Need a perfect Homemade Caramels Recipe? Look no further. These Homemade Soft Caramels are easy, made with simple ingredients, and have the best delicious soft texture.
Homemade soft caramels are a winter staple for our family. Sometimes we give them away as neighbor gifts (see our ultimate neighbor gift ideas round up here) and sometimes we just bring them to all the parties and gatherings.
Either way, we look forward to making these each year and this recipe is tried and true. You will have nothing but rave reviews and people begging for the recipe.
Homemade Caramels
If you are looking for some of our other Christmas time fan favorites then you will definitely have to check out our Christmas Cornflake Wreaths, our Easy Cracker-Roca or our perfect Traditional Sugar Cookies.
Or feel free to browse our entire Christmas Gallery.
But let’s get back to the matter at hand.
Homemade Soft Caramels
I’ve often found people are really intimidated about homemade caramels. I promise you, they are so easy. What they also are however, is a little time consuming.
Top Left – Attach a candy thermometer to a large pot. Grease a 12×15 pan and set aside. Add whipping cream, sugars, butter, corn syrup, milk and salt into your pot. Cook your mixture over medium high heat stirring continuously until the sugars have dissolved and your mixture is boiling. Continue to stir while caramel boils until temperature reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit (or 120 degrees C). This part can take awhile, and your arm will be hot and tired. Hang in there– it is worth it!
Top Right – Pro Tip: If you don’t own a candy thermometer or want to be sure your caramel is ready, make an ice bath in a small cup or bowl and add in a spoonful of your caramel mixture. If you can meld the caramel with your fingers into a firm ball then caramel is ready. If the caramel quickly separates and is still liquid it needs more time.
Bottom Left – Remove your pot from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour caramel into your prepared pan and side aside to cool.
Bottom Right – Once cooled, cut your caramels into rectangles and wrap them in wax paper. Store in an airtight container for up to one month.
Pretty simple right?
Homemade Caramels Recipe
If you make this recipe and enjoy it we would love for you to leave us a comment and positive review, they mean so much to us.
Homemade Caramels
Video
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Candy Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 Cups White Sugar
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 Cup Butter
- 1 Cup Corn Syrup
- 1 Cup Evaporated Milk
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla
- 1/4 Teaspoon Fine Salt
Instructions
- Attach a candy thermometer to a large pot. Grease a 12x15 inch pan and set aside.
- Add whipping cream, sugars, butter, corn syrup, milk and salt into your pot. Cook your mixture over medium high heat stirring continuously until the sugars have dissolved and your mixture is boiling. Continue to stir while caramel boils until temperature reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit (or 120 degrees C). This part can take awhile, and your arm will be hot and tired. Hang in there-- it is worth it!
- Pro Tip: If you don't own a candy thermometer or want to be sure your caramel is ready, make an ice bath in a small cup or bowl and add in a spoonful of your caramel mixture. If you can meld the caramel with your fingers into a firm ball then caramel is ready. If the caramel quickly separates and is still liquid it needs more time.
- Remove your pot from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour caramel into your prepared pan and side aside to cool.
- Once cooled, cut caramel into rectangles and wrap them in waxed paper to store.
Notes
Nutrition
Happy homemade soft caramel making friends.
xo,
These soft caramels are so delicious, I’ve never made them before but it was so easy! Planning on putting them in gift bags for the holidays, thank you for the recipe!
My mom always made soft caramels to give out as gifts around the holidays, but I lost her recipe. This one is just like hers. I love giving these out to friends and neighbors, thanks for the great recipe!
You are so welcome Dana! I’m so glad you found it.
these little caramels are the best things that I have found in a long time! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
You are so welcome!