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Deliciously Easy Homemade Caramels

These homemade caramels are soft, chewy, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 70
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization.
  • 1/4 cup water Used to help dissolve the sugar.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Warmed to help with mixing.
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter Cut into pieces for easier melting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor.
  • 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt Plus flaky salt for topping if desired.
Tools
  • Parchment paper for the pan Helps with easy removal.
  • Candy thermometer Helps achieve desired caramel consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides, and lightly butter the parchment.
  2. Warm the cream in a small saucepan or microwave until just warm to the touch.
Cooking
  1. In a heavy bottomed pot with high sides, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until it starts to bubble and looks glossy and clear, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Add the butter pieces and about half of the warm cream. Stir continuously to keep the mixture moving.
  3. Clip on your thermometer and let the mixture heat. When it reaches about 230°F, slowly stream in the rest of the warm cream while stirring.
  4. Continue cooking until the caramel reaches 245 to 248°F for soft, chewy caramels.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and fine salt for about 30 seconds.
  6. Pour immediately into the prepared pan, avoiding scraping any crystallized bits from the pot.
Cooling and Cutting
  1. Let the caramel cool at room temperature until fully set, about 2 to 4 hours.
  2. Lift out by the parchment and cut into small squares with a long, sharp knife.
  3. Wrap pieces in wax paper or parchment squares to avoid sticking.

Notes

These caramels are perfect for gifting. Store them wrapped in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or refrigerate for up to 1 month.