The Best Viral Olive Oil Caramel Recipe

Being a foodie who is constantly scrolling social media for the latest recipe ideas, I came across this new caramel recipe and knew that I had to make it ASAP! And let me tell you, its uses and versatility are crazy. Desserts, salad dressing, chicken marinades, you name it, it can probably go on it. But don’t just take my word for it; give it a shot today and find out for yourself!

This is the best Viral Olive Oil Caramel Recipe!

I know there are plenty of videos out there showing you how to make this recipe; after all, it’s really not that difficult. But do they give serving suggestions, storage tips, or potential substitutions?

This article right here gives you all of that plus more! Continue reading to get a full comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about this fun and exciting new caramel.

Viral Olive Oil Caramel Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious olive oil caramel. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil:​ The higher the quality of the olive oil, the better the flavor. For the best flavor, use the best olive oil you can find. Good olive oil pays off in savory cooking too, it’s the star of my creamy garlic pizza sauce as well.
• Maple Syrup:​ Like olive oil, maple syrup varies widely in quality. Avoid using artificial “maple-flavored” syrups and use 100% pure maple instead. Make sure that it is really cold too! If you love what pure maple syrup does here, try it in my maple syrup latte too, it’s just as quick to make.
• Sea Salt: helps balance out the sweetness while enhancing the other flavors.

How to make this Viral Olive Oil Caramel Recipe

Here is how to make this maple olive oil caramel. Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Pour the measured olive oil and maple syrup into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Whisk vigorously until the oil emulsifies. You will know it is done when it’s thicker and no longer transparent.
3. Put it on your favorite dishes and enjoy!

Why do you need to make this recipe?

• This easy recipe requires only two simple ingredients you can find at the grocery store.
• Use this homemade caramel instead of store-bought syrups and watch what it does to the flavor of your food! For something richer, my Starbucks caramel brulée sauce is another homemade caramel worth keeping in the fridge.
• Make this for special occasions to impress your friends or family! And when the holidays roll around, my salted caramel pretzel bark is another crowd-pleasing treat worth adding to the dessert table.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How do I store leftovers of this recipe?

To store it, put your leftover salted caramel pretzel bark in a small airtight container and refrigerate. It should last for at least a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, whisk the two ingredients together. Separation will occur naturally after just a few hours as it sits, so just keep that in mind.

If you want a caramel that keeps even longer, my dulce de leche recipe stores well in the fridge for weeks.

What brands of olive oil and maple syrup should I use?

• For the maple syrup, I used the Kirkland brand from Costco. I’ve been using it for years now and already had it in my fridge so it just worked out. I personally recommend it, I think it’s great. If you don’t have a Costco membership, you can find plenty of options on Amazon like this one here.
• For the olive oil, I’ve been a big fan of Brightland Olive Oil products. It is a bit on the pricier side, but I swear the quality is worth it.

​How should I use this Viral Olive Oil Caramel Recipe?

There are countless ways to incorporate this tasty syrup in your daily meal plan, regardless if you’re craving sweet or savory. Here are just a few ways I’ve been using it lately:

• Salad Dressing: This has been my go-to recently. Once your olive oil and maple syrup are in the mixing bowl, add a splash of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar, plus a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Mix it all together, toss with mixed greens, and your mind will be blown.
• Breakfast:​ foods like pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Instead of reaching for maple syrup on its own, try this instead! Come fall, my Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce is another fun syrup to rotate into the same breakfast spread.
• Desserts: Use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, the same way you’d drizzle a batch of my homemade caramel sauce.
• Marinades: This one is genius to me, since my husband loves grilling chicken with a sugary glaze like teriyaki or BBQ sauce. His personal opinion on this maple olive oil caramel: “game-changer”.
• Coffee: Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee for subtle sweetness, or keep a jar of my Starbucks mocha sauce on hand for days you want something richer and more chocolatey instead.