Description
These Six Minute Caramels are a quick and delicious homemade treat, perfect for candy lovers. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can make buttery, chewy caramels with a rich flavor enhanced by vanilla and a hint of salt. Ideal for gifting or snacking, these caramels set beautifully at room temperature and are easy to portion and wrap.
Ingredients
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the caramel doesn’t stick after cooling.
- Melt the butter: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter completely, which forms the buttery base for the caramel.
- Combine ingredients: Add the packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup to the melted butter in the pan. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cook the caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer. Continue stirring for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage at approximately 235°F (113°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. This step enhances the caramel’s depth of flavor.
- Pour and set: Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until firm and set.
- Cut and store: Once cooled, cut the caramel into squares or rectangles. Wrap each piece individually in wax or parchment paper for easy storage and serving.
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer is important to achieve the perfect soft-ball stage for chewy caramels.
- Be careful stirring the hot mixture to avoid burns.
- Storing caramels in a cool, dry place will help maintain their texture and freshness.
- You can adjust salt to taste for a more salted caramel version.
- Wrapping individual pieces helps prevent sticking and makes them portable.
