Description
Soft, chewy homemade caramels made with butter, brown sugar, and condensed milk. Perfect for gifting, these easy caramels can be customized with sea salt, chocolate, or nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment
- Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Lightly grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Caramel
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Continue stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon.
- Monitor the Temperature
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pot.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage), about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Add Vanilla and Pour
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt (if using).
- Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, if desired.
- Cool and Cut
- Let the caramel set at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into squares or rectangles with a greased knife.
- Wrap for Storage
- Wrap each caramel in wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Salted Caramels: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Chocolate-Dipped Caramels: Dip pieces into melted chocolate and let harden.
- Nutty Caramels: Mix in finely chopped toasted nuts before pouring.
- Spiced Caramels: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- cooling time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dessert, candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade caramel, soft caramels, chewy caramel recipe, easy caramel candy, stovetop caramel