Delicious Soft Chocolate Caramels : A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion

Indulge in the perfect balance of creamy caramel and rich chocolate with these Delicious Soft Chocolate Caramels. This easy recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more! Whether you’re preparing homemade gifts or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these caramels are a delicious treat for any occasion.

With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the deep, velvety flavor of chocolate, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, these caramels are perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

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Why You’ll Love These Soft Chocolate Caramels

These soft chocolate caramels offer the ultimate combination of gooey caramel and smooth chocolate in every bite. The caramel is rich, buttery, and perfectly soft, while the chocolate coating adds a luscious layer of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a homemade gift idea or a simple treat to enjoy at home, these chocolates are sure to impress.

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly. The best part? You can make a big batch to share with family and friends, or enjoy them all yourself (we won’t tell!). It’s the perfect balance of sweet and rich without being overwhelming.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is for anyone who loves chocolate and caramel or enjoys making easy homemade sweets. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday, or simply looking for a new treat to try, these soft chocolate caramels are perfect for all levels of baking expertise. They’re ideal for making delicious gifts or for anyone who loves indulging in rich, melt-in-your-mouth desserts.

If you’re a fan of homemade chocolate or caramel-based treats, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these soft chocolate caramels, gather the following ingredients:

For the Caramel:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups (250g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Topping (optional):

• A pinch of sea salt

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe so you can control the salt level. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the caramel.
• Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate will give a more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will provide a creamier, sweeter coating.
• Sea salt topping: Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramels enhances the contrast between the sweet caramel and rich chocolate.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Candy thermometer (optional, but recommended for precision)
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• 9×9-inch baking dish or similar pan
• Parchment paper or wax paper (for easy removal)
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for melting the chocolate)

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Delicious Soft Chocolate Caramels

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or wax paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to remove the caramels later. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the pan, stirring continuously. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature as the mixture cooks. Allow the caramel to simmer gently while stirring constantly. You’ll want it to reach 240°F (115°C) for a perfect soft caramel texture.

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Step 3: Pour the Caramel into the Pan

Once the caramel has reached the desired temperature, carefully pour it into the prepared baking dish. Let it cool to room temperature, about 2 hours, or refrigerate it to speed up the process. Once set, cut the caramel into small squares or rectangles.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Coating

While the caramel cools, melt the chocolate. You can either use a double boiler or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and fully melted. Once melted, stir in the butter until combined.

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Step 5: Coat the Caramels

Dip each caramel into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork or skewer to lift the caramel out of the chocolate and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.

Step 6: Let the Chocolate Set

Let the chocolate-covered caramels sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or refrigerate them to speed up the process. Once the chocolate is set, optionally sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for added flavor and texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the caramels are fully set, they are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.

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Pro Tips for the Best Soft Chocolate Caramels

• Don’t rush the caramel-making process: Stir constantly and be patient while the caramel mixture simmers. Using a candy thermometer will ensure you reach the perfect temperature.
• Let the chocolate cool slightly before dipping the caramels to prevent the coating from being too runny.
• Use quality chocolate for the best results. The flavor of the chocolate makes a huge difference in the final treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not stirring the caramel mixture enough: Caramel can burn quickly, so stir continuously and make sure the mixture doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pan.
• Overcooking the caramel: Keep a close eye on the temperature, as caramel that’s cooked too long will become hard instead of soft.
• Skipping the cooling time: Make sure the caramel is fully cooled before dipping in chocolate, or it could melt and ruin the coating.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate caramels are perfect for holiday gifts, but they also make a wonderful addition to any dessert spread. Serve them alongside your favorite treats, like chocolate chip cookies, or enjoy them on their own as a sweet indulgence.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Gift Wrapping: Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or cellophane for a beautiful homemade gift.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the finished caramels for an elegant presentation.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Nutty caramel: Before coating in chocolate, roll the caramel in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
• Flavor the caramel: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of bourbon to the caramel for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Store these soft chocolate caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks to extend their shelf life. If the chocolate coating softens, simply refrigerate them until set again.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can make these soft chocolate caramels ahead of time! They’re a perfect treat for holiday gifting or a sweet addition to a party spread. Make them a few days ahead and store them in an airtight container.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these caramels without a candy thermometer?
Yes! You can make them without a thermometer by testing the caramel’s consistency using the “cold water test.” Drop a small amount of caramel into a glass of cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark or white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate. Just adjust the sweetness of the caramel if necessary.

Final Thoughts: Why These Soft Chocolate Caramels Are a Keeper

These soft chocolate caramels are the perfect combination of rich, creamy caramel and smooth chocolate, making them a treat everyone will love. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gifts, these caramels are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a gourmet-quality treat in no time.

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