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Homemade Caramels Recipe

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These Homemade Caramels are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re perfect for holiday gifts, party treats, or an anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (for salted caramels)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pan

  • Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2️⃣ Cook the Caramel

  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, brown sugar, cream, butter, corn syrup, and salt.
  • Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture starts to boil.

3️⃣ Heat to the Right Temperature

  • Attach a candy thermometer and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 240°F (116°C) (soft-ball stage).
  • If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of caramel into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball.

4️⃣ Add Vanilla & Pour

  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (and sea salt or nuts, if using).
  • Pour into the prepared pan and let cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

5️⃣ Cut & Wrap

  • Once set, lift the caramel out of the pan and cut into small squares or rectangles.
  • Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

Tips & Variations

📌 Extra Soft Caramels? Cook to 236°F (113°C) instead of 240°F.
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped? Dip cooled caramels in melted dark or milk chocolate.
🔥 No Candy Thermometer? Use the cold water test for soft-ball stage.
🌊 Salted Caramels? Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before they cool.