Salted Caramel Fondue: A Decadent, Easy Dessert Experience

Salted caramel fondue is a fun, interactive, and delicious dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family on a cold night. It is a great dessert option that is relatively easy to make and can be served with a variety of dippers such as fruit, cake, brownies, and even cheesecake. The fondue itself is made by combining sugar, water, butter, cream, and salt in a saucepan and cooking it until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is a smooth sauce. The key to a good salted caramel fondue is finding the right balance between the sweet and salty flavours, and of course, ensuring that the caramel is the perfect consistency for dipping.

Choosing a pot

When making salted caramel fondue, choosing the right pot is important to ensure even heating and easy serving. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect pot:

Material

You can use a small cast iron pot or a ceramic pot for your salted caramel fondue. Both materials have excellent heat retention properties, ensuring that your fondue stays warm and melted throughout the dipping process. Cast iron is a great choice if you want a traditional and rustic look, while ceramic offers a more modern and elegant appearance.

Size

Choose a small to medium-sized pot for your fondue. A smaller pot is ideal if you're serving a small group of people or want to create an intimate and cosy atmosphere. A medium-sized pot is suitable for larger gatherings, as it can accommodate more caramel and dipping treats.

Shape

Look for a pot with a rounded bottom. This shape allows for better caramel distribution and makes it easier to dip your treats without them getting stuck or breaking. Avoid pots with sharp corners or uneven surfaces, as they can make the dipping process tricky.

Heat Source

Consider whether you want to use a stovetop or electric heat source for your fondue pot. A stovetop pot, such as a saucepan, gives you more control over the heat, which is crucial when working with temperamental ingredients like caramel. An electric fondue pot, on the other hand, offers convenience and can keep your caramel warm for extended periods.

Presentation

If you're serving your salted caramel fondue directly in the pot, consider the aesthetics of the pot as well. Choose a pot with a stylish design and colour that complements your table setting and enhances the overall presentation of your dessert.

In conclusion, when choosing a pot for your salted caramel fondue, opt for a small to medium-sized cast iron or ceramic pot with a rounded bottom. Consider your heat source and presentation preferences as well to ensure a delightful fondue experience for you and your guests.

Melting the ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients: soft caramels, heavy cream or whole milk, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. You will also need a small saucepan and a heat-proof spatula or a pastry brush.

Place your saucepan on the stovetop and set it to medium-low heat. Combine the soft caramels and heavy cream in the saucepan. Stir them together constantly to ensure even melting. This step should take around 15 minutes.

As the caramels and cream melt, you may notice the formation of sugar crystals or lumps. To prevent this, use a wet pastry brush to gently remove any sugar crystals that form around the edges of the saucepan. Alternatively, you can increase the heat slightly to help break down the sugar.

Once the caramel is fully melted and smooth, it's time to add the sea salt. Stir in most of the sea salt, saving a small amount for garnish. The salt will enhance the flavour and give your fondue a delightful sweet and salty taste.

At this point, your salted caramel fondue is almost ready! You can transfer it to a fondue pot or a microwave-safe bowl to keep it warm. Before serving, you can garnish it with a drizzle of heavy cream and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a beautiful presentation and adding extra creaminess.

Remember to prepare your dipping options, such as sliced apples, graham crackers, pretzels, or even cheesecake, to enjoy with your delicious salted caramel fondue!

Adding butter

When it comes to adding butter to your salted caramel fondue, the process is fairly straightforward, but it's important to be cautious to avoid any burns. You'll want to start by melting the butter into your caramel mixture. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base:

Before adding butter, you'll need to create the caramel base. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat. Keep cooking until the sugar is completely dissolved, using a wet pastry brush to remove any sugar crystals that form at the edge. This ensures a smooth caramel without any grainy texture.

Step 2: Increase the Heat:

Once the sugar is dissolved, turn up the heat to medium-high. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture transforms into a medium amber colour. This step is crucial for achieving the right flavour and colour for your fondue.

Step 3: Add Heavy Cream:

As soon as the mixture turns amber, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour in the heavy cream, as the mixture will bubble up and steam. Whisk vigorously until a smooth sauce forms. If lumps occur, don't panic—simply place the caramel back on medium heat and stir until the lumps dissolve.

Step 4: Add Butter:

Now it's time to add the butter. Add the cubed butter to the caramel mixture and stir gently until the butter is completely melted. Take your time with this step, as you want the butter to incorporate fully without splattering.

Step 5: Incorporate Flavours:

With the butter melted, it's time to add the finishing touches. Whisk in the vanilla extract and fine grain sea salt to taste. These ingredients enhance the flavour of the fondue and give it that extra something special.

Step 6: Drizzle and Swirl:

For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the caramel sauce with a spoonful of heavy cream and lightly swirl it with a fork. This adds a decorative touch and gives the fondue an extra creamy texture.

Tips for Success:

• Be cautious of hot sugar: When adding butter to the hot caramel, be very careful to avoid splatters. Hot sugar can burn and stick to your skin, so take your time and be cautious during this step.
• Keep an eye on the heat: Caramel can be temperamental, so it's important to regulate the heat carefully. Too much heat can cause the sugar to crystallize or burn, so keep a close eye on the saucepan and adjust the heat as needed.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: To ensure the butter incorporates smoothly, make sure your heavy cream and other ingredients are at room temperature before adding them to the caramel.

Stirring in salt

When it comes to making salted caramel fondue, the process is quite simple, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure you achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Here is a detailed guide to stirring in the salt:

Firstly, it is important to understand the role of salt in caramel. Salt enhances the flavour of caramel by suppressing the bitterness and bringing out the sweetness. It creates a contrast that makes the taste of caramel even more indulgent. The type of salt used can also make a difference; flaky sea salt or kosher salt are popular choices as they have a stronger flavour and add a nice texture.

Now, for the method. In a previous step, you would have melted the caramel and heavy cream together over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Once the caramel is fully melted, it's time to add the salt. Take a pinch of your chosen flaky sea salt or kosher salt and stir it into the caramel mixture. Make sure to save a small amount of salt for garnish, as this will add that extra salty crunch to your fondue.

Stirring in the salt will immediately transform the flavour of your fondue. You will notice that the sweetness of the caramel is accentuated, and a savoury note is introduced. It is important to taste the fondue at this stage to ensure the salt level is to your liking. If you prefer a more subtle saltiness, add a smaller pinch. If you like a bolder, more pronounced salt flavour, feel free to add another pinch. Remember, you can always add more, but it's difficult to reduce the saltiness if you've added too much, so it's best to add gradually and taste as you go.

Once you are happy with the salt level, give the fondue a final stir to ensure the salt is fully incorporated. At this point, you can transfer the fondue to your serving dish or fondue pot. Drizzle the remaining heavy cream on top and use a fork to create a swirl pattern. This adds a decorative touch and gives the fondue an extra creamy texture. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for garnish. This garnish not only looks appealing but also provides a burst of flavour with each bite.

In conclusion, stirring in the salt is a crucial step in making salted caramel fondue. It elevates the flavour of the caramel, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savoury. By following these steps and tasting as you go, you can ensure your fondue has just the right amount of saltiness to complement the sweetness of the caramel. Now, you're ready to dip in and enjoy!

Dipping suggestions

When it comes to dipping treats into your salted caramel fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruit

Assorted fresh fruit is always a good idea when it comes to fondue. Try green apple slices, strawberries, bananas, grapes, or berries. The combination of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors is sure to be a hit.

Cheesecake

For an indulgent and satisfying treat, try dipping frozen cheesecake squares into the warm, creamy fondue. The contrast of temperatures and textures is simply irresistible.

Pound Cake

Vanilla pound cake is another excellent option for dipping. Cut the cake into shareable squares, and use your fingers to dip them into the fondue for the best results.

Brownies

Chocolate brownies are a perfect match for salted caramel. Cut them into long strips or bite-sized squares, and dunk them into the fondue for a decadent treat.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are always a delicious choice for fondue, especially when paired with caramel. For an extra-special touch, try making your own marshmallows to impress your guests.

Pretzels and Crackers

For a salty contrast to the sweet caramel, try pretzels or graham crackers. These crunchy treats will add a satisfying texture to your fondue experience.

Cookies and Chocolates

For the ultimate sweet treat, dip cookies or chocolates into your fondue. The possibilities are endless, but be warned—this combination might send you into a sugar rush!

So, there you have it! These are just a few ideas to get you started on your salted caramel fondue journey. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different dipping options. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions