Silky Smooth Homemade Caramels an Easy Indulgence

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered if you could make better caramels than the shop stuff? I have! This Homemade Caramels Candy recipe is where it all begins. Get ready for a buttery, rich flavour explosion!

Brief Overview

These Homemade Caramel Candies are a classic American treat. Think county fairs! This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour, plus chilling. It yields around 36 caramels. Perfect for gifts.

Main Benefits

These caramels are surprisingly wholesome. They have simple ingredients! They're perfect for holiday baking or a cozy night in. What makes these special is the rich, buttery flavor.

It's pure comfort food. Honestly, they are so much better than store-bought.

Making the Magic: What You'll Need

Let's gather the goods. We need butter, cream, sugar, and a few other bits. You'll feel like a proper chef.

Ingredients and Equipment: The Dream Team

Wet Ingredients

Get ready for some seriously delicious ingredients. You'll need 1 cup unsalted butter, which is about 227g. Also grab 1 cup of heavy cream (240ml), divided.

You need 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar. Don't forget 1/2 cup (120ml) of light corn syrup. Just a touch of salt (1/4 teaspoon).

Finally, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I prefer vanilla bean paste. It makes it really special!

Essential Equipment

You need some proper tools. A heavy bottomed saucepan is a must. A candy thermometer is vital. Seriously, don't skip this! An 8x8 inch pan is perfect.

Parchment paper is your friend. Measuring cups and a rubber spatula are also key.

Why These Ingredients?

Butter is where that rich flavor comes from. Trust me. The sugar is necessary for caramelization. Corn syrup prevents crystallization.

So your Easy Caramel Recipe is nice and smooth. Heavy cream is crucial for the creamy texture. Did you know? Vanilla rounds out the flavour.

Its like getting all the musical notes in tune!.

step-by-step: From Ingredients to Butter Caramels Recipe

Okay, now that we have all the tools, let's start making the sweet stuff.

Ingredients & Equipment for Easy Homemade Caramels Candy

Want to learn how to make caramel candy ? This easy caramel recipe starts with having the right ingredients. Honestly, it's all about butter, sugar, and a bit of love.

Oh my gosh, you'll be surprised how simple it is to create the best homemade caramel candy recipes right in your kitchen!

Main Ingredients to Make Caramel

• 1 cup ( 227g ) unsalted butter, cut into pieces. Quality butter is key!
• 1 cup ( 240ml ) heavy cream (at least 36% fat). Don't skimp on the fat; it makes them creamy!
• 1 cup ( 200g ) granulated sugar. Regular white sugar works perfectly.
• 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) light corn syrup. Or, golden syrup if you're feeling fancy like me.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt. Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Seasoning Notes for the Best Caramels

For amazing vanilla caramels recipe , use good quality vanilla. A little sea salt sprinkled on top makes salted caramels recipe extra delish.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with this essential spice combinations . For a twist, add a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon.

Flavor enhancers and aromatics make a huge difference! No vanilla? A tiny drop of almond extract will do in a pinch as a quick substitution options .

Equipment Needed to Create your Own Homemade Caramels Candies

• Heavy bottomed 3-quart saucepan. This is essential to prevent burning.
• Candy thermometer. Absolutely crucial to get the right temperature!
• 8x8 inch baking pan.
• Parchment paper.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Rubber spatula.

Don't have a fancy pan? A regular saucepan will do, but watch it carefully! Parchment paper is a must. It makes getting the caramels out so much easier.

If you don't have a digital thermometer, no worries. An old-fashioned one works too. You just need to hit 245° F ( 118° C) .

With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to make amazing chewy caramel recipe from scratch. Seriously, homemade is so much better than store-bought.

Enjoy creating your very own butter caramels recipe ! And remember, making Homemade Caramels Candy it's all about having fun.

Cooking Method: Caramel Alchemy

Alright, let's talk Homemade Caramels Candy ! Honestly, making your own caramel is like a bit of magic, isn't it? Who doesn't love the Vanilla Caramels Recipe .

store-bought stuff just doesn't compare to that Easy Caramel Recipe . It's also a great dessert to gift out on Christmas.

The best thing is that you can be so original in the flavouring. It's something you can really play around with and adjust it to what you like.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: the mise en place . Get all your ingredients measured out before you even turn on the hob.

Trust me, you don't want to be faffing about trying to measure cream while your sugar's burning. We have 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Grab your 8x8 inch pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure you leave some overhang so you can easily lift the caramel out later.

Safety first: keep a bowl of ice water nearby in case of any hot sugar splatters. Ouch!

step-by-step: From Sugar to Sweetness

1. Combine 1 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of cream, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, and salt in your heavy bottomed saucepan.
2. Melt everything over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Once melted and combined, bring the mixture to a boil. Attach your candy thermometer.
4. Cook until the thermometer reaches 245° F ( 118° C) , the "firm ball" stage. No stirring now!
5. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract . Careful, it'll bubble up!
6. Pour into your prepared pan and let it cool completely. Then, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours .
7. Lift out the caramel, cut into 1 inch squares , and wrap. Boom! Homemade Caramel Candies !

Pro Tips: Caramel Confidence

The candy thermometer is your best mate here. It is the most important tool. Don't try and wing it! A common mistake is cooking the caramel too fast.

Low and slow is the way to go, preventing burning and uneven cooking.

You can totally make these ahead of time! The Chewy Caramel Recipe lasts for ages, especially if you wrap them well. Or try making Salted Caramels Recipe if you are feeling adventurous!

Honestly, making your own Homemade Caramel Candy Recipes is so rewarding. So give it a go!. You might make mistakes, but that's part of the fun, isn't it? It's just a matter of experimenting with How To Make Homemade Caramel so that you can create a Butter Caramels Recipe that perfectly satisfies your taste.

I have learned to embrace the mess, and to be patient with the process. It's always worth it in the end.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Homemade Caramels Candy

Right then, let's chat about those extra bits and bobs that'll make your Homemade Caramel Candies legendary. I always say, the devil's in the details, innit?

Sweet Serving Suggestions

Honestly, these Homemade Caramels Candy are gorgeous on their own. Think about a simple plate, sprinkled with a bit of sea salt.

Ooh, fancy! Serve them with a strong cuppa, proper English style. A glass of chilled milk works a treat too, especially for the little 'uns.

If you are up to, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent dessert. Think this is a treat? You haven't seen anything yet! You can add them in a homemade candy assortment for a special occasion.

Smart Storage Tips

Right, you've made a batch of utterly divine Vanilla Caramels Recipe . Now what? Keep them cool. Pop them in an airtight container.

Into the fridge they go. They'll be good for about 2 weeks. Want to keep them longer? I've never had caramels last that long in my house, but you can freeze them.

Wrap them individually first. They'll last for about 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge.

Fab Variations for Every Taste

Fancy a twist? Salted Caramels Recipe is where it's at! Just sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before they set.

Divine. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil instead of butter. It will drastically change the flavor and texture. So, use dairy-free butter instead! Easy Caramel Recipe with added sea salt, simple, yet satisfying.

Nutrition Lowdown (The Basics)

Okay, let's be real. These are Butter Caramels Recipe . They are a treat. But a small square is around 120 calories.

It has some fat and sugar. But hey, everything in moderation, right? And let's face it, a Chewy Caramel Recipe made with love is good for the soul.

So, there you have it! All my tips for making the most amazing How To Make Caramel Candy . Don't be scared to experiment and make them your own.

Get in that kitchen and get baking! I am sure you will be able to share this to friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Homemade Caramels Candy too hard or too soft?

Getting the right caramel consistency is a bit like Goldilocks not too hard, not too soft, but just right! This usually comes down to the temperature. If they're too hard, you likely cooked them above 245°F (118°C). If they're too soft, you didn't quite reach that "firm ball" stage.

A reliable candy thermometer is your best friend here; double check it’s accurate using the boiling water test before you begin!

Can I make salted caramel? I love that sweet and salty combo!

Absolutely! Salted caramel is a total crowd pleaser, isn't it? After pouring your Homemade Caramels Candy mixture into the prepared pan, sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of flaky sea salt evenly over the top. The salt complements the sweetness beautifully, adding a sophisticated edge to this classic treat.

Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a stylish fedora instantly elevates the whole experience.

How do I store Homemade Caramels Candy to keep them fresh?

Proper storage is key to keeping your caramels in tip-top shape. The best way to store them is individually wrapped in waxed paper or cellophane wrappers. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their texture.

Store the wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Can I substitute anything for the corn syrup in this recipe for Homemade Caramels Candy?

Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization and adds a smooth texture, but you can substitute it. Golden syrup is a great alternative, adding a slightly richer flavor perfect if you're channeling your inner Great British Bake Off contestant!

Honey can also be used, but it will impart a distinct honey flavor to the caramels, so use half the amount that the recipe has, taste, and adjust as needed.

Are there any healthier alternatives I can try with this Homemade Caramels Candy?

If you want to try a healthier version, you can try substituting the same amount of half and half instead of heavy cream. However, this will impact the texture and richness. You can also try using dairy-free butter, but note that using coconut oil will drastically change the flavor and texture.