Ina Garten Fleur de Sel Caramel Recipe

Looking to create a truly decadent treat at home?

Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramel delivers deep, buttery flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. This French-inspired caramel is made with just a few quality ingredients and finished with fleur de sel, a delicate sea salt that elevates each bite.

What Is Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramel?

This rich caramel sauce combines sugar, water, and corn syrup, slowly cooked until golden and then finished with heavy cream, butter, vanilla, and fleur de sel. The result is a silky, golden sauce with deep flavor and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Old-Fashioned Banana Cake
• Ina Garten Strawberry Shortcakes, Deconstructed
• Ina Garten Peach Ice Cream
• Ina Garten Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
• Ina Garten New York Egg Cream

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramel

• Deep, rich caramel flavor – Not too sweet, perfectly balanced
• Elegant touch with fleur de sel – Brings out complex notes
• Versatile use – Sauce, dip, topping, or edible gift
• Few ingredients, big flavor – Easy but impressive
• Perfect for desserts – Elevates ice cream, tarts, or brownies
• Stores well – Make ahead and use all week
• Ina’s foolproof technique – Reliable and refined

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramel

• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons fleur de sel (or substitute with flaky sea salt)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramel

Step 1: Combine Sugar, Water, and Corn Syrup

In a medium (3-quart) saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir gently to combine but avoid splashing the sides.

Step 2: Boil Until Amber

Cook over medium-high heat without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep golden amber, about 8–10 minutes. Watch closely—once the color changes, it can darken quickly.

Step 3: Add Cream and Butter

Turn off the heat and carefully add the cream and butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until smooth.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt

Stir in the vanilla extract and fleur de sel. Continue stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then pour into a glass jar or heatproof container. Allow to cool completely before sealing. Store at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

What to Serve With Fleur de Sel Caramel

• Vanilla ice cream – Classic and irresistible
• Sliced apples or pears – For dipping or drizzling
• Drizzle over brownies or blondies – Adds richness
• Pancakes or waffles – A luxurious breakfast topping
• Warm bread pudding or sticky toffee pudding – Dreamy combo
• Layer into parfaits or trifles – With whipped cream and cake
• Dip shortbread or biscotti – Elegant tea-time treat

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use a light-colored saucepan – Helps monitor caramel color
• Don’t stir once it boils – Stirring can cause crystallization
• Swirl the pan gently – Encourages even coloring
• Watch the color closely – It can burn in seconds
• Add cream and butter slowly – Reduces bubbling risk
• Use a long spoon – Protects from steam burns
• Store in a glass jar – Plastic may warp with hot caramel

Variations of the Recipe

• Add bourbon or rum – For an adult twist
• Use dark brown sugar instead of white – For deeper molasses flavor
• Infuse with cinnamon or cardamom – Warm spice notes
• Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts – For caramel nut sauce
• Add espresso powder – For a coffee-flavored caramel
• Stir in a splash of cream liqueur – For a dessert topping
• Swirl into cheesecake batter – Adds rich ribbons of flavor

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in airtight glass jar – Lasts up to 2 weeks
• Bring to room temp or reheat before serving – Microwave in 10-second bursts
• Avoid freezing – Can separate or change texture
• Use clean spoons only – Prevents contamination
• Label and date jars – Especially for gifting or batch prep
• Reheat gently – Stir well after warming

How Do I Reuse or Repurpose Fleur de Sel Caramel?

• Blend into coffee or hot chocolate – Sweetens and deepens flavor
• Spread on toast or scones – Like a gourmet jam
• Stir into yogurt or oatmeal – For a sweet finish
• Drizzle over popcorn – For a homemade caramel corn
• Add to milkshakes or smoothies – For indulgence
• Pipe into cupcakes or donuts – As a luscious filling
• Gift in small jars – With ribbon and handwritten tags

Nutritional Value (per tablespoon, approx.)

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 60mg

FAQs

What is fleur de sel, and why use it in caramel?

Fleur de sel is a delicate, flaky sea salt that enhances the sweetness and adds a refined, briny finish to caramel. It melts smoothly and gives a gourmet touch.

Can I substitute fleur de sel with regular salt?

Yes, but use sparingly. Regular table salt is more concentrated. Opt for flaky sea salt or kosher salt as the best alternatives.

How do I prevent the caramel from crystallizing?

Avoid stirring once the sugar syrup begins to boil. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan if needed.

How long does homemade fleur de sel caramel last?

It lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed glass jar. Reheat gently before serving for a smooth, pourable texture.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramel is proof that with a few simple ingredients, you can make a dessert sauce that’s luxurious, versatile, and absolutely unforgettable.

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