The Creamiest Homemade Caramels Recipe: Sweet Golden Perfection

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I craft these silky homemade caramels that melt like liquid gold.

Grandma’s treasured recipe whispers secrets from generations past, revealing delicate techniques perfected over decades.

Sugar transforms slowly under watchful eyes, creating amber pools of rich sweetness.

Creamy butter mingles with careful measurements, promising decadent treats that shimmer with golden warmth.

Each batch tells a story of patience and precision, inviting you to savor slow-cooked delights.

Soft textures and deep caramel notes promise an irresistible experience that connects comfort and culinary craft.

Grab your favorite wooden spoon and let magic unfold in delicious moments of pure indulgence.

What You’ll Need For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Heavy Cream: Rich, smooth foundation that gives caramels their creamy texture and helps prevent crystallization.
• Butter: Adds deep, rich flavor and contributes to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

• Granulated Sugar: Primary sweetener that caramelizes to create the signature golden-brown color and complex flavor.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and helps maintain a smooth, glossy caramel texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Sea Salt: Optional garnish that provides a delightful contrast to the caramel's sweetness, best when using flaky or coarse salt.

How To Make Homemade Caramels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Water

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 3: Achieve Perfect Caramelization

Stop stirring and let the mixture boil. Watch carefully as the sugar transforms into a golden amber color. Resist the urge to stir during this process.

Step 4: Add Creamy Richness

• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract

The mixture will bubble vigorously, so pour slowly and use caution.

Step 5: Reach Soft Ball Stage

Continue cooking without stirring until the caramel reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. This is the soft ball stage that gives caramels their signature texture.

Step 6: Pour and Cool

Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes 2-3 hours.

Step 7: Cut and Wrap

Once fully set, lift the caramel from the dish using the parchment paper. Cut into small squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Wrap individual pieces in wax paper or cellophane for a classic touch.

Helpful Tips For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Prep Like a Pro: Use high-quality parchment paper with overhang for easy caramel removal and clean cutting.
• Temperature Matters: Invest in a candy thermometer to ensure precise cooking and perfect caramel consistency.
• Smooth Cutting Technique: Warm your knife with hot water and dry thoroughly before slicing to prevent sticky situations.
• Storage Savvy: Wrap individual caramels in wax paper or cellophane to maintain freshness and prevent sticking together.
• Flavor Boost Option: Sprinkle sea salt on top of caramels for a gourmet touch that enhances the rich, sweet flavor.

How To Store Homemade Caramels Recipe Properly

• Refrigerate: Place caramels in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 2 weeks.
• Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Enjoy within 1 week for best texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap individual caramels in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Thaw: Remove frozen caramels and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying soft, creamy treats.

Perfect Pairings For Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Rich caramels demand a robust wine like cabernet sauvignon, whose deep fruit notes and slight tannins beautifully complement the buttery sweetness of the caramels.
• Match with Roasted Nuts: Serve alongside toasted almonds or pecans, creating a delightful textural contrast that enhances the caramel's creamy smoothness and adds a nutty crunch.
• Combine with Sea Salt Espresso: A strong espresso with a sprinkle of sea salt perfectly balances the caramels' sugary profile, cutting through the richness and providing a sophisticated flavor experience.
• Create Dessert Board Magic: Arrange caramels with dark chocolate pieces, fresh strawberries, and a small cheese like aged gouda, transforming your homemade treat into an elegant tasting adventure.

Fun Variations Of Homemade Caramels Recipe

• Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle sea salt flakes and crushed toasted almonds over the caramel surface before cooling for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
• Espresso Caramel Swirl: Mix finely ground espresso powder into the caramel mixture, creating a rich coffee-infused treat that adds depth and warmth.
• Coconut Chocolate Drizzle: After setting, drizzle melted dark chocolate and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired caramel experience.
• Lavender Honey Infusion: Incorporate a tablespoon of local honey and dried lavender buds into the caramel mixture, offering a delicate floral undertone that transforms the classic recipe.

Homemade Caramels Recipe FAQs

• What makes homemade caramels different from store-bought ones?

Homemade caramels offer a richer, fresher taste with pure ingredients and no preservatives. You control the quality and can customize flavors, creating a more authentic and delicious candy experience.

• Can I make caramels if I'm new to candy-making?

Absolutely! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The key is using a reliable candy thermometer and paying close attention to temperature. Go slow, be patient, and you’ll create perfect caramels on your first try.

• How do I know when my caramel is cooked perfectly?

Watch for the golden amber color and use a candy thermometer. Aim for 245-250°F (firm ball stage). The caramel should be smooth, rich, and hold its shape when cooled, but still be soft and chewy.

• Why is it important to line the baking dish with parchment paper?

Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes removing and cutting caramels much easier. It ensures your homemade caramels come out cleanly and maintain their beautiful shape without breaking or tearing.

Why Homemade Caramels Recipe Is A Sweet Classic

• Create Sweet Memories: These homemade caramels transform simple ingredients into nostalgic treats that transport you back to childhood candy shops.
• Master Candy Crafting: The recipe offers an approachable way to learn professional confectionery techniques, allowing even novice cooks to produce restaurant-quality candies with basic kitchen tools.
• Customize Your Confection: Unlike store-bought caramels, this recipe lets you control sweetness levels, experiment with flavor additions like sea salt or vanilla, and create personalized gifts that feel truly special.
• Pure Ingredient Pleasure: By using straightforward ingredients like butter, sugar, and cream, you'll enjoy a pure, preservative-free candy that tastes far more luxurious than anything from a package.

Homemade Caramels Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Sweet whispers of golden Homemade Caramels dance across your palate with rich butter and creamy sugar. Silky smooth confections melt effortlessly, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 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

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (for salted caramels)

Optional Topping:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish by carefully lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides, then apply a delicate layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar crystals and create a smooth initial mixture.
3. Position the saucepan over medium-high heat, allowing the liquid to transform without stirring, watching as it gradually develops a rich golden hue.
4. Insert a candy thermometer and monitor the temperature closely, letting the mixture bubble and caramelize until it reaches the precise golden brown stage.
5. Carefully remove the pan from heat and swiftly incorporate butter and cream, whisking vigorously to create a silky, homogeneous blend while being cautious of potential splattering.
6. Return the mixture to the heat, continuing to cook and stir until the mixture reaches the optimal candy temperature, ensuring a deep, complex caramel flavor develops.
7. Immediately pour the molten caramel into the prepared parchment-lined dish, allowing it to spread evenly and settle naturally without additional manipulation.
8. Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature, resisting the urge to disturb the surface, which will allow it to set properly and develop a smooth texture.
9. Once fully cooled and set, lift the caramel slab from the dish using the parchment paper edges, placing it on a cutting board.
10. Slice the caramel into uniform squares or rectangles using a sharp, lightly oiled knife, creating clean, precise cuts.
11. Wrap individual caramels in wax paper or cellophane, twisting the ends to create elegant, professional-looking candies ready for serving or gifting.

Notes

• Always use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sugar from burning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Invest in a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature control, which is crucial for achieving the perfect caramel texture.
• Consider adding a pinch of sea salt after pouring the caramel into the pan to create a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor profile.
• Cut caramels into small squares when completely cooled and wrap individually in wax paper to prevent sticking and make them easy to share.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 117
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 57 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg