Easy Homemade Caramels Recipe (2024)

Apr 3, 2023 · 5 Comments

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This simple homemade caramels recipe produces chewy, buttery candies. Sea salt and vanilla bean add taste to this much-loved candy recipe. Often synonymous with the holidays - these little goodies made a great addition to your holiday cookie baskets.

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Equipment
Ingredients
Caramel Making Process
FAQs
📋 Recipe

Equipment

Before embarking on this caramels recipe I recommend gathering all of your equipment. You don't want to be searching for anything when the caramel begins to reach its final temperature. You will need the following equipment:

Heavy-bottomed medium-sized saucepan
Candy thermometer: use a high-quality thermometer with a pot clip
Heat-proof spatula
Wax paper: for wrapping the candies
8" x 8" square cake pan: this will be used to cool and set the caramels.
Parchment paper: for lining your cake pan. This will make removal of the caramel a breeze! Cut the parchment to fit into the pan with enough of the paper overhanging to easily pull out the caramels.

Ingredients

You don't need many ingredients to make these yummy caramel treats:

Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Light corn syrup
Sweetened condensed milk
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Vanilla bean paste (optional)

Caramel Making Process

Please use the utmost caution when making this caramel candies recipe. The hot syrup can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with your skin.

Place the granulated sugar, butter and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan. Begin heating over medium heat stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to boil. Once it begins boiling, slowly begin pouring the sweetened condensed milk into the pot, stirring slowly and constantly. Take your time adding the condensed milk - approximately 2 minutes.

Place a candy thermometer in the mixture and continue to stir slowly until it reaches 238° F. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste (if using). Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and allow to cool for 2 - 3 hours. The caramel is ready to remove from the pan and cut once it has fully set. If I am in a hurry I will let the caramel cool for about half an hour on the countertop then place in the fridge to finish setting.

FAQs

How do I roll caramels in wax paper?

Cut sheets of wax paper to 5" x 3.5" or purchase premade candy wrappers. Place a caramel on the short edge of the wrapper and roll the candy. Next, twist the ends to seal the candy.

What are some flavor variations for caramel candies?

This homemade caramels recipe may be easily modified to add other flavors. For bourbon caramels, whisk in two tablespoons of bourbon to the caramel just before pouring into the pan to cool. For almond caramels, stir in ½ cup of toasted almonds to the caramel prior to pouring it into the pan.

📋 Recipe