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Homemade Caramels

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: About 60 caramels 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These buttery, chewy caramels are made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for holiday gifts, desserts, or an anytime sweet treat


Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 2 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan:
    • Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Melt the Butter & Sugar:
    • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
    • Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
  3. Cook the Caramel:
    • Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
    • Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. (This takes 15-20 minutes.)
  4. Add Vanilla & Pour:
    • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
    • Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish. Let it cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until fully set.
  5. Cut & Wrap:
    • Once set, lift the caramel from the pan using the parchment paper.
    • Use a buttered knife to cut into 1-inch squares or rectangles.
    • Wrap each caramel in wax paper and twist the ends.

Notes

  • For Salted Caramels: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the caramel sets.
  • No Candy Thermometer? Drop a small spoonful of hot caramel into ice water—if it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready!
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer storage.