Are you looking for a delicious way to liven up your coffee? If so, salted caramel syrup is the perfect addition! This sweet and salty flavor combination has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Salted caramel syrup can take any cup of coffee from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few pumps of this delicious syrup. And you know the best bit? It’s super simple to make at home. This means you will always have it ready and waiting just when you feel the need!
What is a Salted caramel syrup
Salted caramel syrup is made with sugar, water, salt and vanilla extract. It makes a great flavoring for coffees and as a topping for pancakes, waffles and French toast adding unexpected layers of flavour!
It gives your coffee some extra depth and sweet richness without fully masking the essential flavors of the roast itself
Why this recipe works so well
There are only 3 simple ingredients: sugar, water and salt. Plus the option to add vanilla extract, just to take things up a notch.
There are two basic ways to make caramel. They are the “wet” method and the “dry” method. The only difference in technique is when you put the water in.
In this recipe, we are going to use the dry method – it’s easier to make and gives a better caramel flavor.
How to make Salted caramel syrup at home
Once you have made this the first time, you will want to make it all the time!
Equipment
- Saucepan for stove top
- Set of measuring spoons (optional)
- Bottle with an airtight lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Method
- Put the sugar into the saucepan and shake to evenly distribute.
- Heat on low heat.
- Start gently stirring when the sugar begins to melt around the edges.
- While the sugar is melting boil the water.
- Continue stirring until all of the sugar has melted and turned an amber color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Slowly add the boiling water to the liquid in the saucepan whilst continuing to stir.
- Keep stirring until the caramel and water have completely blended.
- Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Once cool, add the salt and any vanilla extract you want to use.
- Store in a sterilised airtight bottle.
Top tips for making Salted caramel syrup at home
- Gather all the necessary ingredients – granulated sugar, salt, water and optionally vanilla extract (optional).
- If you have one, use a pan with a heavy bottom – it will distribute the heat more evenly and make the process much easier.
- When the sugar has melted and bubbles as it gently boils, keep stirring while it becomes a deeper amber color. The darker the amber the stronger flavor of caramel you will get. But take care not to go too far as it can easily catch and burn.
- Boil the water.
- When you remove the saucepan from the heat handle it with care. the liquid is very hot and can cause burns.
- Adding the boiling water can cause splashes so pour slowly and gently. If you can wear oven gloves at this stage to prevent any splashes from burning you.
- For the salt, I recommend using good-quality sea salt.
- Add the salt and vanilla extract at the end of the cooking process when the syrup has cooled to around 160°F (71°C).
- As with all cooking, this is a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience. But like all cooking, you need to take care and not rush any of the process. Take care not to splash the syrup when it is hot, as it can burn.
- Once cooled, transfer syrup into an airtight container or jar so that you can use it when needed – perfect for adding sweetness to coffee drinks!
- Store in the fridge for up to a few days, then discard any unused syrup. That’s why I made a small amount in this recipe,
Different types of syrups for coffee
There are so many great syrups you can use to flavor your coffee. So I have listed some of my current favorites:
- Caramel syrup
- Spiced pumpkin syrup
- Gingerbread syrup
- Vanilla syrup
FAQs
What is the difference between classic caramel and salted caramel?
Classic caramel is made with sugar, butter and sometimes cream, while salted caramel adds salt to the mix. Salted caramel has a unique flavor that’s a combination of sweet and salty. Salted caramel syrup goes well with a variety of coffees, desserts and other drinks.
What is caramel sauce vs caramel syrup?
While caramel sauce and caramel syrup taste alike, they are used in different ways. Caramel syrup is lighter and more liquid, making it ideal for mixing into coffees.
Caramel sauce has a thicker, more creamy texture that is perfect for drizzling over the top of creamy coffees, desserts and ice cream sundaes.
What ingredients are needed to make salted caramel syrup?
It’s a delicious addition to coffee drinks, desserts, and more. It’s so simple to make with a few simple ingredients:
- granulated sugar
- sea salt.
- water
- vanilla extract (optional)
Can I add salted caramel syrup to coffee or other hot drinks?
Yes, it can be added to coffee or other hot drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and more. It adds a delicious sweet and salty taste to your coffee without overwhelming it.
Salted caramel syrup can also be used in cold drinks such as smoothies or frappes for a tasty treat. Additionally salted caramel syrup is great for baking and cooking, adding a unique twist to desserts like cakes and cookies. Enjoy!
How long can salted caramel syrup be stored in the fridge before it goes bad?
Salted caramel syrup should be stored in a sealed, sterilised jar in the fridge for a few days.
It’s a good idea to label the jar with a date so that you can keep track of when it was made or opened. With proper storage techniques and a bit of care, it should last a few days in the fridge.
Does Starbucks have salted caramel syrup?
Yes, Starbucks offers salted caramel syrup as part of its flavoring selection. This syrup adds a taste of butterscotch and brown sugar to drinks like lattes, cappucinnos and mochas. It’s also a great way to top off frappuccinos and other specialty beverages with an extra burst of sweetness.
How do I get the right consistency for salted caramel syrup?
Getting the right consistency for salted caramel syrup is key to creating a delicious and flavorful treat. The trick is to find the perfect balance between too thick and too runny. Too thick syrup can be too cloying and heavy, while too runny syrup will not provide much flavor.
The best way to ensure you get it just right is to use a candy thermometer. Candy thermometers are designed to measure the temperature of syrup as it cooks and can help you ensure your syrup is cooked to the correct consistency. Generally, salted caramel syrup should be cooked until it reaches 230° Fahrenheit for the perfect balance between too thick and too runny.
Salted caramel syrup recipe: sweet, salty and delicious!
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 Set of measuring spoons
- 1 Bottle with an airtight lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Put the sugar into the saucepan and shake to evenly distribute.
- Put on a low heat
- Start gently stirring when the sugar begins to melt around the edges.
- While the sugar is melting boil the water
- Continue stirring until all of the sugar has melted and turned an amber color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Slowly add the boiling water to the liquid in the saucepan whilst continuing to stir.
- Keep stirring until the caramel and water have completely blended.
- Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Once cool, add the salt and any vanilla extract you want to use.
- Store in a sterilised airtight bottle.
Notes
Top tips for making Salted caramel syrup at home
- Gather all the necessary ingredients – granulated sugar, salt, water and optionally vanilla extract (optional).
- If you have one, use a pan with a heavy bottom – it will distribute the heat more evenly and make the process much easier.
- When the sugar has melted and bubbles as it gently boils, keep stirring while it becomes a deeper amber color. The darker the amber the stronger flavor of caramel you will get. But take care not to go too far as it can easily catch and burn.
- Boil the water.
- When you remove the saucepan from the heat handle it with care. the liquid is very hot and can cause burns.
- Adding the boiling water can cause splashes so pour slowly and gently. If you can wear oven gloves at this stage to prevent any splashes from burning you.
- For the salt, I recommend using good-quality sea salt.
- Add the salt and vanilla extract at the end of the cooking process when the syrup has cooled to around 160°F (71°C).
- As with all cooking, this is a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience. But like all cooking, you need to take care and not rush any of the process. Take care not to splash the syrup when it is hot, as it can burn.
- Once cooled, transfer syrup into an airtight container or jar so that you can use it when needed – perfect for adding sweetness to coffee drinks!
- Store in the fridge for up to a few days, then discard any unused syrup. That’s why I made a small amount in this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.
Hi, I’m Eric Loftuss, co-founder of Bean Thirst with my wife Sophie.
My Coffee journey started young. I used to help my mom with the weekly shopping trip and we always called in to a coffee wholesaler and retail outlet in our town.
I really started to learn about coffee when, while in college, I worked in a local coffee shop and trained as a barista. Even though I went on to qualify and work as a lawyer, I still get a kick out of brewing a cup of Joe.
Sophie and I are so glad to be part of your coffee journey. Find out more about us