Indulge in the rich, buttery delight of Homemade Caramels, a classic sweet treat that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Making caramels at home is a rewarding experience, filled with the aromatic blend of butter and sugars transforming into golden, chewy goodness. This recipe guides you through the process of creating these little bites of heaven, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, sharing with loved ones, or gifting during special occasions. Let’s begin our journey to caramel perfection!
Homemade Caramels Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Provides a rich, creamy base.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Delivers a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Light Corn Syrup (1 cup): Gives the caramels their signature chewy texture.
- Evaporated Milk (12 ounces can): Contributes to the creamy consistency.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the sweet flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): A hint of vanilla for aromatic depth.
Instructions:
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy caramel removal.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt butter with sugars, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat, stirring until boiling.
- Add Evaporated Milk: Gradually incorporate the evaporated milk, stirring constantly. Keep at a boil.
- Check for “Soft Ball” Stage: Cook until the mixture reaches 238°F or forms a pliable ball in ice water.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat, carefully stir in vanilla.
- Set Caramels: Pour into the prepared pan, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cut and Wrap: Lift caramels out, cut into squares, and optionally wrap in wax paper for gifting.
Servings: About 20-25 caramels, depending on size.
Preparation & Cooking Time: About 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per caramel):
- Calories: ~150-170 kcal
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~6-7g (Saturated: ~4g)
- Carbohydrates: ~25-28g
- Sodium: ~50-60mg
- Sugar: ~23-25g
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the size of the caramels and the exact ingredients used.)
Homemade Caramels are a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors with a satisfying chewy texture. The process of making these caramels is as enjoyable as eating them, filled with the anticipation of that first delicious bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a thoughtful gift, or simply to enjoy at home, these caramels are sure to be a hit. So grab your saucepan, and get ready to create some sugary magic in your kitchen! Enjoy the caramel-making adventure!
