The Dreamiest Super Soft Homemade Caramels Recipe Ever

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I craft these super soft homemade caramels that melt like silk on your tongue.

Sugar transforms into liquid gold with just a few simple ingredients and careful technique.

Copper pots gleam while golden amber liquid bubbles gently across stovetop surfaces.

Grandmothers worldwide have whispered similar secrets through generations of delectable candy making.

Precise temperature control makes the difference between spectacular success and potential sugar disasters.

Salt crystals provide unexpected depth that contrasts beautifully against pure sugary smoothness.

Warm kitchens invite you to create something magical with minimal equipment and maximum joy.

Unwrap pure happiness in every delicate, buttery bite.

Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels

• Craft Sweet Memories: Create delightful homemade caramels that bring nostalgic family moments and warm connections around a shared treat.
• Master Candy-Making Skills: Learn professional confectionery techniques without needing advanced culinary training, perfect for home cooks wanting to explore sugar-based desserts.
• Customize Your Confection: Experiment with different vanilla extract qualities or consider adding sea salt sprinkles to personalize the caramel's flavor profile, making each batch unique and special.
• Simple Ingredient Lineup: Requires only basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, corn syrup, and condensed milk, ensuring accessibility for most home bakers without complicated shopping trips.

Ingredients for Homemade Caramels

Main Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: A rich and creamy base that provides smooth texture and depth of flavor to the caramels.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, smooth consistency and adds sweetness to the caramel mixture.

• Dark Brown Sugar: Offers a deep, molasses-like flavor and contributes to the caramel's rich color.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel texture.

• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, complex flavor that complements the sweet caramel base.

• Parchment Paper, Butter: Ensures easy removal of caramels and prevents sticking to the baking pan.
• Waxed Paper: Used for wrapping individual caramels to maintain freshness and presentation.

Instructions to Make Homemade Caramels

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, pressing it smoothly into every corner. Generously butter the parchment paper to ensure caramels will release easily later.

Step 2: Create Butter Caramel Base

• Dark brown sugar
• Light corn syrup

Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely and mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Heat Caramel Mixture

Introduce sweetened condensed milk into the saucepan. Increase heat to medium and stir constantly.

Watch the candy thermometer carefully, aiming for 238-240 degrees Fahrenheit. This process takes about 20-30 minutes and requires consistent stirring to prevent burning.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor

Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in pure vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly throughout the caramel mixture.

Step 5: Cool and Set Caramels

Pour caramel into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Allow to cool at room temperature for 3-4 hours until completely set.

Do not cover during cooling process.

Step 6: Cut and Wrap Caramels

Use parchment paper edges to lift caramel from pan.

Slice into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife. Wrap each caramel individually in waxed paper for a professional finish.

Tips for Smooth and Soft Caramels

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during caramel making.
• Stir constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
• Check candy thermometer accuracy by testing in boiling water before starting the recipe.
• Allow caramels to cool completely at room temperature without covering to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual caramels in waxed paper immediately after cutting to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

Flavor Variations on Homemade Caramels

• Salted Caramel Classic: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over caramels before cooling to create a sophisticated sweet-savory flavor profile that enhances the traditional recipe.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the caramel mixture before pouring into the pan, providing a delightful textural contrast and rich nutty undertones.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Caramels: Replace sweetened condensed milk with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, creating a vegan-friendly alternative with tropical notes.
• Spiced Caramel Sensation: Add ground cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process to introduce warm, complex flavor dimensions that complement the caramel's sweetness.

Pairing Suggestions for Homemade Caramels

• Match these soft, buttery caramels with a strong espresso or dark roast coffee. The rich, bold coffee notes will beautifully cut through the caramel's sweetness, creating a sophisticated flavor contrast.
• Select a crisp champagne or prosecco to accompany the caramels. The bubbly, slightly acidic wine will cleanse the palate and provide a delightful counterpoint to the rich, creamy caramel texture.

Proper Storage for Homemade Caramels

• Wrap caramels individually in wax paper or parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, keeping them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Layer caramels between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
• Store wrapped caramels in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Avoid humid environments to prevent sticking or melting.

FAQs

• What type of sugar works best for these caramels?

Dark brown sugar provides the richest flavor and deeper color, creating a more complex taste profile compared to light brown sugar. It adds depth and a subtle molasses undertone to the caramels.

• Why is constant stirring so important during the cooking process?

Constant stirring prevents sugar from burning and ensures even heat distribution. It helps break down sugar crystals and creates a smooth, consistent caramel texture without any burnt or grainy spots.

• How can I tell if the caramel is cooked to the right temperature without a candy thermometer?

Use the cold water test: drop a small amount of caramel into ice-cold water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape but flattens when removed, it’s at the right temperature. The caramel should be between soft and firm ball stage.

Super Soft Homemade Caramels Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 36 1x

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Description

Homemade caramels infuse classic sweetness with rich buttery notes from traditional French techniques. Silky caramel squares melt seamlessly, offering pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts who crave simple culinary pleasures.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 1/4 cups dark brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and sides are well-lined. Generously butter the parchment surface to facilitate easy caramel removal.

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Incorporate dark brown sugar, stirring consistently until fully dissolved and integrated. Add light corn syrup, continuing to heat and mix for approximately three minutes.

1. Pour sweetened condensed milk into the saucepan, increasing heat to medium. Continuously stir the mixture to prevent scorching, maintaining constant movement. Monitor temperature carefully using a candy thermometer until it reaches 238-240°F, which typically requires 20-30 minutes of cooking.

1. Remove saucepan from heat and immediately introduce pure vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the caramel mixture.

1. Transfer the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly across the surface. Allow to cool undisturbed at room temperature for 3-4 hours until completely set and firm.

1. Once set, lift the caramel from the pan using parchment paper edges. Using a sharp knife, slice into uniform pieces. Individually wrap each caramel segment in waxed paper for storage and presentation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality unsalted butter with a rich flavor to enhance the caramel’s overall taste and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately monitor the mixture’s temperature, as even a few degrees can significantly impact the caramel’s consistency and final texture.
• Maintain constant, gentle stirring to prevent sugar crystallization and ensure a silky-smooth caramel without burning the mixture.
• Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 36
• Calories: 137
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 21 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg