Description
This homemade amber salted ribbon sauce is a rich, buttery caramel perfect for topping desserts like ice cream or fruit, offering a superior taste and texture compared to store-bought options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream (warmed)
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Gather and Prep: Measure all ingredients precisely; have a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan, whisk, and heat-proof spatula ready.
- Dissolve Sugar: Combine sugar and water in the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves (about 2-3 minutes) and mixture becomes clear. Stop stirring.
- Boil to Amber: Let the mixture boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color (8-12 minutes on medium-high heat). Swirl gently if needed, brushing down any side crystals with a wet pastry brush.
- Whisk in Butter: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cubed butter, one piece at a time, until fully melted and incorporated into a rich, frothy mixture.
- Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream while continuously whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Season and Cool: Stir in the sea salt until fully dissolved. Let the sauce cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a clean jar to thicken further as it cools.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality dairy ingredients. If using salted butter, reduce added sea salt and adjust to taste. Warming the heavy cream slightly before adding helps prevent the mixture from seizing. Store cooled caramel in a clean jar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: homemade caramel, salted ribbon sauce, easy dessert, sweet topping, amber sauce, rich, buttery, stovetop, quick