You can make soft, chewy, buttery homemade salted caramel candy with this simple recipe. These treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Yield:About 64 pieces 1x
Category:Candy
Method:Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus extra for topping
Instructions
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper. Set aside.
Combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Cook until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer, which is the soft-ball stage. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
In a separate small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter together over low heat until the butter melts. Do not boil.
Remove the sugar mixture from the heat. Carefully and slowly pour the warm cream and butter mixture into the sugar mixture. Stir gently until combined. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
Return the saucepan to medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the firm-ball stage for chewy caramel.
Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with extra coarse sea salt.
Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
Once firm, lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 1-inch squares. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper or cellophane for gifting.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer for accurate results; temperature determines the final texture of your homemade caramel.
If you prefer a softer, more sauce-like consistency, stop cooking the mixture when it reaches 235 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the best flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter in your recipe.