These homemade caramels are the perfect decadent and delicious gift for the holidays. This recipe is sure to become a favorite of your family and friends! This recipe is simple and easy to follow, so don't be intimidated by candy making!
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Everything is better homemade, wouldn't you agree?
This month I've decided to take the concept that everything is better homemade and turn it into a four-part baking series. My plan is to make homemade versions of candies and snacks that you would typically buy at the grocery store. You'll enjoy all the recipes in this baking challenge for the simple reason that it's fun to put your own personal twist on a classic item.
Why you'll love this recipe
For the first installment this week, I'll be showing you how to make homemade caramels. I love making (and eating) homemade candy throughout the holidays. In fact, this year, I made these caramels as Christmas gifts for some of my friends and family.
Equipment
One kitchen item you definitely want to invest in when making these caramels is a good candy thermometer. If you're trying to use a standard meat thermometer, you'll have problems. With a good thermometer and a little patience, these candies are a cinch to make and will turn out 100 times better than what you could buy at the store.
Heather's helpful hints
When cooking the caramels use a large pot because the mixture actually triples in size during the cooking phase. Also, note that it will take from 30 to 40 minutes to get the caramel to 250 degrees-be patient!
Recipe
Homemade Caramels
Equipment
- candy thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 12x15 inch pan. In a medium-size pot, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream, and butter.
- Monitor the heat of the mixture with a candy thermometer while stirring. When the thermometer reaches 250 degrees F. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in vanilla. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and let the mixture cool completely. When cooled, cut the caramel into small squares and wrap them in wax paper for storage.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?! First, let me say THANK YOU for giving it a try!
Please leave us a rating and feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I always love to hear your thoughts and ideas on what went well - and didn't - with a recipe!
Happy Baking!
Heather
Diana says
Not good recipe. Had to add more brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. About to add some butter. Errrr!
Diana says
I'm hoping it sets. It looks really runny. Like it's not going to get thick. I make caramel all the time. This doesn't look right. Too much liquid? 3 cups!
Breena says
Thanks :)
Breena says
Hello Can you please tell me where I can buy the wax paper?
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
You should be able to find it in the grocery store in the aisle with aluminum foil and cling wrap!
CakePants says
I just bought a candy thermometer recently, but have yet to make any candy! I think this might be the first candy recipe on the to-do list :)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Homemade candies are so much fun! These caramels were really easy so it's a great first recipe :) I've been wanting to try lollipops for a while so I've been looking for a good recipe to try out!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
You did such a great job on these homemade caramels! High 5! I know I would eat about 1/2 of these in a sitting though, too good!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you!! If I hadn't given most of them away I can guarantee that I would have devoured them all!
MOM says
OH YES YUM. I am still enjoying the Christmas Caramels. Such a treat I don't want them to be gone so I am making them last as long as possible. I applaud this new series. A great idea, Heather. Homemade need not be hard and can be so much healthier and taylor made for individual needs.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Well I am 100% jealous that you still have some caramels at home. I ate mine much too quickly and now I have none left! Boo hoo :(
Francesca says
WoW!!! What a great project Heather! To be honest with you, I didn't know candy thermometers even existed. Maybe because I don't have a tooth sweet and I never eat candies. Those look great, though!!! Even the presentation is so pretty!!! Whoever received them as a gift is a lucky human being! :-)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you Francesca! I wish every day that I didn't have a sweet tooth, I'm completely envious. I don't use my candy thermometer as much as I'd like to, but it's fun to try my hand at some candy-making now and again. I'd love to try and make lollipops sometime!
Sherri says
Ooops - I meant with him, sorry :-(
Sherri says
Oh Heather, I absolutely love caramel, and homemade is even better! I'm really looking forward to your series, what a wonderful idea. I wanted to let you know also that sadly I can't get the Vita Muffin Mix here. My son is coming over to the States though in March so I will ask him to bring some home with me :-)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Oh goodness, I know exactly what you mean! Homemade candies or cookies are always my favorite. That's a bummer about the Vita Muffin mix, you'd think they would want to expand their market. But hopefully you can get some in March :)
sprinklesandsauce says
beautiful caramels and wrapper! good for your for challenging yourself!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you!!
[email protected] says
Hi Heather!
What a treat to see this new post. As I was one of the proud recipients of your homemade morsels, I want to thank you again for your generous gift. These c armel's were absolutely delicious -- thank you so much again young lady!
Much love,
Nancy and Jeff
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Hi Nancy! I'm so glad that you and uncle Jeff enjoyed the caramels :) I also heard from my mom that there is a special date cake being brought to a birthday celebration today! I hope the four of you enjoy!
Just Add Attitude says
These look delicious and don't sound too difficult to make. It's always nice to receive something home made as a gift. I love the illustration at the top of the post, is it your own handiwork? ;)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
I definitely agree! Homemade gifts are such a treat :) The picture at the top was actually just a clip art photo that I found online, I'm glad that you like it!