Description
This Easy Homemade Caramels recipe yields smooth, creamy, and perfectly chewy caramels made from simple ingredients. With a careful slow cooking process on the stovetop and precise temperature control, these caramels achieve the ideal soft ball stage for the perfect texture. Wrapped in wax paper, they make a delightful homemade gift or treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light golden sugar preferred)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Line an 8×6 glass baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the caramel does not stick once poured.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized pot, add white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and butter together.
- Cook the mixture: Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 250°F, which takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Stir more often as the temperature nears 250°F because it rises quickly. For softer and chewier caramels, cook to the soft ball stage, between 235°F and 240°F.
- Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Pour into dish: Transfer the hot caramel mixture carefully into the parchment-lined baking dish.
- Cool down: Let the caramel cool at room temperature for at least one hour to firm up.
- Cut and wrap: Once cooled, cut into squares and individually wrap each piece in wax paper for storage and gifting.
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer is crucial for accurate temperature and perfect caramel texture.
- For chewier caramels, aim for the soft ball stage (235°F – 240°F); for firmer caramels, cook to 250°F.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to make removal easier and cleanup simpler.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature to keep freshness.
- If the caramel hardens too much, gently warm pieces to soften before eating.
