Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel: The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

What is Dark Salted Caramel?

Bizz and Weezy Dark Salted Caramel is a labor of love that spans two days, ensuring each batch is crafted to perfection. The process begins on day one, where we start with the foundational ingredients: glucose, sugar, and water. These are carefully heated together until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture turns a deep golden brown, signaling that it has reached the ideal stage for the next step. Once the caramel base is formed, we add butter and cream, transforming the mixture into a rich, velvety texture that will make our caramel so indulgent and smooth.

The cooking process involves reaching three critical temperature points, each one contributing to the development of flavor and texture. These precise temperatures are essential for achieving the perfect balance between the sweetness of the caramel and the depth of flavor we desire. Towards the end of this stage, we add just a touch more sugar, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the mixture, further enhancing the flavor profile.

What sets our caramel apart is the fact that we cook it a bit longer and at a higher temperature than typical caramels. This extended cooking time and careful attention to heat ensure that we achieve a chewy, pullable texture that’s perfect for our caramels. This unique texture is what gives our caramels that satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, making them a truly irresistible treat. Once the caramel is cooked, it must be allowed to cool for at least twenty-four hours. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the caramel to set to the perfect firmness before we move on to the next phase of the process.

After the cooling period, we move to day two, where we begin by hand-cutting the caramel into individual pieces. This step is done with precision and care, ensuring each piece is uniform in size and shape. Once cut, the caramels are carefully placed on trays, ready for the next exciting step – the dipping and salting phase.

We dip each piece of caramel into a 52% dark chocolate, chosen for its perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. This particular chocolate was selected not only for its smooth texture but also for the delightful wine and fruit notes it imparts. The richness of the chocolate enhances the depth of flavor in the caramel, creating a perfect marriage of sweet, salty, and savory.

After dipping, we top each piece with a sprinkle of Murray River Salt. This special salt, harvested from the pristine waters of the Murray River, is known for its delicate flakes and pale pink hue. The salt adds a light, flaky texture that melts on the tongue, offering a subtle contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. It also brings a hint of natural minerality that complements the fruity and wine notes of the chocolate, elevating the entire flavor experience. The slight salty finish beautifully balances the sweetness, making every bite of Bizz and Weezy Dark Salted Caramel a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both complex and incredibly satisfying.

Each step in the process of making our dark salted caramel is done with care and attention to detail, ensuring that the end product is nothing short of exceptional. From the precise cooking of the caramel to the careful chocolate dipping and expert salting, every aspect is crafted to create a truly unforgettable treat.

Why is Salted Caramel So Good?

Dark chocolate salted caramels are undeniably one of the most irresistible treats, and it's not hard to see why. The combination of rich, smooth caramel with the deep, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors that tantalize the taste buds in the most satisfying way. The sweetness of the caramel offers a comforting, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the intense, complex flavor of dark chocolate. This harmonious pairing keeps you coming back for more, as each bite offers layers of flavor that unfold with every chew.

What makes this combination even more special is the addition of sea salt. The salt acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the richness of both the caramel and the chocolate. It cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, adding a savory edge that brings depth to the entire experience. The salty finish lingers just long enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the inherent bitterness of the dark chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both luxurious and comforting.

The contrast in textures also plays a significant role in the appeal of dark chocolate salted caramels. The caramel, often smooth and chewy, provides a satisfying mouthfeel that contrasts against the firm snap of the dark chocolate coating. This interplay of textures—velvety smooth caramel against the crisp chocolate—offers a delightful sensory experience that makes each piece feel like a small indulgence. And when you add the final touch of flaky sea salt, it not only enhances the flavor but adds a delicate crunch that completes the perfect bite.

All of these elements combined make dark chocolate salted caramels an irresistible treat that satisfies a variety of cravings. Whether you're after something rich, sweet, savory, or all of the above, this flavor combination is the ultimate indulgence. The richness of the dark chocolate, the silky smoothness of the caramel, and the pinch of salt make each bite an experience that’s both complex and perfectly balanced.