Silky Smooth Creamy Caramel Candy Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet and silky caramel candy dances with rich, decadent flavors that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Every bite of this creamy caramel candy recipe promises pure indulgence and nostalgia.

Professional and home bakers alike adore this classic treat for its simplicity and irresistible charm.

Small batches of golden, glossy caramel come together with just a few basic ingredients.

The process requires patience and gentle attention to create smooth, buttery perfection.

Gentle stirring and precise temperature control transform ordinary sugar into an extraordinary confection.

You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a luxurious sweet treat that everyone will love.

Caramel Candy: What Sets It Apart

• Homemade caramel candies bring nostalgic joy, creating delightful moments of connection with family and friends while enjoying a classic treat.
• This recipe offers an engaging culinary adventure for home cooks, teaching precise temperature control and candy-making techniques without requiring professional pastry training.
• Easily personalize the caramels by adding sea salt, nuts, or experimenting with different extracts, making each batch uniquely yours and perfectly tailored to individual taste preferences.
• Surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to produce professional-looking, deliciously smooth caramel candies that will wow everyone.

Creamy Caramel Candy Ingredient List

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the primary sweetness and structure for the caramel candy.
• Light Karo Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and contributes to smooth texture.
• Fine Table Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, smooth consistency in the caramel.
• Salted Butter: Introduces a deep, rich flavor and contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the caramel's sweetness.

• Parchment Paper, Wax Paper: Used for lining the dish and wrapping individual candies to prevent sticking.
• Iced Water: Helps in testing the caramel's readiness during the cooking process.

Equipment for Caramel Candy Making

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for precise temperature tracking during caramel cooking.
• Large Pot: Crucial for mixing and boiling sugar syrup and ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring mixture without scratching pot.
• Baking Dish: Used for cooling and setting caramel candies.
• Small Glass: Needed for iced water temperature test.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting caramel into pieces after cooling.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent caramel from sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wax Paper: Used for wrapping individual caramel pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for slicing caramels.

Steps to Craft Creamy Caramel Candy

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.

This ensures easy removal of your delectable caramel treats later.

Step 2: Create A Cooling Station

Get a small glass and fill it with ice water.

This will be your secret weapon for testing the caramel’s perfect consistency during cooking.

Step 3: Build The Caramel Base

• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Fine salt

Stir the ingredients until they merge into a bubbling mixture, creating the foundation of your sweet adventure.

Step 4: Introduce The Cream

Pour cream into the boiling mixture in a gentle, steady stream.

Keep stirring continuously to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent any burning.

Step 5: Melt In The Butter

Add cubed salted butter to the pot.

Stir until completely melted and integrated.

Continue boiling and stirring for 15-20 minutes, watching the mixture transform.

Step 6: Check Caramel Perfection

Test the caramel’s readiness by dropping a small amount into the ice water.

Roll it between your fingers – it should form a soft ball that holds its shape but remains pliable.

Step 7: Enhance With Vanilla

Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract.

This adds a luxurious depth of flavor to your caramels.

Step 8: Pour And Settle

Transfer the molten caramel into your prepared dish.

Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, ideally overnight, until it sets perfectly.

Step 9: Shape Your Treats

Once set, slice the caramel into bite-sized pieces using a greased knife.

Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.

Step 10: Store And Enjoy

Keep your homemade caramel candies in an airtight container at room temperature.

They’ll stay deliciously soft for 2-3 weeks – if they last that long!

Caramel Candy Making Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality granulated sugar to ensure smooth, consistent caramel texture without crystallization.
• Stir continuously during initial cooking stages to distribute heat evenly and prevent sugar from scorching at the bottom of the pot.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer to precisely monitor caramel's temperature, which is crucial for achieving perfect consistency.
• Store caramels in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Always use clean, dry utensils when working with caramel to avoid introducing moisture that can cause sugar crystallization.

Caramel Candy Flavors & Additions

• Chocolate Caramel Delight: Replace vanilla extract with melted dark chocolate, stirring it in at the end for a rich, chocolatey flavor profile.
• Salted Nutty Caramel: Sprinkle chopped roasted almonds or pecans on top of the caramel before it sets, adding a crunchy texture and nutty undertone.
• Vegan Coconut Caramel: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter, creating a dairy-free alternative with a tropical hint.
• Spiced Caramel Treat: Incorporate ground cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the final stirring stage for a warming, complex taste sensation.

Serving Caramel Candy for Treats

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange caramel candies beautifully on a decorative wooden board with fresh seasonal fruits like sliced apples or pears for elegant contrast.
• Dessert Companion: Pair these creamy caramels with hot coffee, espresso, or rich hot chocolate to enhance the indulgent flavor profile and create a delightful tasting experience.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap individual caramels in colorful wax paper, place inside charming mason jars or small kraft paper boxes for stunning homemade gifts perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Gourmet Topping: Crumble caramel pieces over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or warm apple pie to add a luxurious, sweet crunch that elevates classic desserts.

Storing Creamy Caramel Candy Right

• Preserve caramel candies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 4 weeks.
• Wrap individual candies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Store in a cool, dry place inside a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, maintaining softness for 2-3 weeks.
• Gently warm caramels in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to restore original creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sugar for this caramel candy recipe?

You can use granulated white sugar or light brown sugar, but traditional white sugar gives the best consistent results and color.

• How do I prevent my caramel from burning during cooking?

Use a heavy-bottomed pot, stir continuously, and monitor the temperature closely with a candy thermometer to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.

• What's the best way to cut caramel candies without them sticking?

Use a knife coated with cooking spray or butter, or cut the caramel when it’s slightly firm but not completely hard, which helps create clean, smooth edges.

• Why is salt important in this caramel candy recipe?

Salt enhances the deep caramel flavor, balances the sweetness, and brings out more complex taste notes in the candy, creating a more sophisticated and rich experience.

Creamy Caramel Candy Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Heavenly Caramel Candy blends rich cream and golden sugar into a silky sweet treat. Confectioners’ careful techniques yield smooth, indulgent bites you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 pint (473 ml) cream
• 2 cups light Karo syrup
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter, cubed

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fine table salt

Additional Ingredients:

• Warm whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or generously greasing the surface to prevent sticking during the caramel-making process.
2. Create an iced water bath in a small glass, which will be used to test the caramel’s consistency during cooking.
3. In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar, light Karo syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture dissolves and begins to bubble vigorously.
4. Slowly stream the cream into the bubbling sugar mixture, maintaining a constant stir to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.
5. Incorporate cubed salted butter, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Continue boiling for 15-20 minutes, monitoring the temperature carefully between 240°F and 245°F.
6. Validate the caramel’s readiness by dropping a small amount into the iced water. When rolled, it should form a soft, malleable ball that holds its shape.
7. Remove the pot from heat and swiftly blend in vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and even distribution throughout the caramel.
8. Quickly transfer the molten caramel into the prepared dish, allowing it to cool and set at room temperature, ideally overnight.
9. Once fully solidified, slice the caramel into desired shapes using a well-greased or plastic knife to prevent sticking.
10. Individually wrap each piece in wax paper and store in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain soft for 2-3 weeks.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth caramel texture and even cooking.
• Test caramel readiness precisely by using a candy thermometer for consistent results every time.
• Prevent sugar crystallization by avoiding stirring once the mixture starts boiling and maintaining steady heat.
• Consider adding sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet flavor twist that enhances the caramel’s richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg