- Caramelize Sugar:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until the sugar melts and turns into a golden brown caramel.
- Add Butter:
- Once the sugar has caramelized, add the cubed butter to the pan. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
- Stir Until Smooth:
- Stir the butter into the caramelized sugar until it is fully melted and incorporated. The mixture should be smooth.
- Add Heavy Cream:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Again, be careful as the mixture may bubble.
- Simmer and Add Salt:
- Allow the caramel sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add sea salt to taste and continue to stir. If using vanilla extract, add it at this stage.
- Cool and Store:
- Remove the caramel sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or container. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Enjoy:
- Use the salted butter caramel sauce to drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or desserts of your choice.
Feel free to adjust the salt content to your liking, and you can experiment with adding different flavors like a hint of vanilla or a splash of bourbon for variety. Homemade salted butter caramel sauce is a wonderful addition to many sweet treats and desserts.