When browsing caramel options, you'll encounter two distinct paths. One offers nostalgia and simplicity. The other promises sophistication through balance. At first glance, they appear nearly identical, yet one subtle difference creates entirely different flavor experiences. Understanding which suits your needs comes down to what you value: straightforward sweetness or layered complexity.
Both deliver smooth, creamy textures. Both rely on slow-cooked sugar, butter, and all-natural ingredients. Yet when Celtic Sea Salt® enters the equation, the flavor narrative transforms.
Classic Caramel is a Timeless Choice
Classic caramel has earned its place in dessert traditions for generations. Made through slow-simmering methods, this variety delivers deep, buttery notes that define comfort.
The Foundation of Pure Sweetness
Our Classic Vanilla caramel offers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat. One spoonful reveals pure sweetness, followed by subtle butter undertones.
When Simplicity Serves Best
Classic caramel enhances without competing. Pair it with custards, drizzle it over ice cream, or layer it into cakes. This caramel suits those who value consistency and tradition, something proven to work without overshadowing other ingredients.
Salted Caramel Captivates Discerning Palates
Salted caramel introduces an elegant shift that changes everything. When Celtic Sea Salt® arrives during cooking, sweetness transforms into something nuanced and sophisticated.
The Science Behind Balanced Flavor
The caramel reveals hidden depth. Salt doesn't make it salty; it amplifies complexity while softening sweetness. Salt stimulates taste receptors, making sweetness feel less one-dimensional. Chocolate becomes richer. Butter flavors deepen.
Our Varieties That Prove the Principle
Our Salted Butterscotch and Salted Mocha caramels showcase this approach. What was simple becomes sophisticated through a mineral touch harvested using centuries-old techniques from France, Spain, Portugal, Guatemala, Mexico, and Hawaii.
Flavor Profile Comparison
|
Aspect |
Classic Caramel |
Salted Caramel |
|
Sweetness Quality |
Direct, prominent |
Balanced, nuanced |
|
Flavor Depth |
Simple, clean |
Complex, layered |
|
Taste Evolution |
Consistent |
Develops on palate |
|
Best Pairing |
Vanilla, cream, simple bases |
Chocolate, coffee, rich bases |
|
Texture Feel |
Smooth, comforting |
Smooth, engaging |
When to Reach for Each Variety
Choosing between these caramels depends on your dessert's character. Each serves a distinct purpose.
Classic Caramel Takes Center Stage When
Choose classic caramel when building layered cakes where caramel plays a supporting role. Choose it for crème caramel or custard-based desserts where pure sweetness feels right.
Salted Caramel Shines When
Choose salted caramel when your confection deserves center stage. Pair it with chocolate desserts where salt cuts through richness. Layer it into brownies or cookies. Serve it with coffee or espresso drinks.
The Power of Layering Both
Some bakers layer both varieties intentionally, using classic as filling and salted as topping, creating a flavor surprise.
How Béquet Crafts Both Styles
At Béquet, we slow-cook both varieties with uncompromising commitment to quality. Montana heritage means every batch receives attention to detail, whether classic or salted.
The Commitment to Clean Ingredients
Starting with all-natural ingredients, tapioca syrup rather than corn syrup, and antibiotic-free dairy, our small-batch methods honor tradition.
The Craft Behind Every Variety
Our Classic Vanilla develops its buttery character through careful temperature control. Our Salted Butterscotch and Salted Mocha caramels incorporate Celtic Sea Salt® harvested using time-honored techniques, adding sophistication without overpowering.
Both earn their place through precision and care.
Caramel That Reflects Your Vision
Caramel craft comes down to understanding what each style offers. Classic delivers comfort through familiar sweetness. Salted introduces sophistication through balanced flavor. Neither is superior; each serves different moments.
At Béquet, we craft both with care because great caramel isn't about trends. It's about knowing your ingredients, respecting your process, and trusting that quality speaks louder than marketing claims.
Whether you choose our Classic varieties for their straightforward elegance or our Salted Caramels for their balanced complexity, you're choosing mastery born from Montana tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the difference between salted caramel and sprinkled salt caramel?
Salted caramel incorporates salt during cooking, allowing flavors to meld throughout. Sprinkled salt sits on the surface, creating texture rather than integrated complexity.
2. Can you use classic and salted caramel interchangeably?
Generally, no. Classic caramel suits desserts needing clean sweetness. Salted caramel works when you want a balanced, complex flavor.
3. Which pairs better with chocolate, classic or salted caramel?
Salted caramel amplifies subtle notes in chocolate, creating harmony. Classic caramel offers straightforward sweetness.
4. How should I store caramel?
Both benefit from cool storage in airtight containers away from heat and moisture. Store between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.