Homemade Soft Chewy Caramel Recipe

Indulge in the delightful world of homemade candies with this irresistible recipe for Tasty Soft Chewy Caramels. Elevate your confectionery skills with these melt-in-your-mouth treats that strike the perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness. Crafting these caramels at home is not only a rewarding experience but also surprisingly simple and enjoyable.

Mastering the art of creating these delectable caramels lies in precision—getting the temperatures and timings just right. The result? Rich, chewy squares of caramel goodness that rival those from fancy candy shops. Picture yourself unwrapping each soft caramel square, savoring its buttery sweetness and subtle sea salt finish. It’s a treat that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee, a mug of hot cocoa, or a relaxing afternoon tea.

Whether you’re preparing a thoughtful handmade gift, assembling a dessert platter, or simply treating yourself to something special, these caramels are a versatile delight. With each square expertly wrapped in wax paper, they make for a charming addition to any occasion. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and revel in the joy of creating these Tasty Soft Chewy Caramels that promise to bring smiles to every sweet tooth.

Quick Benefits

• Rich, melt-in-your-mouth caramels with the perfect mix of sweet and salty flavors
• Simple and fun to make at home, turning ordinary ingredients into fancy candy shop-quality treats
• Perfect for gifting in pretty boxes or jars, excellent for holiday treat boxes or special occasions
• Can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the fridge, maintaining their soft and tasty texture

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Soft Chewy Caramel Recipe Recipe

• Rich and Melt-in-Your-Mouth: These caramels are described as rich and melt-in-your-mouth, making them a decadent treat for any occasion.
• Balanced Sweetness and Saltiness: The recipe promises the perfect mix of sweet and salt, appealing to those who love the combination of flavors in their desserts.
• Simple and Fun: Making these caramels at home is described as simple and fun, making it an enjoyable activity for those who want to try their hand at candy-making.
• Perfect for Gifting: These chewy treats can be wrapped individually in wax paper squares, making them a thoughtful handmade gift for friends and family.
• Versatile Pairing: Enjoy these caramels with strong coffee, hot cocoa, or afternoon tea, providing a versatile treat that can be enjoyed with various beverages.
• Long Shelf Life: With proper storage, these caramels can last up to two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the fridge, ensuring you can savor them over time.
• Professional Results: Despite being homemade, these caramels offer professional results that showcase the joy of crafting sweets from scratch, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients for Homemade Soft Chewy Caramel Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (44ml) plain water
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat cream or whipping cream (36-40% fat)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) clear corn syrup

Pro Tips for Homemade Soft Chewy Caramel Recipe

To ensure perfect caramels every time, invest in a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately throughout the cooking process. The ideal temperature for achieving that soft chewy texture is crucial, so be patient and attentive while cooking the mixture.

When cutting the caramels, using a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts will make the process smoother and prevent sticking. Wrapping each piece in wax paper not only adds a nice finishing touch but also helps to keep them fresh and easy to handle. For gifting, consider placing them in pretty boxes or jars for a thoughtful homemade present that will surely impress your loved ones.

How to Make Homemade Soft Chewy Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Ready the Pan

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil. Line the pan with a parchment strip, leaving an inch overhang on each side. Grease the parchment with oil and set aside.

Step 2: Warm Dairy Mix

Cut the butter into 8 pieces and place in a microwave-safe container. Add the full-fat cream and microwave for 1-2 minutes until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Sweet Base

In a small pot, combine water and corn syrup. Carefully add sugar, ensuring it does not touch the sides. Gently stir to moisten all the sugar.

Step 4: Heat Sweet Mix

Heat sugar over medium heat until it bubbles, then cover with a lid for 60 seconds to create steam. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 320°F (160°C) and turns pale amber, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix in Dairy

Gradually pour one-sixth of the butter-cream mixture into the hot sugar, stirring continuously. Continue adding the remaining mixture in small increments, stirring after each addition.

Step 6: Reach Final Temp

Continue cooking the mixture until a thermometer reads 240°F (115°C), typically taking 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Salt

Pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes, then sprinkle salt on top. Let it cool undisturbed for about 3 ½ hours.

Step 8: Finish Candies

Remove the caramel from the pan. If it is too sticky, refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. Cut into small 1-inch by 1/2-inch pieces and wrap each in plastic or wax paper.

Storage Tips

Once you have made these tasty soft chewy caramels, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. After cutting the caramels into one-inch squares and wrapping them in wax paper, store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To prevent sticking, place sheets of parchment paper between layers of caramels. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a month. Just remember to allow the cold caramels to come to room temperature before enjoying them so they remain soft and delicious.

These homemade caramels are perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Consider packing them in pretty boxes or small jars to give as thoughtful handmade gifts. They pair wonderfully with coffee, hot cocoa, or afternoon tea, and can be included on dessert plates alongside chocolates and cookies. Whether for holiday treat boxes, Valentine’s Day surprises, or celebrations, these caramels showcase the joy of creating sweets from scratch. By following the recipe closely and taking your time with the process, you can achieve professional-quality results that everyone will love.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Both will provide the necessary fat content for the caramels to set properly and add a rich flavor to the candy.

If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor profile of the caramels, but they will still provide the necessary consistency and sweetness to achieve a similar result.

If you prefer a different type of salt or don’t have flaky sea salt like Maldon available, you can use regular table salt. Just be sure to adjust the quantity slightly, as table salt is more concentrated than flaky sea salt. Alternatively, you can experiment with other flavored salts to add a unique twist to your caramels, such as smoked salt or Himalayan pink salt.

Serving Suggestions

These chewy caramels are a delight to serve in a variety of ways. For a charming presentation, place individual caramels in mini cupcake liners and arrange them on a decorative platter. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each caramel for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. This presentation is perfect for serving at a tea party, bridal shower, or as a sweet addition to a dessert table.

To create a cozy and inviting dessert platter, pair these homemade caramels with a selection of nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate pieces. Arrange them on a wooden board along with small bowls of sea salt and nuts for a DIY caramel dipping station. Your guests will love customizing their caramel treats by adding their favorite toppings. This interactive and indulgent dessert display is ideal for entertaining guests at a casual gathering or a movie night in.

FAQs for Homemade Soft Chewy Caramel Recipe

Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter for unsalted butter, but remember to adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly to prevent the caramels from becoming too salty.

How can I check if the caramel mixture has reached the correct temperature?

You can use a candy thermometer to check if the caramel mixture has reached the desired temperature. The mixture should reach around 248°F (120°C) for the perfect soft and chewy texture.

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup?

While corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and gives caramels a smooth texture, you can experiment with using honey or maple syrup as substitutes. However, the flavor and texture of the caramels may vary slightly.

How do I store the caramels to keep them fresh?

Store the wrapped caramels in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a month. Remember to bring refrigerated caramels to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and indulging in these Tasty Soft Chewy Caramels as much as I did! Remember, the key to perfecting these delectable treats lies in patience and precision. By following the temperature guidelines and taking your time, you can achieve that ideal combination of sweetness and chewiness that will impress even the most discerning candy connoisseurs.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a little indulgence or preparing heartfelt gifts for loved ones, these caramels are sure to add a touch of homemade charm to any occasion. So, wrap them up in pretty packages, share them with friends and family, or simply savor them on your own – because every bite of these Tasty Soft Chewy Caramels is a celebration of your culinary creativity and dedication. Cheers to creating sweet memories, one caramel at a time!