– **Title**: Salted Caramel Fondue
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Assorted dippables (e.g., apple slices, banana chunks, pretzels, marshmallows, or brownies)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Be cautious as it can burn quickly.
2. Once the sugar is melted, add the butter and stir until it is completely melted and combined.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously (the mixture will bubble up). Continue to stir until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Adjust the amount of sea salt based on your taste preference for saltiness.
5. Transfer the caramel sauce to a fondue pot or a heat-proof bowl to keep it warm.
6. Serve with your choice of dippables and enjoy!
Feel free to enjoy this delightful treat warm and share with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granulated Sugar: This is the key building block for your caramel. If you want to try something different, light brown sugar can add subtle molasses flavor. Just remember, it might darken your caramel a bit faster.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. However, if you’re in a pinch, salted butter also works—just reduce the added sea salt accordingly.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but it might change the creaminess and richness of the fondue.
Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the caramel flavor. If unavailable, kosher salt is a suitable alternative, but sprinkle it in carefully since its grains are larger.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a lovely warmth to the caramel. You can use almond extract or even a splash of bourbon if you’re looking for a unique twist!
Dippers: Get creative with your dippers! Pretzels and apples are fantastic, but consider adding strawberries, bananas, or even cookie pieces for extra fun and flavor!
How Can I Ensure My Caramel Doesn’t Burn?
Making caramel can be tricky, but with patience, you can achieve perfect results. The key is to keep the heat at medium and watch your sugar closely as it melts. Here are some important tips:
- Stir constantly to prevent the sugar from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Once the sugar turns a golden amber color, immediately remove it from the heat to stop cooking.
- When adding the butter and cream, pour gently and keep stirring to blend smoothly.
- If bubbles form during the cream addition, it’s normal—just whisk thoroughly!
How to Make Salted Caramel Fondue?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dipping:
- Graham crackers
- Sliced apples
- Pretzels
- Marshmallows
- Any preferred fruit
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the caramel and the rest getting your dippers ready. It’s quick and perfect for a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Caramel:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Measure out 1 cup of granulated sugar and pour it into the pan. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or a heat-resistant silicone spatula. Keep an eye on it—it will start to melt and change color! This should take about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden amber shade, which means it’s ready.
2. Adding the Butter:
Once your sugar has melted and is a lovely amber color, carefully add the pieces of unsalted butter to the pan. Be careful because the mixture will be hot! Stir it in until the butter is fully melted and everything is well combined.
3. Incorporating the Cream:
Now it’s time for the heavy cream! Slowly pour it into the pan while whisking vigorously. Watch out, as this can cause the mixture to bubble up suddenly. Keep whisking until the caramel sauce is smooth and creamy. When it looks perfect, you can take it off the heat.
4. Final Touches:
Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. You can taste it now and add a bit more salt if you like that extra salty kick! Pour your warm salted caramel into a serving bowl. If you want to be fancy, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for garnish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the caramel fondue warm alongside your favorite dippers like graham crackers, sliced apples, or pretzels. Get your friends and family together and enjoy this delicious treat!
Can I Use Brown Sugar Instead of Granulated Sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor! Just keep in mind that it will give the caramel a slightly different color and a hint of molasses taste. Follow the same melting process, but note that brown sugar may take a little longer to melt.
How to Store Any Leftover Caramel Fondue?
Store leftover caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the mixture thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of heavy cream. This will give you a deliciously creamy vegan-friendly salted caramel!
What Should I Serve with the Fondue?
Aside from the suggested dippers like graham crackers, apples, and pretzels, consider adding strawberries, bananas, or even brownies! Feel free to mix and match based on your favorites or what you have on hand.
