Irresistibly Buttery Homemade Caramels Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Sweet and silky caramels have been a cherished treat in my kitchen since childhood.

These delectable homemade caramels melt smoothly on your tongue with a rich, buttery essence.

Each batch connects me to memories of cozy autumn afternoons in the kitchen.

The process might seem intimidating, but crafting these golden nuggets of sweetness is surprisingly simple.

Precise temperatures and quality ingredients unlock the secret to perfect caramels.

Pure butter, heavy cream, and sugar combine to create a nostalgic treat that beats any store-bought candy.

Dive into this recipe and savor the magical transformation of basic ingredients into pure deliciousness.

Serving Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Festive Gift Wrap: Package these golden caramels in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or colorful ribbons for a homemade holiday present that will delight friends and family.
• Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve these caramels alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumble them over warm apple pie to add a rich, buttery dimension to your favorite desserts.
• Coffeehouse Upgrade: Drop a soft caramel into hot coffee or tea, letting it slowly melt and create a decadent, sweet beverage that transforms your everyday drink into a luxurious treat.
• Charcuterie Accent: Arrange these homemade caramels on a cheese board next to aged cheddar, nuts, and fresh fruits for an elegant and unexpected sweet-savory combination that will impress guests.

Storage Guide For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Caramel Care and Storage Magic
• Quick Cooling Strategy: After preparing caramels, let them rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours until completely firm, allowing them to develop the perfect chewy texture without rushing the process.
• Smart Wrapping Technique: Individually wrap each caramel in wax paper or parchment paper squares, twisting the ends to create neat little packages that prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Temperature-Perfect Storage: Keep caramels in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. When stored correctly, they'll stay delicious for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their rich, buttery flavor.
• Freezing Option: For longer storage, place wrapped caramels in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen caramels can last up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy your sweet treats whenever a craving strikes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 136 kcal

Servings: 19

Ingredients List For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy foundation that creates silky, smooth caramel consistency.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps develop deep golden color.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ensures creamy texture and enhances caramel's luxurious mouthfeel.

• Granulated Sugar: Primary sweetener that caramelizes and develops complex flavor notes.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and maintains smooth caramel structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting aromatic undertones to enhance overall taste.

• Flaky Sea Salt: Provides delightful contrast and elevates caramel's sweet profile.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies caramel's deep flavor dimensions.

Tools Needed For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan: Essential for evenly heating sugar and preventing burning.
• Candy thermometer: Precision is key to achieving perfect caramel texture.
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
• 8-inch baking dish: Perfect size for setting and cutting caramels.
• Parchment paper: Helps easily remove caramels and prevents sticking.
• Sharp knife: Cleanly cuts caramels into uniform pieces.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Steps To Make Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Baking Dish Preparation

Line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

• Sugar Melting

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high, allowing the mixture to transform without stirring. Watch carefully as the liquid turns golden and develops a rich caramel color.

• Butter and Cream Integration

Once the sugar reaches a deep amber hue, carefully add butter and cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so stand back and stir gently until smooth and combined.

• Temperature Monitoring

Continue cooking the caramel mixture, using a candy thermometer to track its progress. Heat until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, which occurs around 240°F. This critical point ensures the perfect chewy texture.

• Cooling and Setting

Pour the molten caramel into the prepared baking dish. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about two hours. The caramel will gradually firm up and become sliceable.

• Cutting and Serving

Once set, lift the caramel out using the parchment paper edges. Use a sharp knife to cut into bite-sized pieces. For an elegant touch, consider wrapping individual caramels in wax paper for a classic homemade look.

Candy-Making Tips For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer to nail the perfect caramel consistency. Removing the mixture even a few degrees too early or late dramatically changes texture from soft and chewy to brittle or rock-hard.
• Smooth Stirring Strategy: Stir ingredients gently and consistently during cooking to prevent sugar crystallization. Wooden spoons work best for maintaining even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with delightful mix-ins like toasted sea salt, crushed nuts, or a hint of vanilla extract to elevate your caramel's taste profile. Dark chocolate drizzles can transform these treats into gourmet delights.
• Dietary Adaptations: For dairy-free versions, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. Substitute butter with coconut oil to create vegan-friendly caramels that still maintain rich, luxurious flavor and smooth texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Individually wrap caramels in wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising their delectable soft texture.

Smooth Homemade Caramels Recipe

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• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 19 1x

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Description

Delectable homemade caramels melt with rich, buttery sweetness from traditional French techniques. Silky smooth candies create delightful moments of pure confectionery pleasure for eager sweet seekers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp sea salt (for salted caramels)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)

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Instructions

1. Prep Workspace: Line a baking dish completely with parchment paper, applying a light grease to prevent adherence of the caramel mixture.
2. Sugar Fusion: Merge sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently dissolving sugar crystals without aggressive stirring until a uniform liquid forms.
3. Caramelization Process: Heat the mixture over medium-high temperature, allowing transformation without manipulation, observing the gradual development of a deep golden complexion.
4. Temperature Monitoring: Attach a candy thermometer, tracking the liquid’s progression, letting it bubble and darken to the precise golden brown stage without intervention.
5. Flavor Enrichment: Remove from heat, swiftly integrate butter and cream with vigorous whisking, creating a silky, unified mixture while maintaining caution against potential splattering.
6. Final Thermal Treatment: Return the mixture to heat, continuing cooking until reaching the optimal candy temperature, developing a rich, complex caramel essence.
7. Molding Stage: Pour the molten caramel into the prepared dish, permitting natural spreading and settling without additional manipulation.
8. Cooling and Setting: Allow complete cooling at room temperature, maintaining an undisturbed surface to ensure proper texture development.
9. Preparation for Serving: Extract the caramel slab using parchment paper edges, transferring to a cutting board for precise portioning.
10. Finishing Touches: Slice into uniform squares or rectangles using a lightly oiled sharp knife, then wrap individually in wax paper or cellophane, twisting ends to create elegant, gift-ready confections.

Notes

• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Dissolve sugar gently and avoid stirring aggressively during initial heating to maintain smooth caramel texture.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use a reliable candy thermometer to track exact temperature, ensuring perfect caramel consistency without burning.
• Choose Right Cookware: Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution and preventing hot spots that can cause uneven caramelization.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Add cream and butter slowly and cautiously to prevent dangerous splattering and maintain smooth caramel integration.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 19
• Calories: 136
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg