Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Recipe

Magical Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories often bubble up when I think about this delightful vanilla cream filled caramels recipe that melts hearts instantly.

Soft, golden candies whisper stories of cozy kitchens and delicate sugar work.

Pulling apart a luxurious caramel to reveal a silky vanilla center that promises pure bliss.

Rich amber hues and delicate swirls hint at the magic waiting inside each carefully crafted piece.

Homemade confections like these connect us to cherished culinary traditions passed down through generations.

The gentle balance of deep caramel notes and smooth vanilla creates an irresistible treat you won’t be able to stop enjoying.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create something truly spectacular that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Why Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Are Too Good to Miss

  • Indulge in Luxurious Layers: These caramels offer a delightful surprise with a silky vanilla cream filling that melts perfectly in your mouth, creating a rich and decadent treat that elevates classic caramel candy.
  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: The simple cooking method requires just one saucepan and basic ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels while delivering professional-quality confections.
  • Customizable Sweet Sensation: The recipe allows easy adaptation by adjusting vanilla extract intensity or experimenting with different flavor variations, giving you creative control over your homemade caramel experience.
  • Quick Comfort Confection: From start to finish, these caramels can be prepared in under 30 minutes, providing a fast and impressive dessert option for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

What You’ll Need for Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

Dairy Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel for the caramel filling.
  • Butter: Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the creamy consistency of the caramel.
Sugar Components:
  • Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps thicken the caramel filling, with powdered sugar ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture.
Flavor Enhancer:
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic, warm vanilla flavor that complements the sweet caramel base, best when using pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.

Making Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare The Caramel Base

In a sturdy saucepan, blend together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Butter

Cook over medium heat, gently stirring until butter melts and sugar completely dissolves. Watch the mixture transform into a smooth, golden liquid that promises delectable sweetness.

Step 2: Infuse Vanilla Flavor

Remove the saucepan from heat and introduce vanilla extract. Stir vigorously to distribute the rich, aromatic flavor throughout the caramel base. The kitchen will fill with an inviting warm scent that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

Gradually whisk powdered sugar into the warm caramel mixture. Continue blending until the texture becomes silky smooth and perfectly creamy. The filling should have a luxurious consistency that will melt delightfully in your mouth.

Step 4: Cool And Set

Allow the vanilla cream filling to rest and cool completely. This resting period helps the filling develop a stable structure and intensifies the flavor. Patience during this stage ensures a perfectly textured caramel center.

Step 5: Shape And Finish

Once cooled, the filling is ready to be piped or spooned into caramel shells. You can use a piping bag or a small spoon to create elegant, uniform fills. Seal the caramels and let them set at room temperature.

Tip: For best results, store these vanilla cream caramels in an airtight container in a cool place. They’ll maintain their creamy texture and rich flavor for several days.

Helpful Pointers for Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

  • Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir the mixture gently and consistently while heating to ensure smooth caramel without grainy texture.
  • Master Cream Filling Consistency: Let the filling cool completely to achieve the perfect spreadable texture that won't run or separate.
  • Boost Vanilla Flavor: Use high-quality vanilla extract or consider scraping fresh vanilla bean seeds for a more intense, rich taste.
  • Store Smart: Keep caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option or use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Store and Reheat Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

  • Refrigerate: Store caramels in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep them chilled for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual caramels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen caramels from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle thawing prevents condensation and preserves their creamy consistency.
  • Serve: For best taste, enjoy caramels slightly chilled or at cool room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that could cause melting.

Best Matches for Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

  • Pair with Espresso Martini: The rich, sweet caramels find a bold companion in this sophisticated cocktail, where the coffee's intensity cuts through the creamy vanilla filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
  • Match with Roasted Hazelnut Coffee: Brew a warm cup of hazelnut-infused coffee that echoes the caramel's nutty undertones, enhancing the dessert's depth and providing a comforting, aromatic experience.
  • Complement with Aged Rum: Sip on a smooth, amber-colored aged rum that mirrors the caramel's golden hue, its woody notes and subtle sweetness perfectly accentuating the vanilla cream's delicate essence.
  • Serve with Dark Chocolate Ganache: Create a decadent pairing by drizzling a velvety dark chocolate ganache alongside the caramels, intensifying their richness and adding a luxurious, bittersweet contrast.

Ways to Change Up Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

  • Lavender Honey Cream Caramels: Infuse the cream with dried lavender buds and replace sugar with honey for a floral, aromatic twist.
  • Salted Maple Cream Caramels: Swap granulated sugar for pure maple syrup and sprinkle sea salt on top for a rich, balanced flavor profile.
  • Espresso Chocolate Cream Caramels: Mix in instant espresso powder and fold in melted dark chocolate to create a bold, mocha-inspired filling.
  • Coconut Rum Cream Caramels: Add coconut extract and a splash of dark rum to the cream mixture for a tropical, indulgent variation.

Your Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Questions Answered

  • What makes these caramels special?

These caramels are unique because they feature a delicious vanilla cream filling that adds a luxurious, smooth center to the classic caramel texture, creating a rich and indulgent treat.

  • Can I make the vanilla cream filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vanilla cream filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before using. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir before filling your caramels.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these caramels?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a standard saucepan, whisk, and some basic measuring tools. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

  • How do I know when the vanilla cream filling is the right consistency?

The filling should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. When you whisk in the powdered sugar, it should create a thick, spreadable mixture that holds its shape but is still soft enough to pipe or spread into caramels.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Recipe

Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x

Description

Silky caramel artistry meets French pastry magic in homemade Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels, a luxurious confection that dances between sweet sophistication and nostalgic comfort. Rich butter and pure vanilla create a sensational treat you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 g / 7.75 ounces) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fluid ounces) light corn syrup
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fluid ounces) heavy cream

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Filling Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (50 g / 1.75 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g / 1 ounce) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 ounces) powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Prepare a smooth mixture by gently heating heavy cream, granulated sugar, and butter in a saucepan, continuously stirring until the butter fully incorporates and sugar completely dissolves.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and introduce vanilla extract, stirring to infuse the aromatic flavor throughout the liquid base.
  3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the warm mixture, whisking diligently to create a luxurious, velvety cream with no lumps or granular texture.
  4. Allow the vanilla cream filling to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency that will hold its shape when used in caramels.
  5. Once the cream has cooled and stabilized, it is ready to be carefully piped or spooned into prepared caramel shells, creating a delectable vanilla-infused center that will delight the palate.

Notes

  • Gentle heat ensures smooth caramel texture without burning sugar or scorching cream.
  • Cool filling completely before adding to caramel to prevent separation and maintain proper consistency.
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract for rich, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Store caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent hardening.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star