Go Back
–+ servings
chewy homemade caramels shown unwrapped on a dark wooden background
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Soft, Chewy Homemade Caramels

Chewy homemade caramels are a delicious candy you can make in your own kitchen. This soft caramel recipe is decadent and delightful. Perfect for making around the holidays or any time you want a sweet treat!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36
Calories: 165kcal
Author: Meaghan @ 4 Sons R Us

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups light Karo syrup
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup salted butter cubed
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream do not substitute
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Liberally butter a 9x13" baking dish. Set aside.
  • In a large pot with a candy thermometer attached to the side, set over medium heat, combine the sugar, syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture until the syrup's dissolved & begun to bubble.
  • Without letting the mixture stop bubbling, slowly whisk in the cream until it's completely incorporated. Don't stop stirring.
  • Stir in the butter, and keep stirring. The mixture must remain at a boil, stirring constantly, for roughly 15-20 minutes.
  • When the temperature reaches 245° stir in the vanilla, then carefully pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
  • Set the dish aside, and allow to cool completely so the caramel hardens.
  • Once hardened, use a butter knife to cut it into rectangular or square pieces.
  • Wrap the pieces in wax paper, and they will stay good (and soft) for 2-3 weeks.

Notes

  • DO NOT substitute anything for the heavy cream.
  • Brown sugar will give this more of a butterscotch flavor.
  • If your thermometer is almost at the proper temperature, and you want to be sure the caramel's ready add a spoonful to a glass of ice water. If it forms a firm ball, it's ready. But if not- keep boiling and stirring until it does.
  • For a more uniform presentation, cut it into 12 vertical rows. After cutting into vertical rows, cut 4 rows across. This will yield nice even rectangular pieces of caramel.
  • If you don't want to precut wax paper (can also use parchment paper), you can find some in the candy making section of your local craft store

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 10mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 272IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg