Homemade Caramels Recipe

Homemade Caramels are a soft, chewy, and buttery treat that’s perfect for gifting or indulging in. Making them from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are far better than store-bought versions. Here’s a simple recipe!

Homemade Caramels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional: sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Melt Butter:
   • In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add Brown Sugar and Corn Syrup:
   • Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until well combined.
4. Add Condensed Milk and Salt:
   • Gradually stir in the sweetened condensed milk and salt, making sure everything is well-mixed.
5. Cook the Caramel:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking until the caramel reaches 240°F (116°C) on a candy thermometer, which is the “soft-ball” stage. This can take about 10-15 minutes.
   • Stir constantly to prevent burning, especially toward the end as it thickens.
6. Add Vanilla:
   • Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour into the Pan:
   • Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Cool:
   • Let the caramel cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until fully set. You can also refrigerate it to speed up the process.
9. Cut into Pieces:
   • Once the caramel is firm, use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares. If you like, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
10. Wrap or Serve:
    • For storage, wrap the individual caramels in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips:

• Candy Thermometer: It’s essential to use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the right temperature. Without it, the caramel might be too soft or too hard.
• Storage: Store the caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy!

These Homemade Caramels are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and perfect for any occasion. They make excellent holiday gifts or a delightful treat to enjoy anytime!