Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce (WW Low Point Recipe)

Creating a delectable homemade salted caramel sauce doesn’t have to derail your wellness goals. This recipe is optimized for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to crafting this luscious sauce, complete with detailed instructions, nutritional information, and SmartPoints calculation.

Ingredients

To make a delicious batch of low-point salted caramel sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (use a sugar substitute for a lower point option, if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup light cream or half-and-half (can substitute with a lower-fat option)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (use a low-calorie butter spread to reduce points)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust according to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Candy thermometer (optional)
  • Glass jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Measure out the sugar, water, light cream, butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Making the Caramel

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar. Avoid stirring once the heat is applied to prevent crystallization.
  2. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. You can swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even heating. As the sugar dissolves, it will turn into a syrup.
  3. Watch the Color Change: Continue cooking the syrup without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. This can take about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly.

Step 3: Adding Cream and Butter

  1. Prepare for Splatter: Once the caramel reaches the desired color, remove it from heat immediately. Be careful, as the caramel will be extremely hot and can splatter.
  2. Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of light cream (or half-and-half) while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up violently—this is normal. Keep stirring until the bubbling subsides and the cream is fully incorporated.
  3. Add Butter and Flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and smooth. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, if using. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Cooling and Storing

  1. Cool the Sauce: Allow the sauce to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
  2. Transfer to Container: Once cooled, pour the caramel sauce into a glass jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 5: Reheating the Sauce

When ready to use the sauce, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per tablespoon of the homemade salted caramel sauce made with the ingredients listed above:

  • Calories: Approximately 50
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 8 g
  • Protein: 0 g

SmartPoints Calculation

  • WW Points: 2 SmartPoints per tablespoon. Adjust based on any ingredient substitutions made.

Tips for Success

  • Use a Candy Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the caramel color, a candy thermometer can be helpful. Aim for about 350°F for the perfect amber shade.
  • Avoid Crystallization: If sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan, use a wet pastry brush to wipe them down. This helps ensure a smooth caramel.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or maple to create unique flavor profiles for your sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This salted caramel sauce can be drizzled over a variety of desserts, including:

  • Ice cream or frozen yogurt
  • Brownies or cakes
  • Pancakes or waffles
  • Fresh fruits like apples or bananas

Conclusion

With this homemade salted caramel sauce recipe, you can enjoy a rich, indulgent treat while sticking to your wellness goals. By carefully selecting ingredients and managing portion sizes, you can savor the sweetness without compromising your health. Enjoy your culinary creation, and feel free to share your variations and serving suggestions!

By following these steps, you can create a delightful homemade salted caramel sauce that enhances any dessert while keeping your Weight Watchers points in check. Enjoy your sweet treats guilt-free!