Prepare to elevate your dessert game with the most irresistible sauce you'll ever taste! This Salted Maple Caramel Sauce is not just a condiment – it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary treats into extraordinary experiences. Imagine a luxurious blend of rich caramel, pure maple sweetness, and a perfect hint of sea salt that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to drizzle over ice cream, enhance your morning pancakes, or impress dinner guests, this sauce is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and have them measured and ready before beginning. This includes cutting butter into small cubes and measuring out cream, maple syrup, and sea salt.
- Place a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and allow it to slowly melt without stirring, gently swirling the pan occasionally to help sugar dissolve evenly.
- Watch carefully as sugar begins to caramelize, transforming from white to golden amber. This process takes approximately 8-10 minutes. Do not stir, but gently swirl pan to ensure even heating.
- Once sugar has reached a deep amber color, immediately add cubed butter. Whisk vigorously as butter melts, being cautious as mixture will bubble and steam dramatically.
- Remove pan from heat and slowly pour in heavy cream while continuously whisking. The mixture will foam and expand, so use caution.
- Add pure maple syrup and sea salt, whisking until completely smooth and incorporated. Mixture should have a glossy, rich appearance.
- Allow sauce to cool for 10-15 minutes. It will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a clean glass jar or container for storage.
- Sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. Gently reheat before serving if desired.
Tips
- Patience is Key: When caramelizing sugar, resist the urge to stir. Gently swirl the pan instead to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
- Have All Ingredients Ready: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so measure and prepare all ingredients before you start cooking.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents hot spots that can burn the sugar.
- Be Careful with Hot Caramel: The mixture will bubble and steam dramatically when adding butter and cream, so use a long-handled whisk and keep your hands protected.
- Watch the Color: The perfect caramel is a deep amber color – not too light, not too dark. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches this point.
- Store Properly: Keep the sauce in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Gently reheat before serving for the best consistency.
- Pro Serving Suggestion: Warm the sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve that perfect, smooth pour that will make your desserts look and taste restaurant-worthy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 248kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
