Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own chewy caramels at home, the smell of butter and sugar bubbling away on your stovetop is about to become your new happy place. Easy Salted Caramels are the answer to both your sweet tooth and your craving for a crowd-pleasing treat. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can unveil glistening, golden caramels with that addictive sweet-salty balance and an irresistibly tender bite. Whether you want to impress guests, craft edible gifts, or simply enjoy a homemade indulgence, these easy caramels will have you hooked from the very first piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Salted Caramels comes down to just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating that luscious texture and signature flavor. Freshness and quality here really make a difference!
- Granulated Sugar: The backbone of caramel, it provides sweetness and the beautiful golden color when melted.
- Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent unwanted sugar crystals and ensures your caramels are nice and chewy rather than gritty.
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick): Rich and creamy, butter lends that unmistakable flavor and tender bite to each caramel.
- Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture—essential for creamy caramels!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor beautifully.
- Sea Salt (plus more for sprinkling): The secret weapon! Salt draws out the caramel’s complexity, adding that delightful sweet-and-salty pop.
- Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the caramels lift effortlessly from the pan.
How to Make Easy Salted Caramels
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to let the sides hang generously over the edges. This trick will help you lift the cooled caramel out in one clean swoop, and it keeps any sticky mess at bay!
Step 2: Start the Caramel Base
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and butter. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture starts bubbling with anticipation. You want a smooth blend—the foundation of Easy Salted Caramels!
Step 3: Add the Cream
Slowly pour in your heavy cream while stirring gently. Take your time here; adding it too quickly can cause the mixture to seize or splatter. Attach a candy thermometer to your saucepan now so you can keep a close eye on the magic temperature (trust me, it’s worth the extra minute).
Step 4: Cook to Firm Ball Stage
Continue to cook the bubbling mixture, stirring now and then, until the caramel reaches 245°F (firm ball stage). This should take about 10 to 15 minutes — patience is rewarded with perfectly chewy caramels. Avoid constant stirring once the cream is in to prevent crystallization and keep the texture silky smooth.
Step 5: Finish With Flavor
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. These final additions infuse your Easy Salted Caramels with warmth and addictive flavor. Mix until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 6: Pour, Sprinkle, and Set
Carefully pour the hot caramel into your prepared pan, coaxing it to the edges with a spatula if needed. Gently tap the pan against your counter to even out the surface. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle generously with additional sea salt—this is the moment that brings those caramel squares to the next level!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature, at least 2 hours (the wait is the hardest part!). Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the caramel slab onto a cutting board. Cut into squares and wrap each piece in wax paper to keep them soft and ready for sharing or gifting.
How to Serve Easy Salted Caramels
Garnishes
Extra flaky sea salt on top isn’t just decorative—it turns every bite of Easy Salted Caramels into a showstopper. For a festive twist, try a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for those who can’t resist a little extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve Easy Salted Caramels alongside a cheese platter filled with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a playful sweet-savory duo. They also shine paired with strong coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of red wine for a sophisticated after-dinner bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your caramels individually in wax paper and nestle them in pretty boxes or jars for gift-giving. Layer them in mason jars tied with rustic twine, or stack the squares on festive trays for holiday parties or bake sales. These look absolutely charming set out in paper cupcake liners at gatherings, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Salted Caramels keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two weeks. Store in an airtight container, making sure to keep each piece individually wrapped to prevent sticking and keep that fresh, chewy goodness intact.
Freezing
Want to make your treats last even longer? Easy Salted Caramels freeze like a dream. Place the wrapped caramels in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before devouring.
Reheating
If your caramels have firmed up just a bit too much, you can soften them by leaving them at room temperature for an hour, or microwaving a single piece for just 5–10 seconds. Don’t overdo it, or they’ll melt—just a gentle warm-up brings back that perfect tender texture.
FAQs
How do I know when my caramel is done cooking?
The surest way is to use a reliable candy thermometer—look for 245°F, which is the firm ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a spoonful of hot caramel into ice water; it should hold its shape but still be pliable when pressed.
Can I make Easy Salted Caramels without corn syrup?
Corn syrup really helps prevent crystallization and gives the caramels their smooth texture, but in a pinch, you can try substituting honey or golden syrup. Just keep in mind the flavor and final texture may vary slightly!
Why did my caramel turn out grainy?
Over-stirring or not dissolving the sugar completely at the start can lead to graininess. Make sure to stir constantly until your mixture is smooth and avoid disturbing it too much once the cream is in. Corn syrup also helps, so don’t skip it!
How can I cut the caramels cleanly?
A sharp knife lightly coated with nonstick spray or a bit of neutral oil works wonders. Wipe the blade clean between cuts to keep those squares perfect and prevent sticking!
Are Easy Salted Caramels gluten free?
Yes, these caramels are naturally gluten free since none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check your vanilla extract and toppings if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or a wheat allergy.
Final Thoughts
If the promise of a salty-sweet bite has your mouth watering, don’t hesitate to give Easy Salted Caramels a try. The hardest part is waiting for them to set, but every chewy, homemade piece is more than worth it. Whether you’re gifting or indulging, nothing beats the joy of sharing these golden delights!
Print
Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 40 caramels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and salty delight of these Easy Salted Caramels. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a treat, these homemade caramels are rich, chewy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- parchment paper for lining
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the sides to overhang.
- Cook the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook until bubbling, then stir in cream and cook to 245°F.
- Finish the Caramels: Remove from heat, add vanilla and sea salt, pour into dish, and cool. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes
Notes:
- Be cautious not to over-stir after adding cream to prevent crystallization.
- Opt for flaky sea salt for superior texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
