5.0 from 60 votes
Homemade Caramels Recipe
These Easy Homemade Cream Caramels are soft and chewy and buttery and oh so much fun to make! Make sure you have a good hour to make these as they really can't be rushed and need some attention and frequent stirring to prevent burning while the caramel flavor slowly develops.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
8 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 80 Caramels
Calories: 67 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup light or dark
- 3/4 cup salted butter cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups heavy cream divided
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch pan with a parchment paper sling. It helps to spray the pan with a little cooking spray first to help the parchment paper stick in place.
- In a large, heavy bottomed pot that is at least 4-quart capacity, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and 1 cup of the cream. Slowly heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Heat the remaining cream in a bowl in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. Slowly pour the cream into the caramel mixture, stirring constantly until combined.
- Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the caramel reaches 240-245°F on a candy thermometer. This can take quite a while! You can also test the caramel by dropping a spoonful in a bowl of cold water and shaping it into a ball. If it is pliable and soft but holds it's shape, then it is ready.
- Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared pan (it's very hot so don't get any on your fingers!). Do not scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Let the caramel cool completely for at least 8 hours or overnight before cutting into small squares.
- When the caramel is set, lift the parchment paper sling out of the pan and use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut out the caramels. Wrap individual caramels in 5-inch square pieces of wax paper, twisting the ends to secure.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Wrapped caramels will keep at room temperature for up to two weeks. Or you can freeze them for up to 1 month and thaw on the counter before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Calories
67kcal
(3%)
Carbohydrates
8g
(3%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
4g
(6%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
13mg
(4%)
Sodium
27mg
(1%)
Potassium
5mg
(0%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
141IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
5mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 80Caramels
Amount Per Serving
Calories 67
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 67kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 27mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 5mg | 0% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 141IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 5mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.