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Description
This recipe makes soft, chewy vanilla cream caramels. It is an easy recipe for homemade candy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring.
- Continue to cook, without stirring, until the thermometer reaches 245°F (118°C), which is the firm ball stage. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Be careful as the mixture may bubble up.
- Pour the caramel into the prepared baking pan. Do not scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Do not refrigerate.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the caramel out of the pan.
- Place the caramel on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp, greased knife or a pizza cutter.
- Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or parchment paper twists.
- Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
- Do not stir the caramel once it begins to boil, as this can cause crystallization.
- Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate for best results.
- For easier cutting, lightly grease your knife or pizza cutter.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg