If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of sea salt, then you are absolutely going to adore this Easy Salted Caramels Recipe. These luscious caramels strike that blissful note of creamy, chewy, and salty that melts in your mouth and keeps you reaching for just one more. Made with straightforward ingredients and an approachable process, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a truly irresistible treat that’s perfect for gifting or indulging yourself. Trust me, once you make these, your idea of homemade candy will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward these decadent caramels. Each element plays a crucial role in developing the rich flavor, silky texture, and gorgeous golden color that make this Easy Salted Caramels Recipe so special.
- Granulated sugar: The sweet foundation that caramelizes beautifully while cooking.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing for smooth, chewy results.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess without extra salt, enhancing flavor depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, tender texture that makes caramel irresistible.
- Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it provides the perfect salty crunch to contrast the sweetness.
How to Make Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides so you can easily lift out the caramel once it’s set. This simple prep ensures clean edges, easy removal, and a smooth surface to work with.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Saucepan
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, butter pieces, and heavy cream. Stir gently until the butter fully melts and the sugar dissolves into the creamy mixture. This step is key for avoiding grainy textures and getting a uniform blend before the cooking process.
Step 3: Cook to 245°F
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then clip on a candy thermometer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. This part requires patience: you want the caramel to reach exactly 245 degrees Fahrenheit, also known as the firm ball stage. This temperature gives your caramels the perfect chewy firmness once cooled.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. This finishing touch infuses your caramel with incredible warmth and a subtle floral note, elevating the flavor profile to a whole new level.
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Pour the hot caramel carefully into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Set it aside at room temperature to cool completely, which takes about two hours. Avoid the temptation to refrigerate as slow cooling helps the texture develop just right.
Step 6: Add Sea Salt and Cut
Once the caramel is set but still slightly soft, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the top. This final burst of salinity will make each bite a beautiful mixture of sweet and salty. Using a sharp knife, cut the caramel into squares or rectangles, then wrap each piece individually in parchment or wax paper to keep them fresh and delightful.
How to Serve Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a pinch of extra flaky sea salt on top right before serving not only looks beautiful but also enhances the flavor contrast. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling a little melted dark chocolate over the caramels or rolling edges in crushed nuts for texture.
Side Dishes
These salted caramels go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or even a rich black tea. They also pair nicely alongside simple vanilla ice cream or a creamy cheesecake, where the caramel’s saltiness offsets the dessert’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your caramels in wax paper and tie with a festive ribbon for charming gifts. You can also stack them in a decorative box layered with tissue paper, or even use them as luscious cookie toppers that add caramel bliss to your baked goods. The possibilities are as limitless as your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salted caramels in an airtight container at room temperature. Wrapped individually or placed in a single layer, they will keep their chewy texture and fresh flavor for up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re kept away from heat and humidity to avoid melting or sticking.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Easy Salted Caramels Recipe treats longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each caramel tightly in parchment and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months frozen. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheating caramel isn’t usually necessary, but if your caramels become too firm, you can soften them by letting them sit at room temperature or warming gently for a few seconds in the microwave—wrapped in wax paper—to bring back that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
FAQs
What is the firm ball stage and why is it important?
The firm ball stage occurs when caramel syrup reaches around 245°F. At this temperature, the sugar concentration is just right to create that chewy, but not sticky, texture characteristic of classic caramels. Cooking to this exact temperature ensures your candy sets perfectly without becoming hard or too soft.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the amount of salt accurately. Using salted butter might make the caramel too salty, especially since flaky sea salt is sprinkled on top to finish. Unsalted butter lets you customize the seasoning balance exactly.
How do I prevent sugar crystals from forming?
Adding light corn syrup to the sugar mixture helps prevent crystals from forming by interfering with crystallization. Also, avoid stirring excessively once the mixture comes to a boil and use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to promote even heating and reduce burning.
Can I make these caramels vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional caramel relies on dairy ingredients like butter and cream, which provide its lush texture and flavor. For a vegan version, you’d need to use coconut cream and a plant-based butter substitute, but the texture and taste may vary. This Easy Salted Caramels Recipe is designed around classic dairy for best results.
What’s the best way to cut caramels evenly?
For neat squares, wait until the caramel has fully set but is still pliable. Use a sharp knife heated with warm water to slice through more cleanly without stickiness. Wipe the knife between cuts for smoother edges and beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Salted Caramels Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—there is something truly delightful about crafting something from scratch that tastes so incredible. The perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and salty will have you hooked from the very first bite, not to mention the joy of sharing or gifting this classic treat. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy caramel perfection in your own kitchen!
Print
Easy Salted Caramels Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Salted Caramels are a delightful homemade treat combining rich, buttery caramel with a touch of flaky sea salt. Perfectly chewy with a balance of sweet and salty flavors, this recipe is straightforward and ideal for gifting or indulging.
Ingredients
Caramel 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, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the caramel once set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves fully.
- Cook the Caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 245°F (corresponding to the firm ball stage), which ensures the perfect chewy texture.
- Add Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the caramel with aroma and flavor.
- Set the Caramel: Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly. Allow it to cool at room temperature without disturbance for about 2 hours to set properly.
- Finish and Cut: Once set, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for the signature salted caramel taste. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the caramel out of the pan and cut into squares or rectangles. Wrap each piece individually in parchment or wax paper to store or gift.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- A candy thermometer is essential to reach the precise temperature for the caramel’s perfect texture.
- Do not skip the parchment paper lining to easily release the caramel from the pan.
- Store caramels at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- For a variation, try using fleur de sel instead of regular flaky sea salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
