Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the warm, buttery flavors of classic candy, then this Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Combining just a handful of simple pantry staples into a silky, luscious treat, these caramels boast a perfect balance of chewy texture and rich, buttery sweetness. Whether you want to impress friends with a thoughtful homemade gift or simply indulge yourself, this recipe promises a delightful experience from start to finish that is every bit as satisfying as store-bought candies but so much more personal and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Although this Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe calls for just a few ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in delivering that classic caramel flavor and texture you crave. From the creamy butter to the smooth corn syrup, every element works together to create candy magic.

• Granulated sugar: The primary sweetener that caramelizes and gives the candy its golden color and signature flavor.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses richness, deepening the caramel’s taste and enhancing its softness.
• Light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, ensuring the caramels stay smooth and chewy.
• Unsalted butter: Provides luscious creaminess and that irresistible buttery note you expect in caramel.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Heavy cream: Rich and velvety, it contributes to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the caramel’s flavor beautifully.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lightly buttering a 9×13-inch baking pan and lining it with parchment paper, allowing the edges to extend up the sides. This step is essential to ensure your caramels will come out cleanly and won’t stick, making cutting and wrapping much easier later on. Don’t forget to butter the parchment lightly as well – it’s a small trick that makes a big difference!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Begin Cooking

In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Over medium heat, stir constantly until everything melts and the mixture starts bubbling gently but not boiling hard. This stage takes about five minutes and is critical for marrying all flavors together and preventing the sugars from burning.

Step 3: Add the Cream Slowly

Once the sugars and butter have melted completely and the mixture is bubbling gently, it’s time to whisk in the heavy cream slowly. Adding it gradually while whisking keeps the texture smooth and prevents splattering hot caramel. This process should take about one minute, and patience here will pay off with that soft, chewy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Boil to the Right Temperature

Attach a candy thermometer to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir constantly. Your goal is to reach between 245°F and 248°F, which usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Reaching this temperature ensures the caramels set correctly with that perfect chewy bite. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of caramel into cold water; it should form a firm yet moldable ball.

Step 5: Final Touch and Cooling

Immediately remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract carefully. Pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan and let it cool completely at room temperature for about four hours. If you love a salty contrast, sprinkle some flaked sea salt on top after the caramel has cooled for 30 minutes. To speed things up, you can refrigerate the caramel, but remember to bring it back to room temperature before slicing for cleaner cuts and perfect softness.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on your caramels takes this sweet treat to a whole new level, highlighting the buttery flavor with a delightful salty twist. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal. These tiny details make your homemade candies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Caramels may seem like a standalone delight, but pairing them with a warm cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate can elevate your indulgence. The richness of the caramel balances perfectly with the bitterness or spice of these beverages, creating a cozy and comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual caramel squares in wax paper tied with a festive ribbon for thoughtful gifts or party favors. You can also layer them in decorative glass jars or cellophane bags, adding handwritten tags for a personal touch. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled caramels before they set for an elegant two-tone treat everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your homemade caramels will keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to one month when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and keep them somewhere cool and dry. Refrigeration can extend their freshness for several weeks but may slightly firm up the texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash away a larger batch for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap caramels individually in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can last for a few months frozen, and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

When you want to serve chilled caramels that have hardened, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting or eating. This helps soften them and prevents cracking. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture; gentle warming with your hands or natural thawing is best to preserve that soft and chewy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to stick with unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your caramels. Using salted butter could make the final treat a bit too salty, but if that’s all you have, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Why is corn syrup important in this recipe?

Corn syrup helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing during cooking, which is key to achieving the smooth, chewy texture that makes these caramels so irresistible.

What’s the best way to cut caramels evenly?

Use a sharp knife lightly buttered or warmed in hot water, then dried. Cutting after letting the caramel sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes results in clean, smooth squares.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almond extract, bourbon, or even a pinch of cinnamon to personalize the flavor. Just add these in the final step instead of vanilla.

How do I know when the caramel is cooked to perfection?

The candy thermometer is your best friend here. Cooking until 245°F to 248°F ensures the right texture. You can also use the cold water test by dropping a bit of caramel in chilled water to check if it forms a firm but pliable ball.

Final Thoughts

Making these Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels Recipe is such a rewarding and delicious project that anyone can enjoy. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and a sensational outcome, you’ll quickly see why these little nuggets of buttery heaven become a cherished classic. So grab your saucepan, invite a friend, and get ready for some caramel-making magic — your taste buds will thank you!

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