Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of homemade caramels with this easy-to-follow recipe. These soft, chewy caramels boast a deep caramel flavor, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying as a delightful treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of delicious caramels that will impress anyone who tastes them.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to remove the caramel later.
Melt Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter, stirring until well combined.
Add Cream: Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Cook to Temperature: Continue cooking the mixture until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Finish the Caramel: Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Cool and Cut: Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 3-4 hours or until fully set.
Serve: Once the caramel is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into small squares or rectangles and wrap each piece in wax paper.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: For a professional touch, wrap each caramel in wax paper or cellophane. You can also add a decorative ribbon for a beautiful gift presentation.
Pairing: Homemade caramels pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk.
Serving Size: Since caramels are rich and sweet, serving them in small pieces is ideal. One or two pieces per person is usually sufficient.
Temperature: Caramels are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they are too cold, they may become too hard and difficult to chew.
Storage Tips:
Airtight Container: Store your homemade caramels in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This helps prevent them from becoming too hard or losing their chewy texture.
Cool and Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing caramels in areas with high humidity or direct sunlight, as this can affect their texture.
Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate caramels if you prefer. If you do refrigerate them, let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their softness.
Freezing: Caramels can be frozen for longer storage. Place them in an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for several hours.
Shelf Life: Homemade caramels generally stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. In the refrigerator, they can last up to a month, and in the freezer, they can be stored for up to 6 months.
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FAQs:
How do I know when the caramel is cooked to the right temperature?
To ensure your caramel reaches the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook the caramel until it reaches 245°F (118°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving the desired soft and chewy consistency. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the caramel by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water; it should form a firm but pliable ball.
Can I add flavorings or mix-ins to the caramel?
Absolutely! You can customize your caramels by adding flavorings or mix-ins. For example, you can stir in a pinch of sea salt for salted caramels or add a splash of flavored extract like almond or coffee. Just be sure to add these ingredients once the caramel has been removed from the heat to prevent altering its texture.
What should I do if my caramel turns out too hard or too soft?
If your caramel turns out too hard, it may have been cooked to a higher temperature than required. You can try adding a bit of cream and reheating it gently to soften it. If it’s too soft, it might not have reached the proper temperature. In this case, you can reheat the caramel to 245°F (118°C) and try cooling it again.
Can I make caramels ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, homemade caramels can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a month or freeze them for up to 6 months. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their softness.
Conclusion:
Homemade caramels offer a soft, buttery texture and a rich flavor that’s hard to beat. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, party favors, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Plus, making caramels at home allows you to customize the flavor or add toppings like sea salt for an extra touch of luxury.
📖 Recipe:
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Homemade Caramels
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 64 caramels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in homemade caramels with this simple and delicious recipe. These soft, buttery caramels feature a rich, chewy texture and a deep caramel flavor that’s perfect for gifting or savoring as a sweet treat. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch of mouthwatering caramels that will impress everyone. Follow these easy steps to make perfect caramels every time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Continue cooking until the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan. Let it cool at room temperature for 3-4 hours or until fully set.
- Once the caramel is firm, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Cut into small squares or rectangles and wrap each piece in wax paper.
Notes
For a salted version, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the caramel before it sets.
Ensure the candy thermometer is properly calibrated for accurate temperature readings.
Allow caramels to cool completely before cutting to achieve the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 64 caramels
- Calories: 100 kcal
