Description
Rich caramel candies from Grandma’s kitchen promise sweet memories with minimal ingredients. Simple sugar, cream, and butter blend into delectable treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mixing: Combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk ingredients until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Microwaving: Heat the mixture for three minutes, then pause to stir thoroughly. Continue microwaving for an additional two to three minutes, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
- Temperature Check: Confirm caramel doneness by observing a golden color and reaching soft ball stage (240°F). The mixture should have a rich, glossy appearance and proper consistency.
- Finishing: Remove from microwave and gently fold in vanilla extract, creating a fragrant and smooth caramel base. Pour into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Setting and Cutting: Allow caramel to cool and set at room temperature for two hours. Lift out using parchment edges, then slice into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife. Optionally, wrap individual pieces in wax paper for a polished presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Scorching: Watch the microwave carefully during heating to avoid burning the caramel, as sugar can quickly turn bitter and dark when overheated.
- Temperature Precision: Use a candy thermometer for accurate soft ball stage (240°F) to ensure perfect caramel texture and consistency.
- Smooth Stirring Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and stir between microwave intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent ingredient separation.
- Storage Strategy: Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 23
- Calories: 72
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg