Description
This homemade caramel recipe yields rich, buttery, and chewy caramel candies perfect for snacking or gifting. Made with simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, these caramels are cooked to the firm ball stage to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.
Ingredients
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2¼ cups brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugar: Melt the butter over the stovetop in a large saucepan. Once melted, add the brown sugar and salt, stirring well to combine the mixture thoroughly.
- Add Corn Syrup: Stir in the light corn syrup until it is fully incorporated with the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring an even texture.
- Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency and prevent lumps.
- Cook to Firm Ball Stage: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and cook until the candy reaches the firm ball stage at 245°F (118°C), which should take approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- Finish with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract evenly throughout the caramel mixture.
- Pour into Pan and Cool: Pour the hot caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan to set. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
- Cut and Wrap: Once cooled and firm, use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into 48 pieces. Optionally, wrap each piece individually in wax paper for storage and serving.
Notes
- Ensure constant stirring during cooking to avoid burning or sticking.
- Using a candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the correct consistency.
- You can store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- If you prefer softer caramels, reduce cooking time slightly, targeting a lower temperature around 240°F (116°C).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
