Introduction
Homemade soft and chewy caramels are a delightful treat that brings nostalgia and warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, crafting these buttery bites of goodness is a rewarding experience. The process of making caramels offers a sweet escape from the everyday hustle, and the results are truly mouthwatering. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create caramels that soften in your mouth, making each bite a delectable experience. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with your candy-making skills!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Soft and Chewy Caramels:
- Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure even beginners can succeed.
- All-Natural Ingredients: No preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite extracts or spices for unique twists.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped in lovely packaging, these are great gifts!
- Satisfies Sweet Cravings: Soft and chewy texture is irresistible!
Materials
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- A candy thermometer
Full Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Grease the parchment with a little butter to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large saucepan, add the butter, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
- Once dissolved, add the sweetened condensed milk.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches the soft-ball stage (about 234°F to 240°F or 112°C to 115°C).
Step 4: Add Flavor and Cool
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Allow it to cool at room temperature for several hours or until set.
Step 5: Cut and Wrap
- Once cooled, lift the caramel block out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Cut into desired shapes and sizes.
- Wrap each piece in parchment paper for freshness and presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut.
- Sea Salt Caramels: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before it cools for a savory twist.
- Nutty Caramels: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip your cooled caramels in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: Yes! Brown sugar will give your caramels a richer flavor, while coconut sugar can be a healthier alternative.
Q: What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A: You can test the soft-ball stage by dropping a small amount of caramel into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready!
Q: How should I store my caramels?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to two weeks, but they will be best enjoyed fresh.
Q: Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
A: You can make a vegan version using coconut oil, coconut cream, and a dairy-free sweetener such as maple syrup.
Suggestions
- Pair your caramels with a selection of chocolates for an assorted treat platter.
- Place them in decorative jars as part of homemade gift baskets.
- Use as toppings for ice cream or desserts for an extra indulgent experience.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade soft and chewy caramels is a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. As you embark on this simple yet rewarding journey, we invite you to share your experiences or variations in the comments below. What flavors did you experiment with? How did your caramels turn out? Let’s inspire each other in the sweet world of candy-making!
Print
Homemade Soft and Chewy Caramels
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft and chewy caramels made with simple ingredients, perfect for gifts and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- A candy thermometer
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the butter, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Cook the Mixture: Add sweetened condensed milk and cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234°F to 240°F).
- Add Flavor and Cool: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pour into the pan, and let cool until set.
- Cut and Wrap: Lift out the caramel block, cut into pieces, and wrap each in parchment paper.
Notes
For variations, try adding flavored extracts or nuts. Sea salt on top adds a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg