Indulge your sweet tooth with this irresistible homemade caramel candy recipe.
With its rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture, these delectable treats are sure to satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat for yourself, homemade caramel candy is a timeless classic that never fails to impress.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delicious confections from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Candy thermometer
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish or parchment-lined pan
- Knife
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients: Before you begin, measure out all the ingredients and have them ready to go. This will help ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cook the Caramel: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and heavy cream.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Monitor the Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it does not touch the bottom.
Continue to cook the caramel, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on the thermometer.
This is the soft-ball stage, which is perfect for making caramel candy.
Add Flavorings: Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the caramel and give it a delicious depth.
Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish or pan.
Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until firm, which may take several hours.
Cut into Pieces: Once the caramel has cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut it into individual pieces or bars.
Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 1 ounce)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 0g
Health Benefits
While caramel candy is undeniably indulgent and should be enjoyed in moderation, it does offer some potential health benefits.
For example, caramel candy made with real butter and cream provides small amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
Additionally, the act of making caramel candy from scratch can be a fun and rewarding activity that promotes creativity and mindfulness.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid over-salting the caramel.
2. How should I store homemade caramel candy?
Store caramel candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the candy.
3. Can I add nuts or other flavorings to the caramel?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the caramel candy by adding chopped nuts, sea salt, or other flavorings during the cooking process or sprinkling them on top before the caramel sets.
4. My caramel turned out too hard or too soft. What went wrong?
Achieving the perfect consistency with caramel can be tricky. Ensure that you cook the caramel to the correct temperature (soft-ball stage) and avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can cause crystallization.
5. Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to make more or fewer batches of caramel candy. Just be sure to use a larger or smaller saucepan accordingly and adjust the cooking time as needed.