Description
Homemade Caramels are soft, chewy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for gifting, holiday tins, or cozy winter snacking. Made with simple pantry staples, this nostalgic recipe delivers silky, rich caramel candy that tastes better than store-bought.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups (450g) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Melt butter: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Add sugar & syrup: Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Slowly pour in condensed milk while stirring. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Continue stirring and cook until caramel reaches 238–240°F (soft-ball stage). Without a thermometer, test by dropping a bit into cold water—it should form a soft ball.
- Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and optional salt.
- Pour into pan: Carefully pour caramel into prepared pan and smooth the top. Add flaky salt if desired.
- Cool completely: Let cool at room temperature for several hours until firm.
- Cut and wrap: Lift out using parchment, slice into squares, and wrap in wax paper for storage or gifting.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching.
- Stir constantly for smooth, even caramels.
- Do not cook over high heat—medium heat provides better control.
- Overcooking past 245°F will make the caramels too firm.
- Let cool fully before cutting to avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy, Dessert, Homemade Gifts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: homemade caramels, soft caramels, chewy caramel candy, Christmas candy, holiday caramels, caramel recipe, brown sugar caramels