Description
Caramel Straw with Pastel Noodles is a whimsical and visually stunning dessert combining soft, pastel-colored egg noodles with a rich, homemade caramel sauce. The noodles are tinted with gentle food coloring for an attractive presentation and coated in a smooth, buttery caramel infused with vanilla and sea salt. This unique treat is garnished with fresh mint and edible glitter or sprinkles, making it perfect for festive occasions or a fun twist on traditional caramel desserts.
Ingredients
For the Pastel Noodles
- 6 oz egg noodles or other pasta (cooked al dente)
- Food coloring (pastel colors such as pink, blue, yellow, or lavender)
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Divide the noodles into small bowls and add a few drops of different pastel food coloring to each bowl to create an assortment of softly colored noodles. Toss gently to evenly coat the noodles with color. Set aside.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and cook it while stirring continuously. Watch closely as the sugar melts and turns to a golden amber color—take care to prevent burning. Once fully melted, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly; the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Finish the Caramel: Add the unsalted butter to the caramel sauce and stir until it melts completely. Then add the vanilla extract and sea salt. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the prepared pastel-colored noodles. Toss gently but thoroughly so the noodles absorb some of the caramel and develop a sticky, shiny coating.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves and optional decorative sprinkles or edible glitter over the caramel-coated noodles for an added pop of freshness and sparkle. Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use light pastel food coloring to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the noodles and caramel.
- Ensure the noodles are drained well and cooled to prevent the colors from bleeding or the caramel from seizing.
- Be cautious when melting sugar; keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the caramel.
- The dessert is best served fresh as the noodles may soak up too much caramel over time and become soggy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter respectively.