Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something downright magical about homemade caramels. If you’ve ever walked by a candy shop, been drawn in by the sweet scent, and thought, “I wish I could make that at home,” then this recipe is just for you. Imagine the rich, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace while you mix and stir the ingredients.
These caramels are not just a treat; they are an experience filled with delightful memories. Picture making these with your kids after school or wrapping them as gifts for your friends. They are soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth, making them perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or cozy brunches. Plus, they are so much fun to make, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned baker.
So let’s dive into this cozy adventure of creating your very own soft and chewy caramels. Grab your apron and let’s bring some delicious joy into your kitchen!
how to make homemade soft and chewy caramels
Making caramels might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s simpler than it seems. Just like a good chat with a friend, the process is rewarding and full of laughter. Here’s how we do it:
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
Gather all these ingredients first. Trust me, having everything within reach will make your caramel adventure much smoother, like having your favorite mug ready for that comforting cup of tea.
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Start by preparing a 9×13-inch pan. Line it with parchment paper, which makes it easier to remove the caramels later. It’s like setting your stage for a delicious show!
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Combine the sugars and butter. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, and sea salt. This is where the magic begins!
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Bring it to a boil. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Keep a close eye on it! This is not the time to walk away.
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Add the evaporated milk. Once it’s boiling, slowly whisk in all that luscious evaporated milk, mixing well. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen starts to smell heavenly.
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Cook to the right temperature. Using a candy thermometer, cook the mixture until it reaches 238°F. This is the sweet spot for soft, chewy caramels. Patience is key here!
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Pour into the prepared pan. Once it reaches the right temperature, pour the hot mixture into your lined pan. Be careful; it’s hot, hot, hot!
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Cool and slice. Let the caramels cool for about 4-5 hours or until they feel firm to the touch. Once they’re ready, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares.
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Wrap those beauties. To keep them fresh, wrap each piece in wax paper or candy wrappers. You can even add a little bit of personality by using pretty wrapping paper.
There you have it! A batch of homemade caramels ready to delight your taste buds!
how to serve homemade soft and chewy caramels
Now that you’ve made these delicious caramels, how do you enjoy them? Well, the possibilities are as sweet as the caramels themselves!
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Snack time! Serve them as a delightful afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The soft texture will complement your beverage beautifully.
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Gift giving. Want to spread joy? Place a few caramels in a small box or a cute jar and tie it with a ribbon. Your friends will appreciate the homemade touch, and it makes for a heartfelt gift!
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Dessert topping. Craving something sweet on your ice cream? Crumble these caramels over vanilla ice cream for a heavenly sundae treat.
Remember, each bite creates a cozy moment, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
how to store homemade soft and chewy caramels
Storing your caramels properly will keep them fresh and chewy for a long time. Place your wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft for up to two weeks, although I doubt they’ll last that long!
If you want to keep them for even longer, you can store them in the freezer. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
tips to make homemade soft and chewy caramels
Making the perfect caramels comes down to a bit of practice and these handy tips:
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Invest in a good candy thermometer. This is essential for getting that perfect temperature for soft and chewy caramels. Remember, if the temperature is too low, they’ll be too soft, and too high will turn them hard.
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Stir consistently but gently. While cooking, keep that mixture moving! Stirring helps prevent the sugars from burning. But don’t whisk too aggressively; we want a smooth consistency, not air bubbles.
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Don’t rush the cooling process. Caramels might be tempting to slice before they’ve cooled completely, but patience is key! Wait for at least 4-5 hours, or overnight if you can resist. This will ensure they set properly and have that indulgently chewy texture.
variation (if any)
Feeling adventurous? Caramels can be dressed up in various ways!
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Add flavor. You can infuse your caramels with flavors like vanilla or even a touch of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
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Mix in nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts added to the mixture just before pouring it into the pan can give every bite a delightful crunch.
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Chocolate-dipped. For a decadent treat, dip finished caramels in melted chocolate and allow them to cool on parchment paper. It’s like a fancy dessert right at home!
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few more tips to make your caramel-making experience rewarding:
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Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan. This kind of pan distributes heat evenly and helps you avoid scorching your caramels.
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Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Using cold butter or cold ingredients can cause your mixture to seize up, making it difficult to achieve that smooth texture we all love.
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Be cautious with boiling sugar. The hot sugar mixture can be dangerous. Keep kids at a safe distance while you’re pouring and handling hot caramel.
Serving Ideas
Serving caramels doesn’t have to be mundane. Here are some friendly, cozy suggestions:
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Caramel apple bar. Set up a fun caramel apple station! Slice up fresh apples and allow people to dip them in melted caramel. This is a hit at fall gatherings!
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Caramel and popcorn treat. Drizzle the melted caramels over freshly popped popcorn for a movie night snack that everyone will love.
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Tea party addition. Serve them during your next tea party for a sweet touch. Pair with your favorite black tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
FAQs
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Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need a larger pot to avoid spills, and it may take a bit longer to heat up. -
What if my caramels are too hard?
If they seem too hard, perhaps they were cooked past the right temperature. You can try reheating them gently with a bit of cream to soften. -
Do I need a thermometer?
While you can make caramels without one, a candy thermometer will give you more consistent and reliable results. -
Can I add flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, spices, or even liqueurs to create unique flavors.
Quick Recap
Making homemade soft and chewy caramels is a delightful and heartwarming experience. From the intoxicating aroma filling your home to the sweet, luscious bites that bring smiles, every step is a joy.
Gather your family this weekend, and don your aprons! This simple recipe opens the door to wonderful memories, whether it’s enjoying them by the fire or gifting them to a friend. Bake this weekend, and you’ll be glad you did!
Soft and Chewy Caramels
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar This is the primary sweetener.
- 1 cup brown sugar Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) Brings a creamy texture.
- 2 cups light corn syrup Prevents crystallization for smooth caramels.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt Enhances flavor.
- 24 ounces evaporated milk Gives caramels their creamy consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare a 9x13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Gather all the ingredients for easier cooking.
Cooking
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, and sea salt.
- Heat the mixture on medium, stirring occasionally until sugars dissolve and come to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, slowly whisk in the evaporated milk.
- Using a candy thermometer, cook until the mixture reaches 238°F.
- Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan carefully.
Cooling and Wrapping
- Let the caramels cool for about 4-5 hours or until firm to the touch.
- Lift the caramels out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.
- Wrap each piece in wax paper or candy wrappers for freshness.