Grandma's Homemade Caramels
Ingredients
- 1 cunsalted butter
- 1sweetened condensed milk
- 1 clight corn syrup
- 2 cbrown sugar
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- ¼ tspsalt
Directions
- 1
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of softened butter to coat the bottom and sides of the dish. Apply with a piece of wax paper, parchment paper, or clean fingers to ensure an even layer and prevent sticking.
- 2
In a large saucepan melt 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
- 3
Once melted, add 1 (14 ounce can) sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup light corn syrup, and 2 cups brown sugar. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan regularly.
- 4
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Maintain a steady simmer and continue stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, between 235°F and 245°F (113°C and 118°C). At higher elevations, aim for the lower end of the temperature range; at sea level or lower elevations, use the upper end.
- 6
Once the caramel reaches the correct temperature, immediately remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully incorporated.
- 7
Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish. Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature, about 2 to 3 hours.
- 8
Once cooled, cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife. For individual servings, wrap each piece in wax paper.
Grandma's Homemade Caramels
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About this Recipe
Craving that melt-in-your-mouth, buttery soft caramel experience without the store-bought compromise? This recipe for Grandma's Homemade Caramels brings that nostalgic, rich flavor right to your kitchen, offering a truly foolproof method for candy making.
What sets these caramels apart is their incredible, consistently buttery soft texture, achieved through a method designed for success. You'll learn how to create perfect caramels whether you prefer to use a candy thermometer or achieve perfection by eye, making this recipe accessible to all home cooks.
Prepare yourself for an indulgent treat that delivers on its promise of classic caramel goodness. Each piece of Grandma's Homemade Caramels offers a deep, comforting sweetness, perfectly balanced by a subtle hint of salt from the recipe's inclusion and the warm, aromatic embrace of pure vanilla extract. The texture is wonderfully chewy yet tender, dissolving luxuriously on your tongue, far superior to any pre-packaged variety. This dessert is a truly rewarding endeavor, transforming simple, pantry-staple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk into something truly special. It’s a delightful project that culminates in a confection tasting like pure, joyful nostalgia, embodying the care and warmth of homemade treats.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability for your cooking style. You can confidently achieve these delectable, buttery soft caramels using the foolproof method whether you choose to rely on a candy thermometer for precision or prefer a more intuitive approach. This flexibility ensures perfect results every time, regardless of your equipment.
These homemade caramels are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful gesture. Perfect for holiday gifting, a sweet ending to any meal, or simply a luxurious treat enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, they bring warmth and joy wherever they go.