This salted caramel sauce is a must-have for any dessert recipe! Made with only five ingredients and in under 10 minutes!

I am a sucker for caramel. It makes everything better, in my opinion. This simple sauce, or caramel topping recipe, is a staple in any recipe box!
One thing I super love? This salted caramel sauce is made without cream! I opted for half and half which produced a smooth and creamy texture. You’ll never notice it is missing! Did I mention you only need five ingredients? Most of them are already in your refrigerator or pantry!
Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Half and half
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Fleur De Sel or finishing salt
No half and half? No problem! You can substitute with heavy cream.
I do want to mention one thing… This recipe gets flavor from the vanilla and butter. Make sure to use quality ingredients! None of the imitation versions.

How to make caramel sauce:
- Combine brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter in a sauce pan. Cook on medium low heat, whisking the entire time, for 6 minutes or until it slightly thickens.
- Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
What to use salted caramel sauce on:
We use this on EVERYTHING. Well, within reason. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Brownies
- Ice Cream
- Donuts
- Cake Filling
- Cake Drizzle
- Cookie Topping
- Pancakes
- French Toast
- Cheesecake
Like this recipe? You will love my:
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars
- Homemade Salted Caramel Candies
- Caramel Apple Pie
- Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Salted Caramel Sauce
This salted caramel sauce is a must-have for any dessert recipe! Made with only five ingredients and in under 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter in a sauce pan. Cook on medium low heat, whisking the entire time, for 6 minutes or until it slightly thickens. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
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Hala
Thursday 18th of December 2014
Hello. Can I use whipping cream instead of half and half? I can't find it where I live. Thank you.
Jesseca
Monday 22nd of December 2014
I have never tried it with whipping cream, so I can't say for sure, but I would assume the answer is yes.
the cape on the corner
Tuesday 3rd of September 2013
what won't this be good on?! yum!
Emily
Monday 2nd of September 2013
Nom nom nom... this looks so good! I've always struggled with caramel sauce, as I frequently burn it. Any hints?
Jesseca
Tuesday 3rd of September 2013
Practice. I have been really really bad at caramels, but this one is fairly easy.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas
Monday 2nd of September 2013
I'm definitely pinning so I can make this for the next special occasion dinner I make! My dad recently had a salted caramel sundae, and he said "I think it could do without the salt."
I just looked at him. He clearly doesn't get it.
Thanks for sharing!
Kathleen Clegg
Monday 2nd of September 2013
This looks yummy. I will be trying it. I have never heard of this store either. I may have to stop in there after our class with you.
Jesseca
Monday 2nd of September 2013
There is one pretty close. I'd be happy to make a trip over there with you! They have some great stuff.