The Sweetest Homemade Soft Caramel Recipe for Candy Lovers

Sweet moments often begin with a homemade soft caramel that melts hearts instantly.

Crafting these golden treats requires minimal ingredients and simple kitchen skills.

Silky smooth textures emerge from careful sugar transformations.

Each amber-hued morsel carries memories of comfort and indulgence.

You can create magic with just a few pantry staples and patience.

Gentle stirring and precise temperature control unlock rich, buttery flavors.

Rich caramels await your culinary adventure, let’s make something deliciously unforgettable.

Why Homemade Soft Caramel Is Melt-In-Your-Mouth Good

• Craft a Sweet Masterpiece: Create luxurious homemade caramels that rival professional confections with simple kitchen techniques.
• Master Precision Cooking: Learn professional candy-making skills by carefully monitoring temperature and using specialized methods to prevent sugar crystallization.
• Customize Your Treat: Personalize caramels with optional sea salt sprinkle, making them perfect for gifting or special celebrations like holidays and gatherings.
• Enjoy Long-Lasting Delights: Store these delectable caramels for weeks, allowing you to prepare ahead and always have a delicious treat on hand.

What You Need For Homemade Soft Caramel

• Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that provides the base and structure for the caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the caramel mixture.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes to the creamy consistency and provides a deep, rich flavor.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aromatic notes.
• Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness and elevates the caramel's complexity.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a finishing touch of flavor and creates a beautiful visual garnish.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of caramel from the baking pan and prevents sticking.
• Silicone Spatula: Helps spread the caramel evenly and scrape the pan cleanly.
• Sharp Knife: Used for cutting the caramel into precise, uniform squares.

Steps To Make Homemade Soft Caramel From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over two sides. Lightly grease the exposed sides to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

• Granulated sugar
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Light corn syrup

Gently stir ingredients until blended.

Step 3: Heat Caramel Mixture

Place saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow mixture to dissolve without stirring to prevent sugar crystals from forming.

Step 4: Monitor Temperature

Attach a candy thermometer to the pan’s side. Watch carefully as the mixture begins to bubble and caramelize.

Step 5: Cook to Perfect Stage

Continue heating until the mixture reaches exactly 248°F (firm ball stage). This typically takes 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Final Flavors

• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

Incorporate thoroughly without deflating the caramel.

Step 7: Pour and Spread

Transfer molten caramel to prepared pan. Use a silicone spatula to spread evenly and eliminate air bubbles.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Let caramel rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours until completely firm and set.

Step 9: Cut Caramels

Lift caramel from pan using parchment paper overhang. Slice into small squares using a sharp, oiled knife.

Step 10: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle flaky sea salt over cut caramels for an extra flavor boost and beautiful presentation.

Step 11: Store Properly

Keep caramels in an airtight container between parchment paper layers. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tips To Master Homemade Soft Caramel

• Prevent Sugar Crystals: Avoid stirring while heating to ensure smooth, crystal-free caramel that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Master Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate 248°F reading, which guarantees the ideal chewy texture.
• Slice Like a Pro: Oil your knife before cutting to prevent sticky caramels from clinging to the blade, creating clean, neat pieces.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Sprinkle flaky sea salt to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast that elevates the caramel's richness.
• Store Smartly: Keep caramels between parchment paper layers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

Sweet Variations On Homemade Soft Caramel

• Maple Pecan Caramels: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before setting for a nutty, woodland-inspired treat.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Caramels: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter, creating a rich vegan alternative.
• Espresso Sea Salt Caramels: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of strong espresso powder during the final whisking stage for a deep, complex coffee undertone.
• Low-Sugar Caramels: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener and reduce quantity, maintaining similar cooking techniques for a lighter version.

Perfect Pairings With Homemade Soft Caramel

• Pair Decadent Caramels with Rich Beverages: Complement the sweet, buttery caramels with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, which offer deep, complex notes that enhance the caramel's richness.
• Match Caramels with Artisan Spirits: Sip smooth bourbon or aged whiskey alongside these sea salt caramels, as the spirits' warm, oak-aged flavors create a luxurious taste experience that highlights the caramel's depth.
• Create Unexpected Flavor Combinations: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee or espresso to serve with the caramels, allowing the bitter undertones to beautifully balance the caramel's intense sweetness and highlight the sea salt's subtle crunch.

How To Store Homemade Soft Caramel Without Getting Sticky

• Wrap individual caramels in wax paper or parchment, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Ensure caramels are separated to prevent sticking.
• Place caramels in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep caramels in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container. Separate pieces with parchment paper to prevent clumping. Consume within 2 weeks for best texture and flavor.

Top Questions About Homemade Soft Caramel

• Why is using a candy thermometer crucial for this recipe?

A candy thermometer ensures precise temperature control, which is critical for achieving the perfect caramel texture without burning or undercooking the mixture.

• How can I prevent sugar crystallization when making caramels?

Avoid stirring the mixture while it’s heating and ensure all sugar crystals are dissolved before the caramel reaches its final temperature to prevent grainy texture.

• What's the purpose of corn syrup in this caramel recipe?

Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, creates a smoother texture, and provides a more stable, glossy consistency to the caramel.

• Why should I use unsalted butter in this recipe?

Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely and prevents potential over-salting of the caramel.

Homemade Soft Caramel Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky homemade soft caramel invites sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen, melting effortlessly on warm pastries. Creamy golden strands promise pure indulgence for passionate dessert enthusiasts who crave authentic, luxurious treats.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp flaky sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal, and lightly grease the exposed sides.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup, stirring gently to blend ingredients evenly.
3. Position the saucepan over medium-high heat, allowing the mixture to dissolve without stirring, which prevents sugar crystallization.
4. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, monitoring the temperature carefully as the mixture begins to bubble and caramelize.
5. Continue cooking without disturbing the mixture until it reaches exactly 248°F (firm ball stage), which typically takes 12-15 minutes.
6. Immediately remove the pan from heat and quickly whisk in vanilla extract and sea salt, ensuring thorough incorporation without deflating the caramel.
7. Carefully pour the molten caramel into the prepared pan, using a silicone spatula to spread it evenly and prevent air bubbles.
8. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours until completely set and firm to the touch.
9. Lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, then slice into small squares using a sharp, oiled knife.
10. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the cut caramels for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
11. Store the caramels in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning, which helps create smooth, consistent caramel with no bitter spots.
• Avoid stirring during caramelization to prevent sugar crystallization, allowing the mixture to transform naturally into a golden, glossy caramel.
• Monitor temperature precisely with a candy thermometer, as even a few degrees can dramatically change the caramel’s texture from soft and chewy to hard and brittle.
• Enhance flavor by experimenting with different salt varieties like Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg