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homemade 5-minute Salted Caramel photo
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5-minute Salted Caramel

Quick homemade salted caramel made on the stovetop in about five minutes.
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed (113 g)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 g)
  • 1/4 cup milk (59 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt more to taste

Instructions

  • Place the cubed unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and melt over medium-low heat.
  • Add the packed brown sugar and milk, increase heat to medium, and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a full boil (large bubbles across the surface).
  • Once boiling, continue to boil and stir for 2 minutes to thicken the caramel.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and the 1/4 teaspoon salt; taste and add more salt if desired.
  • Pour the hot caramel into a jar or heatproof container and let cool slightly before using, then cover.
  • If the caramel separates as it cools, stir or shake to recombine; if it becomes too thick after chilling, warm briefly and stir to loosen.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • jar or heatproof container

Notes

  • Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but 2% or nondairy milks will work.
  • Start timing the 2-minute boil only once the mixture is at a full rolling boil.