Homemade Salted Caramels

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Homemade salt caramels are more than just a sweet treat; they are a delightful indulgence that brings warmth and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. I remember the first time I tried making them at home. The fragrant aroma of melting butter combined with sweet sugar filled my kitchen, and the soft, chewy texture was pure magic. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply indulging during a cozy movie night, these homemade salted caramels are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Reasons to Try It

What makes this recipe so enticing is its simplicity combined with the luxurious flavor of homemade confections. It’s not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; making your own salted caramels can save money compared to store-bought options, plus they are a great way to impress friends and family with your kitchen prowess. Perfect for special occasions, gifts, or just to enjoy yourself, these caramels are versatile enough to suit any mood.

"These homemade salted caramels are absolutely divine! The balance of sweet and salty is perfection. They’re great for gifts, but good luck giving them away when you try one!" – A delighted home chef

The Cooking Process Explained

Creating your own salted caramels might sound daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s an enjoyable experience. This recipe involves melting components, cooking sugar to the perfect consistency, and adding a creamy touch that results in the most deliciously chewy caramels. You’ll need to pay attention to temperatures and timing, but don’t worry! I’ll walk you through each step of the way.

What You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list to get started on this delightful adventure:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into 8 pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Feel free to swap out unsalted butter for salted if needed, but be cautious with the added salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Begin by greasing a 9×5" bread pan with nonstick cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to lift the caramels later.
2. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick spray and set it aside.
3. In a medium glass bowl, combine the butter and heavy cream. Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, stirring until the butter is fully melted.
4. Meanwhile, in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, mix together the water and corn syrup. Gradually add the granulated sugar, stirring gently until dissolved.
5. Bring this mixture to a boil, covering for 1 minute to prevent crystallization.
6. After a minute, remove the lid and insert a candy thermometer. Allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches 320°F.
7. Take the cream mixture and pour in a small amount at a time, stirring gently after each addition.
8. Cook until the candy temperature hits 240°F, which should take about another 5-10 minutes.
9. Carefully pour the candy into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
10. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and let it cool completely for 3-4 hours.
11. To serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the caramels out of the pan, then slice into 1" squares. Enjoy your sweet creation!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These delectable homemade salted caramels can be served in a variety of ways. Present them on a beautiful platter drizzled with extra caramel sauce or chocolate for an elegant touch. Pair them with hot cocoa for a comforting winter night in, or wrap them individually as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They also make an excellent addition to charcuterie boards, bringing a sweet contrast to salty cheeses.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store your caramels, wrap them individually in wax paper, which prevents them from sticking together. Place the wrapped pieces in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a month, but make sure to allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture when you’re ready to indulge again.

Tricks for Success

1. Use a candy thermometer for accurate results; caramel making is precise business.
2. Keep an eye on the mixture as it boils, as sugar can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
3. If you notice any sugar crystals forming around the edges of your pan, you can wash them down with a wet pastry brush to ensure a smooth caramel.
4. Patience is key: Don’t rush the cooling process, as it benefits the texture and flavor.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Consider infusing your caramels with flavors such as vanilla, espresso, or even a dash of bourbon. You can also try topping them with different types of sprinkled salts, such as smoked sea salt, for an interesting twist. Another idea is to incorporate nuts, like toasted pecans or almonds, directly into the caramels for added texture.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for homemade salted caramels?
The prep time is around 10-15 minutes, with an additional cooling time of several hours.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half in a pinch, but this will change the texture slightly, making them less creamy.

How do I prevent my caramel from hardening too much?
Be sure to monitor the temperature closely. Overcooking will lead to hard candy; take it off heat at the right temperature for chewy caramels.

Embark on your journey to homemade salted caramels with this guide, and discover the joy of creating your own sweet temptations—happy cooking!

Salted Caramels

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Indulge in these delightful homemade salted caramels that offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for special occasions or cozy nights in.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 70

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Caramels

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into 8 pieces Feel free to swap for salted butter, but reduce the added salt.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Can substitute with half-and-half, but it will change the texture.
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt Flavors the caramels and adds a touch of salty contrast.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Grease a 9x5" bread pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to lift the caramels later.
2. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Cooking

1. In a medium glass bowl, combine the butter and heavy cream. Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, stirring until the butter is fully melted.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, mix together the water and corn syrup. Gradually add the granulated sugar, stirring gently until dissolved.
3. Bring this mixture to a boil, covering for 1 minute to prevent crystallization.
4. After a minute, remove the lid and insert a candy thermometer. Allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches 320°F.
5. Carefully pour in the cream mixture a small amount at a time, stirring gently after each addition.
6. Cook until the candy temperature hits 240°F, which should take about another 5-10 minutes.
7. Pour the candy into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and let it cool completely for 3-4 hours.

Serving

1. Use the parchment overhang to lift the caramels out of the pan, then slice into 1" squares.
2. Enjoy your sweet creation!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 50mgSugar: 8g

Notes

Wrap individual caramels in wax paper to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a month.

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