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Homemade Caramels Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 135 reviews

This classic caramel recipe yields rich, buttery caramels with a perfect chewy texture and a hint of sea salt. Made with a simple combination of sugars, butter, corn syrup, and evaporated milk, these homemade caramels are a delightful treat, perfect for gift-giving or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Ingredients

  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 24 ounces evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire base and sides for easy removal of the caramels.
  2. Combine sugars and butter: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, corn syrup, and sea salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugars and melt the butter evenly.
  3. Add evaporated milk gradually: Slowly add the evaporated milk to the boiling sugar mixture while whisking and stirring constantly. Add the milk very gradually to maintain the boil without cooling the mixture. This process should take about 20 minutes to carefully incorporate the milk.
  4. Cook to temperature: Reduce the heat to medium-low, attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, and continue stirring often. Heat until the mixture reaches 238°F (the soft-ball stage), then immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
  5. Pour and cool: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan, spreading evenly. Let it cool at room temperature on the counter for 4 to 5 hours until it is set and firm enough to cut.
  6. Slice the caramels: Wet a sharp knife with cold water to prevent sticking, and cut the set caramel into 10 rows across and 8 rows lengthwise, or your desired size and shape for individual pieces.
  7. Wrap the caramels: Wrap each caramel piece in wax paper squares or pre-cut candy wrappers to keep them from sticking and preserve freshness.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat and prevent burning.
  • Constant stirring is important to avoid scorching and to achieve a smooth texture.
  • Use a candy thermometer to accurately measure temperature; the soft-ball stage is essential for chewy caramels.
  • Cooling time is important; do not rush as the caramel needs to fully set before cutting.
  • Wrapping each caramel individually helps prevent them from sticking together.
  • Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Keywords: caramels, homemade caramel, chewy caramel, candy recipe, classic caramels, butter caramel, candy making

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/homemade-caramels-recipe/