If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect balance of savory and sugary, then this Easy Salted Caramels Recipe is going to blow you away. It’s a timeless treat that combines rich, buttery caramel with just the right hint of flaky sea salt for a taste that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re new to candy-making or a seasoned pro, these caramels are surprisingly simple to make, yet elegant enough to gift or enjoy anytime you want a special homemade delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Easy Salted Caramels Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, but each one is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture, glossy finish, and delightful flavor. From the light corn syrup that keeps the caramel smooth to the flaky sea salt that brings that irresistible contrast, these basics come together to create magic.
- Granulated sugar: The sweet base that caramelizes beautifully, giving the candy its rich flavor and golden color.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring your caramel stays smooth and shiny.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and depth to the caramel’s texture and flavor.
- Heavy cream: Makes the caramel luscious and velvety, balancing the sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and subtle complexity that elevate the caramel’s taste.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to deliver that irresistible salty crunch contrasting the sweet caramel.
How to Make Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides so you can lift the caramels out easily once cooled. This step saves time and prevents sticky fingers when it’s time to cut and wrap your candies.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Heat
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine your granulated sugar, light corn syrup, butter pieces, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves fully into the mix, creating a harmonious base.
Step 3: Cook to the Perfect Temperature
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then attach a reliable candy thermometer. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid burning while cooking until the thermometer reads 245°F, known as the firm ball stage. This precision guarantees your caramels will be soft but hold their shape perfectly.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Pour
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in your vanilla extract. This little addition adds depth and a sugar-spice note that complements the caramel beautifully. Immediately pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even cooling.
Step 5: Cool and Salt
Allow your caramel to cool completely at room temperature—about 2 hours—until it firms up beautifully. Once set, sprinkle the top generously with flaky sea salt, which will add the perfect salty crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Cut and Wrap
Lift the caramel slab from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut it into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Wrap each piece individually in parchment or wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent sticking, making them great for sharing or gifting.
How to Serve Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
Garnishes
While these caramels shine on their own, adding a few extra flakes of sea salt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can turn them into something truly special. These simple garnishes can elevate the presentation, making them perfect for parties or thoughtful gifts.
Side Dishes
Pair your salted caramels with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness and enhance the caramel’s buttery notes. Alternatively, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a delightful dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your caramels in colorful parchment and tie with twine for charming homemade gifts. Or place them in small glass jars or decorative tins for a classy presentation. Adding a personalized note about the Easy Salted Caramels Recipe always makes it more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover caramels in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy that sweet treat without rushing.
Freezing
You can freeze these caramels wrapped individually in parchment or wax paper and stored in a sealed freezer bag. When you want to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature—this method preserves their luscious texture and flavor.
Reheating
If the caramels become too firm, gently warm them in your hand or microwave for a few seconds to soften. Avoid overheating, as it can alter the texture. This makes it easy to enjoy your Easy Salted Caramels Recipe anytime without losing that melt-in-your-mouth magic.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness precisely, especially since you add flaky sea salt on top. Using salted butter might make the caramels too salty.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization for smooth caramel, but you can substitute with an equal amount of golden syrup or honey. Just note the flavor may be slightly different.
How do I know when the caramel reaches the firm ball stage?
The firm ball stage is at 245°F on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, drop a small amount of the hot caramel into cold water—if it forms a firm, pliable ball you can shape with your fingers, it’s ready.
Can I make these caramels vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter and heavy cream for richness, so substituting with plant-based alternatives can be tricky and may affect texture. If you want vegan caramels, there are recipes specifically designed for that, which might be better results.
Why should I use flaky sea salt instead of regular salt?
Flaky sea salt provides a delicate crunch and bursts of flavor without overwhelming the caramel. Table salt is finer and can make the caramel too salty or gritty, missing that perfect contrast the flakes offer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Easy Salted Caramels Recipe at home—watching simple ingredients transform into a luscious sweet treat that’s just begging to be shared. Whether you’re gift-giving, celebrating, or simply indulging in a moment of pure joy, this recipe delivers that perfect blend of rich, buttery sweetness and salty sparkle every time. Try it, savor it, and get ready for compliments!
Print
Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Salted Caramels are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a touch of flaky sea salt on top. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream, this classic candy recipe yields soft, chewy treats that are ideal for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This overhang helps you easily lift the caramel out once set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, mix together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir gently until the butter has fully melted and the sugar dissolves into the liquid.
- Cook the Caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan to monitor the temperature. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 245°F, known as the firm ball stage, which ensures the caramel will set properly.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the pure vanilla extract evenly throughout the caramel mixture to enhance its flavor.
- Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even thickness. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for approximately 2 hours until fully set.
- Finish and Cut: Once set, sprinkle the top evenly with flaky sea salt. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the caramel slab from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired. Wrap each piece individually in parchment or wax paper for storage or gifting.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate cooking to the correct temperature (245°F) to ensure perfect texture.
- Do not skip the parchment paper lining, as it makes removing the caramel much easier.
- If you prefer a less firm caramel, cook to a slightly lower temperature, but 245°F is ideal for firm, chewy caramels.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt on top according to your taste preference.
