Making your own caramel at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth texture of homemade caramel is unlike any store-bought variety. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on your own or a thoughtful gift for the holidays, this homemade caramel recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of soft, chewy caramels that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, cut into pieces
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup light corn syrup
14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, ensuring the lining extends over the edges for easy removal.
Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed 4-quart saucepan, add the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and sea salt.
Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture frequently until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve, resulting in a smooth consistency.
Cook to Desired Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom. Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 240-245°F (115-118°C), known as the “firm ball” stage, crucial for achieving the right caramel texture.
Add Vanilla: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan. Let it sit undisturbed at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Cut into Pieces: Once set, lift the caramel slab using the overhanging lining. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife.
Wrap the Caramels: For storage and presentation, wrap each caramel square in wax paper or candy wrappers.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values for homemade caramel can vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes. On average, a 100-gram serving of caramel contains:

Calories: Approximately 382 kcal
Total Fat: 3 g (4% DV)
Saturated Fat: 1 g (5% DV)
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 7 mg (2% DV)
Sodium: 186 mg (8% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 89 g (32% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 68 g
Protein: 2 g (4% DV)

Why Make Homemade Caramel?

Caramel has been a beloved treat for centuries, and for good reason. Its sweet, creamy, and slightly salty flavor profile makes it the perfect addition to a variety of desserts, snacks, or just enjoyed on its own. While there are many caramel products available in stores, homemade caramel stands out for its richer, more complex flavor, and texture. Making caramel from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that it’s free from artificial additives or preservatives.

One of the most compelling reasons to make homemade caramel is the ability to adjust the flavor to your liking. Whether you prefer a richer butter taste or a hint of vanilla, homemade caramel gives you full control over the final product. Additionally, homemade caramels make wonderful gifts and are perfect for the holiday season, as they can be beautifully packaged and shared with loved ones.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Caramel

The ingredients required for this recipe are simple yet essential for creating the perfect batch of homemade caramels. The combination of salted butter, sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of sea salt creates a smooth and luscious caramel with the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Salted Butter: The key to a smooth and rich caramel is using high-quality salted butter. The butter provides a creamy texture while the salt enhances the overall flavor of the caramel. The salt also balances out the sweetness, making it more flavorful.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: These two types of sugar work together to create a smooth caramel. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure, while brown sugar adds a depth of flavor with its molasses content.
Light Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is essential for achieving the right texture. It prevents the caramel from crystallizing and ensures it becomes smooth and glossy.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient that makes the caramel incredibly creamy. The sugar and milk combine to create a smooth, velvety texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract gives the caramel a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness and butteriness of the caramel.
Sea Salt: The sea salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the caramel, enhancing its flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

The Process of Making Caramel

The process of making caramel may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. The most important part of making caramel is achieving the right temperature, which requires a bit of patience. The candy thermometer is your best friend here, as it ensures you reach the “firm ball” stage, which is between 240°F and 245°F (115-118°C).

Cooking the Caramel

The first step is to combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. As the ingredients melt and combine, stir frequently to prevent burning. It’s important to stay patient during this stage, as the mixture will gradually thicken and become smooth.

Once everything is well combined, it’s time to increase the heat to medium and let the mixture cook. The caramel needs to reach the desired temperature of 240°F to 245°F, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. This is the stage where patience is key: if you rush it, the caramel might not have the perfect texture.

Incorporating the Vanilla and Pouring the Caramel

Once the caramel mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the caramel and makes it more aromatic. Then, carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight, depending on your schedule. This cooling time is necessary for the caramel to firm up into a chewy consistency.

Cutting the Caramel into Pieces

Once the caramel has set, you can easily lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. The cooled caramel is now ready to be sliced into small squares. Use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into 1-inch squares, making sure each piece is evenly sized. The result will be smooth, shiny, and perfectly chewy caramels that melt in your mouth with each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade caramels are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy the caramels on their own as a quick, satisfying treat.
In Desserts: Use the caramel in other desserts, such as drizzling it over ice cream, mixing it into brownies, or using it as a filling for cakes and pies.
For Gift-Giving: Wrap the caramels in wax paper and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Caramels are perfect for gifting during holidays or for special occasions.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair your homemade caramels with a hot beverage for a delightful after-dinner treat.

Tips for Success

Making perfect caramel may take a little practice, but with these tips, you’ll be able to create a batch of delicious caramel every time:

Watch the Temperature: Always use a candy thermometer to ensure that your caramel reaches the “firm ball” stage (240-245°F). This is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
Stir Frequently: Stir the caramel constantly while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning. This will also ensure that the sugar fully dissolves into the butter and cream mixture.
Be Cautious with Hot Caramel: Caramel is extremely hot when it’s cooked, so be careful when handling the mixture. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it into the pan to avoid any burns.

Conclusion

Homemade caramel is a decadent treat that can elevate any occasion. By making your own caramels, you can enjoy a richer and more flavorful experience than store-bought versions. The process may seem intricate, but with patience and the right ingredients, you can create perfectly smooth, buttery caramels that will melt in your mouth. Whether you’re using them for desserts, as a snack, or gifting them to friends and family, these homemade caramels are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, get ready to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade caramel, and share the deliciousness with everyone around you.

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Homemade Caramel Recipe