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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, positioning the pan over medium-high heat.
- Allow the mixture to dissolve and bubble without stirring, gently swirling the pan occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- Continue cooking until the caramel reaches a deep amber color, approximately 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid scorching.
- Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in heavy cream, standing back to avoid potential splattering from the intense reaction.
- Whisk vigorously to incorporate cream and create a smooth, uniform consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Return the pan to low heat, stirring continuously for an additional 2-3 minutes to stabilize the caramel’s texture.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the caramel.
- Immediately pour the molten caramel into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting, until firm but still slightly pliable.
- 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