheese and cookies. Here is what you need to make 1 cup of salted caramel sauce:

Photo byLiz

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pure cane granulated sugar
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature and sliced into 6 pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt

Begin by heating granulated sugar in a medium, heavy-duty stainless steel saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant silicone spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will first form clumps and then gradually melt into a smooth, amber-colored liquid. This process usually takes about 6 minutes, but be sure not to burn the sugar.

Once the sugar is completely melted, quickly add the butter and stir until it melts and fully combines. Be cautious, as the caramel will bubble up vigorously when the butter is added. If you notice the butter separating or sugar clumping, remove the pan from heat and whisk vigorously until the mixture comes together again. It might take a few minutes, but it will eventually smooth out—just keep whisking. Once it's combined, return to heat.

After the butter has melted, slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. The cold cream will cause the mixture to bubble rapidly, so pour carefully. Once all the cream is added, stop stirring and allow the caramel to boil for 1 minute. The mixture will rise as it boils, and the temperature should reach around 220°F if you're using a candy thermometer.

Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the salt. The mixture will be fairly liquid at this point but will thicken as it cools.

Allow the caramel to cool slightly before using. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one month. If it solidifies, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until it reaches the desired consistency.