Heavenly Homemade Soft Caramel Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Crafting a heavenly homemade soft caramel recipe brings pure joy to kitchen adventures.

Sweet moments start with simple ingredients and a dash of patience.

Sugar transforms magically under gentle heat, creating golden amber perfection.

Creamy textures emerge from careful stirring and precise temperature control.

Professional bakers know the secret lies in watching closely and trusting instincts.

Delicate caramel whispers promises of indulgence and comfort in every bite.

A pinch of salt balances the rich sweetness, making each morsel irresistible.

You’ll want to savor this decadent treat slowly and share with someone special.

Why Homemade Soft Caramel Tastes So Rich

• Tackle Minimal Ingredients: Create delectable caramel treats with just a handful of basic pantry staples, eliminating complicated shopping trips.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn professional-level candy making through straightforward steps that transform ordinary ingredients into luxurious golden caramels.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Craft homemade caramels faster than running to the store, enjoying a rewarding culinary experience with minimal equipment and maximum satisfaction.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with flavor variations by adding nuts, chocolate drizzles, or different salt types to personalize your sweet creation.

What Goes Into Homemade Soft Caramel

• Sugar: A foundational ingredient that transforms into a rich, golden liquid.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth caramel texture.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create an even heating process.
• Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the caramel's deep flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, creamy consistency and softens the caramel's intensity.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, complex flavor to complement the caramel's sweetness.

• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall depth of the caramel flavor.

How To Cook Homemade Soft Caramel Smoothly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water
• Butter

Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Let the mixture dissolve and bubble without stirring, occasionally swirling the pan to distribute heat evenly.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Continue cooking until the caramel transforms into a deep amber color, around 8-10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning or scorching.

Step 4: Add Cream Carefully

Remove pan from heat and slowly pour in heavy cream. Stand back to avoid potential splattering from the intense reaction.

Step 5: Whisk Smooth

Whisk vigorously to incorporate cream and create a uniform, smooth consistency. Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture.

Step 6: Stabilize Caramel

Return the pan to low heat, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to stabilize the caramel’s texture.

Step 7: Flavor Enhancement

• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

Stir in vanilla and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the caramel.

Step 8: Pour and Cool

Pour the molten caramel into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let cool at room temperature for 2 hours or refrigerate for faster setting until firm but slightly pliable.

Step 9: Cut and Wrap

Lift caramel from pan using parchment edges. Slice into desired shapes and wrap individually in wax paper for storage.

Helpful Tricks For Homemade Soft Caramel Success

• Line Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges to create an easy-release surface and prevent caramel from sticking.
• Watch Caramel Color Closely: Monitor the amber hue carefully during cooking, as a few seconds can transform the flavor from rich to burnt.
• Prevent Splatter Protection: When adding cream, stand back and pour slowly to avoid dangerous hot liquid splattering.
• Salt Boosts Flavor: Sprinkle high-quality sea salt to enhance the caramel's depth and create a sophisticated sweet-savory balance.
• Wrap Individually: Store caramels in wax paper to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.

Fun Twists On Homemade Soft Caramel Recipes

• Maple Caramel Infusion: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile that enhances the caramel's natural sweetness.
• Coconut Cream Alternative: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream to create a dairy-free version with subtle tropical undertones.
• Sea Salt Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the caramel mixture, creating marbled chocolate-caramel strips for added complexity.
• Spiced Chai Caramel: Add ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger during the final mixing stage to transform the caramel into a warm, aromatic treat.

What Matches Well With Homemade Soft Caramel

• Boost Caramel Flavor Companions
• Pair Bold Red Wines: Select robust cabernet sauvignon or merlot to complement caramel's rich sweetness, creating an elegant taste experience that enhances dessert complexity.
• Sprinkle Nutty Crunch: Add toasted almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts around caramel pieces to introduce delightful textural contrast and earthy undertones that elevate the treat's depth.
• Match Warm Spiced Beverages: Brew dark roast coffee with cinnamon or serve chai tea alongside caramels, allowing warm spices to highlight sweet buttery notes and create a comforting sensory journey.

Keep Homemade Soft Caramel Soft And Sweet

• Store caramels in an airtight container between parchment layers for up to 2 weeks, keeping them cool and preventing stick-together situations.
• Wrap individual caramels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, preserving freshness for 3 months; thaw at room temperature for soft texture.
• Keep caramels in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, maintaining quality for 1 week; place wax paper between pieces to prevent melding.
• Always use clean, dry hands when handling; store with small silica gel packet to absorb excess humidity and maintain perfect caramel consistency.

Questions About Homemade Soft Caramel Answered

• Can I use a different type of salt?

Sea salt provides a complex flavor, but you can substitute with kosher salt or flaky salt. Avoid table salt as it’s too fine and can make the caramel taste overly salty.

• How do I know when the caramel is the right color?

Look for a deep amber shade similar to a copper penny. The color develops quickly, so watch carefully to prevent burning. If it starts to smoke or smell burnt, it’s too dark.

• What if my caramel becomes grainy or crystallizes?

Avoid stirring during cooking, as sugar crystals can cause graininess. Use a clean pastry brush with water to wash down sugar crystals from the pan’s sides, or start over if crystallization occurs.

Homemade Soft Caramel Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth homemade soft caramel delivers sweet comfort straight from your kitchen, melting hearts with its golden richness. Delicate sugar strands swirl into creamy perfection, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Flavor Enhancers:

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

Cooking Additives:

• 2 tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Prepare a square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring edges overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, positioning the pan over medium-high heat.
3. Allow the mixture to dissolve and bubble without stirring, gently swirling the pan occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
4. Continue cooking until the caramel reaches a deep amber color, approximately 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid scorching.
5. Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in heavy cream, standing back to avoid potential splattering from the intense reaction.
6. Whisk vigorously to incorporate cream and create a smooth, uniform consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
7. Return the pan to low heat, stirring continuously for an additional 2-3 minutes to stabilize the caramel’s texture.
8. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the caramel.
9. Immediately pour the molten caramel into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
10. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting, until firm but still slightly pliable.
11. Lift the caramel from the pan using parchment edges, slice into desired shapes, and wrap individually in wax paper for storage.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots and ensure even heat distribution during caramel cooking.
• Avoid stirring the sugar mixture directly; instead, gently swirl the pan to promote even caramelization without crystallizing the sugar.
• Consider using a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, aiming for 350°F (175°C) to achieve the perfect deep amber color without burning.
• Create flavor variations by adding different extracts like almond or replacing sea salt with smoked salt for a unique twist on traditional caramel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg