Description
Learn how to make delicious sweet homemade caramels from scratch. This easy recipe yields chewy, buttery caramels with a hint of sea salt, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
Prepare an 8×8 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it.
In a sturdy saucepan, blend together the butter, granulated sugar, packed dark brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat.
Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring continuously with a heatproof spatula.
Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mixture reaches precisely 244F (118C), which is the firm ball stage.
Once it reaches temperature, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours.
Finally, lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut it into squares with a sharp, buttered knife, then wrap each piece individually in wax paper.
Notes
Use a Sturdy Pan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat more evenly, reducing the risk of scorching.
Candy Thermometer is Key: Don’t guess the temperature! A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct texture. Make sure it’s calibrated correctly.
Constant Stirring: As mentioned, this is vital for smooth, consistent caramel. Stirring also helps the thermometer to accurately read the temperature of the whole mixture.
Cooling is Crucial: Patience during the cooling phase ensures the caramel sets up properly. Cutting too soon will result in messy, gooey squares.
Buttered Knife for Cutting: A lightly buttered knife slides through the firm caramel much more easily, giving you cleaner cuts and preventing sticking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A