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Easy Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce and Soft Chewy Caramels

Close-up of homemade, chewy caramel squares topped with flaky sea salt, catching the sunlight.
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Learn to make rich, buttery caramel sauce perfect for drizzling and soft, chewy caramel candies from scratch. These recipes use simple ingredients and are great for beginners.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (for sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (for candy, plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for the caramels, or prepare a heat-safe bowl if using the microwave method for sauce.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Stir them together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Cook the sugar: Stop stirring once the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches a deep amber color (about 320°F if using a thermometer, or until it looks like the color of dark honey). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  4. Add butter and cream (Stovetop Sauce): Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the butter until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
  5. Finish the sauce: Return the pan to low heat and stir until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Pour the sauce into a jar. This is your rich dessert topping.
  6. For Soft Caramels (Stovetop Method): After adding the cream and butter, continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 245°F (firm ball stage).
  7. Finish the caramels: Remove from heat, stir in the butter, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8 pan. Sprinkle the top with extra sea salt.
  8. Set the caramels: Let the caramels cool completely at room temperature for several hours until firm. Cut into squares and wrap individually.

Notes

  • For an easy salted caramel sauce using the microwave, combine sugar, corn syrup, and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture reaches a light brown color. Whisk in butter and salt off the heat.
  • If you are making soft caramels, do not skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking.
  • This homemade caramel recipe is excellent for holiday caramel gifts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/easy-homemade-caramel-sauce-and-candy/