If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own melt-in-your-mouth candy at home, you’re going to adore this Easy Salted Caramels Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and just the right hint of salt, creating little bites of pure joy. What I love most is how approachable it is—the ingredients are simple pantry stars, and the process feels like a rewarding kitchen adventure. Whether you’re gifting these golden squares or keeping them as a special treat, these salted caramels are sure to impress every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to make these caramels incredibly rich and smooth. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy butter and heavy cream that contribute to the luscious texture, to the flaky sea salt that adds that irresistible finishing touch.
- Granulated sugar: The base of caramel, providing sweetness and structure.
- Light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the caramel silky.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess without overpowering flavors.
- Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, velvety texture that’s essential to great caramel.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel’s depth with warm, aromatic notes.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
How to Make Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First things first, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges to give yourself an easy way to lift out the caramel later. This little prep step makes all the difference in clean removal and cutting.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Melt
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter pieces, and heavy cream. Use medium heat and stir gently until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves. Watching the mixture transform at this stage is so satisfying—you’ll notice it getting shiny and creamy.
Step 3: Cook to the Perfect Temperature
Bring your caramel mixture to a gentle boil, then attach a candy thermometer. This is the secret to perfect texture. Stir occasionally as the temperature climbs, aiming for exactly 245°F, also known as the firm ball stage. At this point, your caramels will set up perfectly without being too hard.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Pour
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla adds an irresistible warmth and depth that makes these caramels feel homemade and special. Immediately pour the caramel into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface for even cooling.
Step 5: Cool and Sprinkle with Salt
Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for about two hours, so it firms up nicely. Once set, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously across the top. The saltflakes add just the right contrast to the rich sweetness—a hallmark of this Easy Salted Caramels Recipe.
Step 6: Cut and Wrap
Use the parchment overhang to lift the caramels out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles, and wrap each piece in parchment or wax paper to keep them fresh and make sharing a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your salted caramels, consider adding a little extra flair with chopped nuts, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. These garnishes add texture, contrast, and a beautiful presentation that will wow guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these delicacies with a rich cup of coffee, a smooth glass of milk, or your favorite dessert wine. The creamy, buttery softness of the caramel complements nearly any warm or cold beverage perfectly, making each bite a part of a cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond simple squares wrapped in paper. Layer them in a pretty jar with ribbons for gifting, arrange on a tiered serving tray at parties, or include them as a surprise element in dessert boxes. Presentation can turn a simple candy into a cherished memory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover salted caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just keep them away from heat sources to prevent melting. Proper wrapping is key to avoid sticking and to keep each piece tasting fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Easy Salted Caramels Recipe for longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in parchment and foil. When thawed at room temperature, they retain their signature chewy texture and flavor like they were freshly made.
Reheating
Caramels aren’t usually reheated for eating since they’re best enjoyed as is, but if you want to soften them for a creative twist, a few seconds in the microwave (wrapped properly) can help without losing their charm. Handle gently to preserve their lovely chewiness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to stick with unsalted butter here since you’ll be adding flaky sea salt on top. Using salted butter might make the caramels too salty or unbalanced in flavor.
Why is corn syrup used in this recipe?
Corn syrup prevents the sugar from crystallizing, which keeps your caramel smooth and creamy rather than grainy. It’s a crucial ingredient for that perfect texture.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, if you don’t have one, you can test the caramel by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should form a firm ball. Still, a thermometer takes the guesswork out completely.
Can I adjust the saltiness to my preference?
Absolutely! The flaky sea salt sprinkled on top is adjustable depending on how much salty contrast you want. Start with less if you’re cautious, and add more as you like.
How long do these caramels last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these caramels stay soft and delicious for up to two weeks at room temperature. Freezing can extend their life further if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making candy from scratch, and this Easy Salted Caramels Recipe brings that joy front and center with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy yet homemade, perfect whether you’re spoiling yourself or sharing the love. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t believe how simple and rewarding this caramel adventure can be!
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Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Salted Caramels are rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sea salt. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create luscious homemade caramel squares that melt in your mouth. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat, this recipe guides you through every step to achieve the perfect firm yet chewy texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the caramel out once set.
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the butter has fully melted and the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Cook the caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until it reaches 245°F, which is the firm ball stage — this ensures a chewy, but firm caramel texture.
- Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the caramel with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Set the caramel: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even thickness. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours until fully set.
- Finish and serve: Once set, sprinkle the top evenly with flaky sea salt. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the caramel out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles, and optionally wrap each piece in parchment or wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent hot spots and burning during cooking.
- A candy thermometer is essential for accurate temperature measurement to achieve perfect caramel consistency.
- If you prefer softer caramels, cook to a slightly lower temperature around 240°F (soft ball stage).
- Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, though texture and flavor will slightly vary.
