Salted Caramel Recipe

Homemade gifts are one of our favorite ways to say thank you during the holidays. They are perfect for neighboors, teachers, co-workers, and that person on your list who has everything. This sea salt caramel is dead simple to make and easily packages up for adorable gift giving. It only uses a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, just pick up some cute jars and you are good to go. Read on for the full recipe and try not to eat it all yourself!

We used extra flaky sea salt for a crunchy twist on this classic caramel recipe. A quick word of advice: don’t leave the caramel unattended, burnt caramel is not fun to clean! Serve with sliced apples, pears, crepes, or drizzle on top of hot cocoa for a winter warmer.

Homemade Sea Salt Caramel
2 tsp sea salt (we recommend Jacobsen flake salt)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp vanilla extract
jars for gift giving

1. In a large saucepan (the caramel will bubble up quite a bit!) bring the sugar and water to a boil over high heat. Whisk until all the sugar has dissolved.
2. Let the mixture boil for 5 to 12 minutes (do not stir) or until it turns caramel-colored (dark amber) and you start smelling all the goodness. Be careful, though – don’t let it burn!
3. Once the sauce is caramel-colored reduce the heat to low
4. Add the cream very slowly and carefully. The sauce will bubble up and smoke quite a bit
5. Still very carefully add the vanilla and salt
6. Whisk it all together and let it boil for another minute to thicken up the sauce
7. Pour into glass jars and let it cool

Add a cute little ribbon and you are done!
The recipe makes about 12oz and the caramel sauce has a shelf life of at least a month.

Recipe adapted from averiecooks