If you’re craving a sweet treat that perfectly balances rich, buttery goodness with just a touch of salt, you’ve found your new favorite. This Salted Caramel Bites Recipe combines creamy caramel with a delightful sprinkle of sea salt to create bite-sized pieces that melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a little treat on your own, these golden squares are irresistibly luscious and surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you try this Salted Caramel Bites Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to dessert that you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather a few basic ingredients that are the heart and soul of this Salted Caramel Bites Recipe. Each one plays a key role, from creating that silky smooth texture to delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that caramel lovers dream of.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The essential base for caramel’s signature sweetness and color development.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Prevents crystals from forming, keeping your caramel silky and smooth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed: Adds richness and a beautiful creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the caramel’s creaminess and helps create that luscious mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to balance all the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping): Highlights the sweetness and adds that irresistible salty crunch on top.
How to Make Salted Caramel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly greasing it. This little step is important because it ensures your caramel won’t stick, making it easy to lift out and cut later on.
Step 2: Combine Sweet Ingredients
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, cubed butter, and heavy cream. Mixing these key players right at the start sets the stage for a perfectly smooth caramel.
Step 3: Melt and Bubble
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Watch as your mixture melts down and starts to bubble – this bubbling shows the sugar is dissolving and the caramelization process is beginning.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Turn the heat down to medium-low and keep stirring for 10 to 15 minutes. Patience here is critical! You want the caramel to thicken and take on a deep golden hue. If you have a candy thermometer, test for about 240°F. This stage is where that dreamy texture and flavor come together.
Step 5: Add Your Flavor Boosts
Once off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sea salt. This adds personality to your caramel, boosting the savory notes to create an addictive sweet-salty combo.
Step 6: Set It and Let It Chill
Pour your glossy caramel into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for around 2 hours to set firmly – no rushing this step, as those long hours give you perfect bites.
Step 7: Finish With a Flaky Salt Sprinkle
Sprinkle flaky sea salt generously across the top for that gorgeous salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness beneath. Lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into small, irresistible squares with a sharp knife.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These bites are stunning just the way they are, but you can add a little flair by tossing a few crushed toasted nuts or a light drizzle of dark chocolate on top. The garnishes add texture and a little extra sophistication that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
Salted caramel bites pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The creamy contrast or bitter edge in your drink enhances the rich sweetness of the caramel, making every bite feel like a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your salted caramel bites in a pretty little box or on a decorative plate for a homemade gift. Wrap them individually in parchment or cellophane and tie with colorful ribbon – these bite-sized treats make perfect party favors or holiday delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your caramel bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these Salted Caramel Bites Recipe treats freeze well. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Reheating
These bites are best enjoyed as they are, but if your caramel feels a little firm from chilling, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the exact amount of salt in your recipe. Using salted butter might make the bites too salty or affect the flavor balance of the Salted Caramel Bites Recipe.
What type of sea salt works best for the topping?
Flaky sea salt like Maldon or fleur de sel is ideal because its light crystals add a delicate crunch and a burst of salty flavor without overpowering the caramel.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel thickens and turns a deep golden color. If you have a candy thermometer, reaching about 240°F signals the perfect soft-ball stage for cutting. Without a thermometer, rely on color and texture cues.
Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
Yes! Stirring continuously and watching for deep golden caramel color is key. Just be patient during cooking and avoid rushing to prevent burning.
Will the caramel stick to my teeth?
Because this Salted Caramel Bites Recipe is cooked to the soft-ball stage and cooled properly, it should be chewy but not sticky enough to cling uncomfortably. Enjoy them mindfully—they’re rich and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
Making these Salted Caramel Bites Recipe is not only super rewarding but also an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth in a truly special way. Their perfect softness, buttery depth, and salty kick are a match made in dessert heaven. So grab your ingredients, gather your patience, and prepare to fall in love with caramel all over again. You won’t regret it!
Print
Salted Caramel Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 bites
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Bites are rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sea salt. Made by cooking a creamy caramel mixture on the stovetop until thick and golden, then cooled and cut into bite-sized squares, they offer a delightful sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in small portions.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Flavoring & Topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, cubed unsalted butter, and heavy cream to create the caramel mixture.
- Initial Cooking: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and the butter has fully melted, ensuring an even texture.
- Thicken the Caramel: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring continuously for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches a deep golden color. If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should be around 240°F (115°C).
- Flavor the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with 1 teaspoon of sea salt to infuse flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Set the Caramel: Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours to set properly.
- Finish and Cut: Once set, sprinkle the caramel surface with flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor. Carefully lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into small bite-sized squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the caramel.
- If you prefer a softer bite, reduce cooking time slightly and monitor the temperature carefully.
- Store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before cutting to preserve the crunch and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean edges.
