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Salted Butter Caramel

Recipe by William on InstagramAdded 31 October 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A silky, buttery caramel with a hint of sea salt that captures the essence of autumn. The simple technique of heating sugar and water, then enriching it with cream and salted butter, creates a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors, ideal for drizzling over desserts or enjoying on its own.

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Salted Butter Caramel by William, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over high heat.

  2. When the mixture begins to color, reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning.

  3. Allow the caramel to develop a deeper color for a slightly bitter note, but stop the cooking by placing the pan in a bowl of cold water if it darkens too quickly.

  4. Do not stir the sugar while it is caramelizing; once the caramel is ready, add the warmed cream and the salted butter.

  5. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the cream and butter, then finish with a pinch of fleur de sel.

  6. Let the caramel cool slightly before using or storing.

Tips while you cook

Avoid stirring sugar while caramelizing
Do not stir the sugar during caramelization; stir only after the caramel is ready to add cream and butter.
Reduce heat once color appears
When the mixture begins to color, lower the heat to medium to prevent burning.
Add warmed cream and butter promptly
Once the caramel is ready, add the warmed cream and salted butter before stirring thoroughly.
Cool slightly before storing
Let the caramel cool a short time before using or storing.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from William’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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