Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels
Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 sticks butter
1 cup
- 2 cups white corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 12 oz. cans evaporated milk
Directions
- 1
Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- 2
Melt the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt together in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. (A stainless steel pot works best for these caramels.)
- 3
Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the evaporated milk a little at a time, taking 10-15 minutes per can and stirring constantly. A labor of love indeed.
- 4
Once all the milk is added use a candy thermometer and bring the mixture to 238F-240F and not any hotter! Even a few degrees hotter will make them chewy instead of soft. (This will take another 15 minutes or so!) I highly recommend double checking the temperature with an instant read thermometer as it comes to temperature.
- 5
Immediately pour into the prepared pan and cool completely. (Once the caramels are cool - I recommend freezing them for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Or you can refrigerate them for a few hours. You don't want them to be frozen solid, but if they're cold this helps the caramels hold their shape when cutting/wrapping.) Cut and serve. Enjoy!
Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels
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Based on 290 ratings
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of that melt-in-your-mouth, classic caramel flavor that only homemade can deliver? This recipe for Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels is exactly what you need, promising a treat so delicious you'll want to make it an annual tradition.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes these caramels truly special is their tried-and-true heritage. Hailing from an old church cookbook and beloved by hundreds of reviewers, this isn't just any caramel recipe—it's a time-tested classic. The careful balance of butter, sugar, and evaporated milk, enhanced by white corn syrup, ensures a consistently soft and buttery texture that sets these homemade caramels apart from anything store-bought.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. These caramels boast a rich, deeply satisfying sweetness, perfectly balanced by a hint of salt. Each bite is tender and yields beautifully, dissolving slowly on your tongue with that unmistakable, comforting taste of traditional caramel. While candy-making can feel like a project, the rewarding outcome of these decadent, chewy squares makes every moment worthwhile. You'll finish with a batch of beautifully golden, truly irresistible caramels.
Customization & Variations
While delicious on their own, these soft caramels can be easily customized to your liking.
- For a contrasting flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramels just after pouring them into the pan.
- Stir in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts right before spreading the caramel for a nutty crunch.
- A touch of vanilla extract (if you have it on hand) can be added to the mixture for an extra layer of warmth, though the recipe is perfect as is.
Serving & Context
These Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels are perfect for sharing, making them an ideal gift during the holidays, especially around Christmas. Wrap them individually in wax paper, arrange them in a festive box, and delight friends and family with a taste of homemade goodness.