Cranberry Pomegranate Caramels
Ingredients
- 2 cno sugar added pomegranate juice
freshly squeezed if possible. you'll need 3 large or 4 smaller pomegranates to yield 2 cups of juice
- 2 cno sugar added cranberry juice
- ¾ cgranulated white sugar
- ¾ clight brown sugar
- 1 cunsalted butter
cut into cubes
- ⅓ cheavy cream
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- 1 tspkosher or sea salt
- peel from 1/2 of an orange
pith removed
Directions
- 1
If making freshly squeezed pomegranate juice: Start by juicing the pomegranates. Add all of the pomegranate arils to a vacuum sealed bag or just a regular zip lock, remove all of the air, and gently roll with a rolling pin until you've "popped" all of the arils without crushing the seeds inside. Try to get as much juice out of each aril as possible.
- 2
Strain the pomegranate arils through a fine mesh sieve. Press down on the arils with the back of a spoon to remove as much juice as possible.
- 3
Add the pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, and orange peel to a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium low. The mixture should be gently simmering and it should bubble up a lot when whisked.
- 4
Let it reduce until there's about 1/2-3/4 cup of syrup. It's done when you can drag a spatula across the bottom of the pan and the syrup takes a moment to cover the exposed area again. It should be thick and should cover the back of a spoon.
- 5
While the syrup is reducing, lightly spray an 8x8" pan and line with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper covers the sides of the pan so the caramel is easy to remove.
- 6
Remove the orange peel with tongs, then add in both sugars, butter, and heavy cream. Keep the heat on medium low and stir until everything is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and increase the heat to medium. Bring to a boil.
- 7
If you want a softer caramel, heat to 245˚F to 250˚F. For a harder caramel, heat to 255˚F to 260˚F (this is what we do). Once it reaches your desired temperature, remove from the heat, then immediately whisk in the vanilla and salt, and carefully pour into the prepared pan.
- 8
Place in the refrigerator for about an hour and a half to cool and set. Once the caramels are set, remove the caramels from the pan and place on a cutting board. Keep the parchment underneath the caramels, otherwise if will stick to the cutting board.
- 9
Using a knife lightly greased with cooking spray, cut the caramels into roughly 1/2" x 1 1/2" rectangles. Wrap the individual caramels in wax paper.
Cranberry Pomegranate Caramels
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About this Recipe
Craving a homemade holiday treat that's both festive and incredibly delicious? These Cranberry Pomegranate Caramels deliver a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every chewy bite, making them an ideal edible gift or a delightful indulgence for yourself.
What sets these delightful caramels apart is their exquisite flavor profile, where the bright, zesty notes of cranberry and the rich, deep sweetness of pomegranate juice combine beautifully with classic caramel. Beyond their incredible taste, their stunning, all-natural vibrant red color makes them truly stand out on any holiday platter, showcasing a homemade touch that feels extra special.
Prepare for a truly delightful and festive experience with these elegant caramels. You'll discover a wonderfully chewy texture that melts in your mouth, starting with an initial burst of tart fruitiness from the cranberry and pomegranate, quickly followed by the comforting warmth of sweet caramel. The subtle addition of orange peel adds an aromatic complexity that elevates the overall flavor, making each naturally colorful caramel a sophisticated confection perfect for savoring slowly.
These Cranberry Pomegranate Caramels are absolutely delicious on their own, but for an extra layer of decadence, you can dip them in rich dark chocolate. This creates a beautiful contrast and an even more luxurious treat. Feel free to adjust the amount of kosher or sea salt to your personal preference, achieving your ideal balance of sweet and salty.
These caramels shine as a thoughtful homemade holiday gift, beautifully wrapped for friends, family, or hostess gifts. They're also an excellent addition to any festive dessert platter, perfect for special occasion gatherings, or simply enjoyed as a sophisticated afternoon treat alongside a warm cup of tea or your favorite coffee. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them a memorable offering.