Apples with Homemade “Barely Salted” Caramel Sauce

 

caramel apples

This simple dessert achieves the mature flavor of salted caramel with just a pinch ofsea salt. Serves 4-6.

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar*
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half (whole milk may be used if you do not have half-and-half, but the sauce will not be as rich)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 apples of choice, sliced
  • Less than 1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, heat sugar, half-and-half, and butter over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking for 5-7 minutes, or until sauce thickens.

Stir in vanilla and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off heat.

To serve, either drizzle caramel sauce over apple slices or place in a separate container next to apple slices for dipping. Before eating, sprinkle a few grains of sea salt over each serving.

*Brown sugar may be light or dark, depending on desired flavor of caramel sauce. For a stronger, richer sauce, use dark brown sugar.