Few flavor combinations hit the mark quite like salted caramel chocolate. It’s the ultimate balance of rich, velvety chocolate, buttery golden caramel, and just the right touch of sea salt to keep every bite interesting. Whether it’s in the form of truffles, candy bars, dipped pretzels, or drizzled sauces, this pairing is both comforting and luxurious.
From bakeries to boutique chocolate shops and even in your own kitchen salted caramel chocolate has earned its place as a modern dessert classic. It’s the kind of treat that feels elegant but still approachable, indulgent but never overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this irresistible combo: how it’s made, what ingredients matter most, and how Chef Lucas Benette gets that perfect gooey center in his signature recipe.
What Is Salted Caramel Chocolate?
Salted caramel chocolate combines three key elements:
- Smooth chocolate, usually dark or milk
- Soft, buttery caramel with a touch of bitterness from cooked sugar
- Flaky sea salt that enhances both sweetness and flavor depth
It’s all about contrast. The salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness while also cutting through the richness of the chocolate. This creates a balanced bite that keeps you coming back for more.
You’ll find this combo in:
- Handmade candies and truffles
- Chocolate bars
- Cakes and brownies
- Chocolate dipped caramel pretzels
- Even salted caramel hot chocolate
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate
To make the perfect salted caramel chocolate at home, you’ll need just a handful of high quality ingredients. The better the chocolate and cream, the more luxurious your final result will be.
For the Chocolate Shell:
- 10 oz dark or milk chocolate, chopped (or use couverture chocolate)
- 1 tsp neutral oil (like coconut or sunflower, optional for shine)
For the Salted Caramel Filling:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream, warm
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp sea salt (fine or flaky, to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for depth)
For Finishing:
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon or fleur de sel) for garnish
- Optional: crushed nuts, coffee dust, or chili flakes
Chef Lucas Benette’s Caramel Stuffing Technique
When it comes to filled chocolates, Chef Lucas Benette is all about texture, temperature, and timing. Here’s how he nails it every time:
1. Use a Mold or Silicone Tray
Lucas recommends using a chocolate mold or mini silicone cups. They help the chocolate set with a glossy finish and keep the caramel neatly inside.
2. Temper Your Chocolate
Tempering helps your chocolate snap and shine. If you don’t temper, you can still melt gently and chill well, but the finish won’t be as crisp.
3. Fill in Layers
- Coat the molds with a layer of melted chocolate
- Let it set in the fridge for 5–10 minutes
- Pipe in cooled caramel (not too runny!)
- Seal the top with more melted chocolate
4. Chill and Pop Out
Chill for 20–30 minutes until fully set. Then pop out and sprinkle each piece with flaky sea salt just before serving.
“Keep your caramel cool but pourable, and don’t overfill. It should melt in your mouth, not in your hand,” Lucas says.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate (Step by Step)
Making salted caramel chocolate at home might sound fancy, but with a little patience and the right tools, it’s totally doable even for beginners. Here’s how to bring this sweet and salty classic to life:
Step 1: Make the Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
- Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring.
- Let it boil until it turns a deep amber color (watch closely).
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in warm cream it will bubble up.
- Stir in butter, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Let the caramel cool completely before using (it should be thick but spoonable).
Step 2: Melt or Temper the Chocolate
- Chop your chocolate and melt it gently over a double boiler or in short microwave bursts.
- (Optional) Add a teaspoon of neutral oil for a glossier finish.
- If tempering, bring the chocolate to 88–90°F for dark or 84–86°F for milk.
Step 3: Fill the Molds
- Coat the bottom and sides of a silicone or chocolate mold with melted chocolate.
- Chill for 5–10 minutes until firm.
- Pipe or spoon in cooled caramel, leaving room at the top.
- Cover with more melted chocolate to seal.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes until set.
Step 4: Finish and Enjoy
- Gently pop chocolates out of the mold.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or your favorite toppings.
- Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Flavor Pairings & Variations
Want to change it up? Here are some flavor combos that pair beautifully with salted caramel chocolate:
| Chocolate Type | Add On | Best Finishing Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate | Crushed hazelnuts | Fleur de sel |
| Milk chocolate | Toasted almonds | Flaky Maldon salt |
| White chocolate | Vanilla bean | Himalayan pink salt |
| Bittersweet chocolate | Chili flakes | Smoked sea salt |
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the caramel for an extra deep flavor kick.
FAQs About Salted Caramel Chocolate
1. What is salted caramel chocolate?
Salted caramel chocolate is a treat that combines smooth chocolate (usually dark or milk) with buttery, golden caramel and a touch of flaky sea salt. The salt enhances the flavor of the caramel and balances the sweetness, creating a rich, addictive bite that’s both sweet and savory.
2. Why is salted caramel so addictive?
Salted caramel triggers both sweet and salty receptors on your tongue, which makes it especially satisfying. The combination of sugar, fat, and salt creates a flavor contrast that keeps your brain wanting more. It’s a classic example of flavor layering each bite feels rich, balanced, and irresistible.
3. Is salted caramel just butterscotch?
No, they’re different. Salted caramel is made by cooking white sugar until it caramelizes, then adding cream, butter, and salt. Butterscotch, on the other hand, is made with brown sugar and butter, giving it a deeper molasses like flavor. Salted caramel has more complexity and often a slight bitterness from the caramelization process.
4. What is the difference between caramel and salted caramel?
The main difference is the addition of salt. Caramel is made from sugar, cream, and butter, resulting in a rich, sweet sauce or filling. Salted caramel includes sea salt, which cuts the sweetness and adds a savory note that enhances the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts on This Irresistible Sweet Salty Combo
Whether you’re making them for yourself or someone special, salted caramel chocolate is one of those treats that never goes out of style. The contrast of flavors, the gooey caramel center, the crisp chocolate shell it’s pure indulgence in every bite.
Thanks to Chef Lucas Benette’s layering and sealing method, you can now master this gourmet treat at home with ease. Once you do, don’t be surprised when friends start asking for boxes of your homemade batch.
Perfect for:
- Holiday gifts
- Dinner party desserts
- Romantic treats
- Any time you need something sweet and impressive
