Name: Salted Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup water; 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup double heavy cream; 6 tsp unsalted butter; Pinch sea salt

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Learn how to make easy salted caramel sauce using your Instant Pot! You’ll have this recipe done in under 20 minutes. This is the perfect topping for your fall desserts and also great for handing out in gift jars.

Are you a fan of salted caramel? Probably if you’re here! When it “became a thing” (search traffic skyrocketed in 2020), I wasn’t necessarily buying the hype at first.

I have always liked caramel just fine, but I’m more of a chocolate topping kind of girl. Give me hot fudge any day of the week.

I maintained that sentiment this entire time, until I actually tried it. I believe first it may have been salted hot chocolate, then a latte, and finally, this sauce on top of ice cream.

I’m a huge fan. And turns out I like salted better than non-salted! I can’t be the only one.

There are a variety of recipes out there, this just happens to be my favorite one (of course). It only requires four ingredients besides water.

It’s also done completely in the Instant Pot, which is nice. If you’re having a dinner party or something along those lines, and the stovetop is full – you can make this sauce and keep it warm in the Instant Pot.

Without having to use a burner!

You’re going to love this recipe! I think it would delicious over ice cream, caramel apples, apple pie, in coffee or hot chocolate . . . or just straight from the jar (horrifying mouth cover as I say this).

This recipe makes a little over two cups of salted caramel. It’s hard to say how many servings that is given that some people like more sauce than others. But I would estimate each person using around 1/4 cup, so estimate about eight servings for this recipe.

Get the printable recipe below:

Salted Caramel Sauce

Learn how to make a delicious salted caramel sauce for desserts in your Instant Pot! This is a very easy recipe.

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 25

Servings: people

Cost: $5

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

1/3 cup water
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup double heavy cream
6 tsp unsalted butter
Pinch sea salt

Instructions

Add both the sugar and water into your Instant Pot and stir. Press the "Saute" button. Continue stirring the water as it heats.
The Saute function on an Instant Pot takes the temperature up to 160 ~ 176°C (320 ~ 349°F), which is the temperature you need to caramelize the sugar.
As the mixture heats, the sugar will clump but then it's going to melt into a more amber colored liquid. Don't let it burn by sitting, and keep stirring.
Do this until you recognize that the sugar water has thickened, or caramelized. It takes about 10 – 15 minutes.
Once caramelized, turn off the Instant Pot. Add the heavy cream and whisk until combined.
Continue stirring, and if you notice any clumping, continue stirring. You might have to stir more vigorously or use a whisk in this step.
Add butter and salt, keep whisking until fully combined. Let cool to thicken. Pour into a jar.

Notes

Step 3: If you notice any clumps, they will melt, or you can stir them out. The sauce is going to thicken as it cools.

In this recipe I recommend a thermometer, but you don’t really need one. You can visually observe when the sauce is thickening. I just provide the temp for those who like to use one!

I wouldn’t use a funnel or anything else to pour the sauce into the containers. Everything you cover with caramel sauce is going to end up sticky. Just do the best you can and have a sponge at the ready.

If you’re going to gift that day you can go ahead and leave it out. Otherwise, store in the fridge for up to a month. You can also freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. You’ll want to thaw before using.

Nutrition

If you enjoyed this recipe, let me know in the comments! I’d love for you to check out these other fall treats:

Apple Cider Muffins • Apple Pie Cookies • Owl Cupcakes • Maple Chai Donuts • Pumpkin Cupcakes • Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Foolproof Salted Caramel Sauce in the Instant Pot