Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

Soft, buttery homemade caramels! A tried-and-true recipe you’ll want to make every Christmas. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet indulgence. With their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of sugar, butter, and evaporated milk creates a rich and creamy flavor that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these soft caramels as a snack, use them in baking, or wrap them as gifts for loved ones.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or just a sweet craving, these caramels fit right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With hundreds of rave reviews, you can trust that these homemade caramels will impress your friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect soft, buttery homemade caramels, having the right tools is essential. Each tool serves a specific purpose that makes the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot
• Candy thermometer
• Parchment paper
• 9×13 inch pan
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Prevents burning by distributing heat evenly while cooking the caramel mixture.
• Candy thermometer: Ensures accurate temperature readings to achieve the perfect soft caramel texture.

Ingredients

For the Caramels

• 4 cups (800g) granulated sugar
• 2 sticks butter (1 cup (226g))
• 2 cups (480ml) white corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 12 oz. cans (708ml) evaporated milk

How to Make Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper and set it aside. This will help prevent the caramels from sticking.

Step 2: Melt Your Ingredients

Melt the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt together in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. A stainless steel pot works best for this recipe.

Step 3: Add Evaporated Milk Slowly

Once the mixture comes to a boil:
1. Add the evaporated milk gradually.
2. Take your time—add it little by little over about 10-15 minutes per can while stirring constantly. This is truly a labor of love!

Step 4: Monitor Temperature Carefully

After adding all the milk:
1. Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture to between 238°F-240°F.
2. Be careful; even slight temperature increases can make them too chewy instead of soft!

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Immediately pour the caramel mixture into your prepared pan:
1. Allow it to cool completely.
2. For easier slicing later on, consider freezing them for 20-30 minutes or refrigerating them for a few hours before cutting.

Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious soft, buttery homemade caramels!

How to Serve Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

Soft, buttery homemade caramels are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to share them with friends or savor them yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Gift Wrapping Caramels

• Wrap each caramel in wax paper or cellophane for a beautiful presentation. This makes them perfect for gift-giving during holidays or special occasions.

Pairing with Coffee

• Enjoy your caramels alongside a cup of coffee. The rich, buttery flavor complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.

Ice Cream Topping

• Chop the caramels into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream. The warm caramel melts slightly, creating a delicious topping.

Charcuterie Board Addition

• Include caramels on a charcuterie board. They add a sweet contrast to savory cheeses and meats, making your board more diverse and appealing.

Baking Ingredient

• Use caramels in baking recipes. Chop them up and mix into cookie dough or layer them in brownies for an extra sweet surprise.

Decorate Desserts

• Melt caramels down to create a sauce for drizzling over cakes, cupcakes, or pies. This adds a gourmet touch to any dessert.

How to Perfect Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

Achieving the perfect soft and buttery homemade caramels requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your caramels turn out perfectly every time.

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This prevents hot spots that can cause uneven cooking and burning while melting the ingredients.

• Stir constantly: To avoid sticking and burning, stir the mixture continuously once it begins to boil until it reaches the desired temperature.

• Monitor the temperature closely: Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature between 238°F-240°F for soft caramels. Even slight variations can alter the final texture.

• Cool properly: Once poured into the pan, allow your caramels to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set correctly for a clean cut.

• Store correctly: Keep your cut caramels in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Best Side Dishes for Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

While soft, buttery homemade caramels shine on their own, they can also be paired with complementary side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness of the caramels beautifully.
2. Nut Mix: Roasted nuts add crunch and richness that pair well with the softness of the caramels.
3. Fresh Fruit: Slices of apple or pear offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of caramel.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of caramel in melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert experience.
5. Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea provides aromatic notes that complement caramel’s sweetness.
6. Popcorn: Drizzle caramel over popcorn for a sweet and salty snack that’s hard to resist.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and chunks of caramel for a unique breakfast or snack option.
8. Cookies: Serve with freshly baked cookies like oatmeal or chocolate chip for an extra sweet treat combo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft, buttery homemade caramels is rewarding, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Temperature Control: Many cooks don’t monitor the temperature closely. Using a candy thermometer is essential to ensure you achieve the perfect consistency.
• Bold Skipping the Parchment: Failing to line your pan with parchment paper can lead to a sticky mess. Always line the pan to make removing the caramels easier.
• Bold Rushing the Process: Adding evaporated milk too quickly can affect texture. Take your time and add it gradually while stirring constantly.
• Bold Overcooking: Cooking the caramel mixture beyond 240°F results in chewier candy instead of soft, buttery caramels. Stick to the recommended temperature range.
• Bold Not Cooling Completely: Cutting warm caramels can result in a messy situation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft, buttery homemade caramels in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

• Wrap each caramel piece individually in wax paper or parchment before freezing.
• Place wrapped caramels in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven at low heat (around 200°F) and place caramels on a baking sheet for a few minutes until slightly softened.
• Bold Microwave: Place a few caramels on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 5-10 seconds until soft.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a double boiler method to gently melt the caramels while stirring continuously for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making soft, buttery homemade caramels.

How do I know when my soft, buttery homemade caramels are done?

The mixture should reach between 238°F and 240°F. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.

Can I customize my soft, buttery homemade caramels?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla or sea salt for extra depth.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

You may substitute coconut cream or condensed milk as alternatives to evaporated milk.

Why are my caramels too hard?

This usually happens if they are cooked above 240°F. Make sure to monitor your cooking temperature closely.

Final Thoughts

These soft, buttery homemade caramels are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and easy to customize with different flavors or toppings. Whether you’re making them as gifts or for yourself, they’re sure to impress everyone. Try this recipe and enjoy your delightful creations!