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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar crystals and create a smooth initial mixture.
- Position the saucepan over medium-high heat, allowing the liquid to transform without stirring, watching as it gradually develops a rich golden hue.
- Insert a candy thermometer and monitor the temperature closely, letting the mixture bubble and caramelize until it reaches the precise golden brown stage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Immediately pour the molten caramel into the prepared parchment-lined dish, allowing it to spread evenly and settle naturally without additional manipulation.
- 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.
- Once fully cooled and set, lift the caramel slab from the dish using the parchment paper edges, placing it on a cutting board.
- Slice the caramel into uniform squares or rectangles using a sharp, lightly oiled knife, creating clean, precise cuts.
- 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