Homemade Soft Caramels are a luxurious treat that melts in your mouth with a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by a hint of sea salt. Making your own caramels allows you to experience a freshness and quality that store-bought versions often lack.
These caramels have a perfect chewy texture and are ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sweet indulgence at the end of a meal.
The process of making caramels might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward with the right ingredients and a bit of patience.
The addition of sea salt is optional, but it provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, enhancing the complexity of the flavors. Follow these steps to create your own batch of irresistible soft caramels.
Homemade Soft Caramels
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare your baking dish by lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Ensure the paper hangs over the sides to facilitate easy removal of the caramel once set.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Place over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture gently until all the sugars have dissolved and it starts to boil. From this point, it’s important not to stir the mixture, as this can cause the sugars to crystallize.
- Continue cooking the mixture until it reaches 248°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer. This is known as the firm ball stage, where the caramel is cooked enough to hold its shape but is still soft.
- Once the correct temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add depth to the caramel’s flavor.
- Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish. If using sea salt, lightly sprinkle it over the caramel. This step is optional but highly recommended for that delightful sweet and salty flavor profile.
- Allow the caramel to cool completely at room temperature. This might take a few hours. Patience is key here to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Once the caramel is set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift it out of the dish. Use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into small squares or rectangles.
- Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together. This also makes them easier to share and enjoy later.
