Chocolate covered caramels sprinkled with salt flakes are one of my daughter Melissa and my daughter-in-love Melissa’s favorite holiday treats. Every time I buy them, I say to myself, “I can make these!”. After researching a lot of recipes and YouTube videos I discovered I had my work cut out for me. Making a delicious caramel candy would be important in assuring this chocolate covered confection is a success!
With everything laid out, I began to combine the sugars, cream, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan, stirring over medium heat until everything melted together. The sweet aroma filled my kitchen, elevating my holiday spirit.
However, things took a turn for the worse in the final minutes of cooking. In an unfortunate lapse of judgment, I decided to step away from the stove to retrieve an Amazon delivery from the front porch, thinking the caramel would be fine on its own for just a moment. I had read numerous recipes that suggested constant stirring, especially as the sugar began to reach its final temperature. Alas, my impatience led to my downfall.
My first batch emerged from its cooking phase with dark specks and an unsettling grainy texture. Though I tried to salvage it, I realized I had created a cautionary tale rather than the smooth, creamy caramel I had envisioned. To say I was sad is an understatement; I had sacrificed my precious candy for a moment of distraction. See photos below (left is my first attempt/right is my second)↓.
Excited to whip up some caramel candy for the festive season, I gathered my ingredients (once again), eager to dive into the world of sugar and butter.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 grams) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1½ cups (354 grams) evaporated milk (the equivalent of one 12 fl oz can)
- 1½ cups (360 grams) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (260 grams) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (113 grams) salted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
First, line an 8×8 inch (or similar size) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make it easier to remove the caramel once it has set. Set aside until ready to use.
In a large, heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, heavy cream, corn syrup, butter and salt. Place over medium heat. Stir well to combine the ingredients evenly.
Stir the mixture continuously until it is well combined. It’s important to monitor the mixture closely; this will prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once it reaches a boiling point, reduce the heat to medium-low. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, stirring to prevent sticking or burning.
Continue to cook the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 240°F (115°C). This is the “soft ball” stage, which is essential for achieving the perfect chewy texture in your caramel candies. Be patient, as this can take up to 50-60 minutes of slow cooking. It is important not to rush this process. Trust me, it is well worth the time and patience. 😉
Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. This will add richness and flavor to your caramel.
Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a uniform thickness. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for several hours, or preferably overnight, until it has fully set.
Once the caramel has cooled completely, remove it from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into squares or rectangles. To keep them fresh, wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment paper individually. I like to get some help with this project…thank you, Babe, I really appreciate your help!
My hubby wrapping the candy. Enjoy Your Homemade Caramel Candy!
Now that your homemade caramel candy is ready, you can enjoy it as a delightful treat or share it with loved ones. These candies make for excellent gifts during the holidays or special occasions and can be added to dessert platters for an elegant touch.
Experiment with variations by adding nuts, sea salt toppings, or even a splash of different flavored extracts to personalize your caramel. I took these caramels to the next level by covering them with Lindt dark milk chocolate.
The heartwarming process of making candy at home is as sweet as the treats themselves. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the glorious world of homemade caramel!
The Recipe for Success
Despite my initial setback, the allure of caramel candy remains strong. If you want to give it a go, here’s a guide to help ensure your caramel turns out beautifully:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you even start cooking, measure out all your ingredients. This will help you stay focused and minimize the chances of stepping away from the stove.
- Stir Constantly: As your mixture begins to heat, keep your wooden spoon moving. The sugars need your attention to dissolve evenly and achieve that perfect silky texture.
- Use a Candy Thermometer: For precision, invest in a candy thermometer. This will help you monitor the temperature closely until it reaches the desired soft ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
- Mind the Final Minutes: The final stages of cooking are crucial. Stay by the stove and continue stirring until your mixture reaches that lovely caramel shade and the right consistency.
- Cool and Cut: Once cooked, pour the caramel into a prepared pan and allow it to cool completely before cutting it into pieces. This step is essential for the candy’s texture.
- Covering Candy With Chocolate – This is an option. Melt 6 0z. Lindt chocolate in a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water. Do not let the water touch the bowl. You can also use a double boiler if you have one. Sprinkle with course Maldon sea salt (optional).
As the season of giving approaches, I encourage you to include homemade caramel on your list of treats to share with friends and family. With patience and the right techniques, you can enjoy the smooth, rich delight of homemade caramel candy, turning your kitchen into a winter wonderland of sweetness.
I hope you make these caramel treats, and if you do, please tag me on Instagram @goodeatsbymimi. I would love to hear from you and see your photos!