Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe
Experience the sheer delight of homemade treats with this Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe that will elevate your dessert game! These luscious caramels are unbelievably simple to make and oh-so-delicious, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests. Plus, they’re easily customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your taste, whether you want to add a pinch of sea salt or infuse them with your favorite flavors.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 32 pieces
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 0.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Fat: 7 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 17 grams
Sodium: 40 mg
Why Make Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe! Not only are these caramels soft and delectable, but they also make a perfect gift. Homemade caramels are free from preservatives, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Furthermore, they are incredibly versatile – simply package them beautifully, and you have an ideal treat for any occasion.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
- 16 ounces brown sugar
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Waxed paper cut into 3 x 4-inch rectangles for wrapping
Directions
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides to prevent sticking. Set aside and avoid using wax paper here, as it may melt or stick during cooking. In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt, stirring to mix well before heating.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom and sides to prevent burning until the mixture comes to a full boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan with the bulb fully submerged but not touching the bottom. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture reaches 236°F (soft ball stage). Hold the thermometer at eye level for an accurate reading.
Remove the pan from heat once it reaches 236°F. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract until the caramel is smooth and bubbling stops, which should take less than a minute. Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Be cautious as the caramel will be very hot. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours until firm.
Once cooled and firm, lift the caramel block from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Use a buttered knife to cut into 1-inch squares. Optionally, wrap each square in waxed paper rectangles for freshness and easy serving or gifting. Fold the paper like a little boxed gift.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe
These Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels are fabulous on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an indulgent treat. They are great for parties, wrapped as favors, or served on a dessert platter. Consider pairing them with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
How to Store Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe
Store your Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to three weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave if they become too firm. For longer storage, consider freezing the caramels; simply wrap each piece individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Cooking Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe
- Make sure to use a large saucepan to avoid overflow while cooking the caramel.
- Utilize a silicone spatula for easier scraping of the pot’s sides and bottom.
- Always keep an eye on the candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
- If adding mix-ins, do so while stirring in the vanilla extract for an even distribution.
- Experiment with different extract flavors, like almond or coconut, for a twist on classic caramel.
Delicious Variations of Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe
- Sea Salt Caramels: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel before it sets for a sweet and salty treat.
- Chocolate Dipped Caramels: Once cut, dip each caramel in melted chocolate and let them cool on parchment paper for a luxurious touch.
- Spiced Caramels: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Now that you have this wonderful Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe, why not try it yourself? Indulge in the sweet, creamy texture and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade candy that everyone will love. The process is straightforward and brings delightful results that you can customize and share!
Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt, stirring to mix well before heating.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom and sides to prevent burning until the mixture comes to a full boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pan with the bulb fully submerged but not touching the bottom. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture reaches 236°F (soft ball stage).
- Remove the pan from heat once it reaches 236°F. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract until the caramel is smooth and bubbling stops.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours until firm.
- Once cooled and firm, lift the caramel block from the pan using the parchment paper edges.
- Use a buttered knife to cut into 1-inch squares. Optionally, wrap each square in waxed paper rectangles for freshness.
