Tried and True Caramel Candy

Indulge in the rich, buttery decadence of "Tried and True Caramel Candy," a foolproof recipe for creating irresistibly soft and chewy caramels at home. This timeless treat combines pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk to achieve the perfect balance of creamy sweetness. A splash of pure vanilla extract adds depth, while an optional sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavor with a tantalizing salty-sweet twist. With just 10 minutes of prep and straightforward stovetop cooking, this recipe is ideal for candy-making beginners and experts alike. Perfect for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth, these homemade caramels are wrapped in nostalgia and sure to delight your taste buds!

Nutriscore Rating: 28/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 64

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare an 8x8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing the paper. Ensure the parchment overhangs the sides for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.

Step 3

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon to prevent scorching.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom.

Step 5

Continue cooking while stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C), the 'firm ball' stage. This will ensure the candy has a soft, chewy texture.

Step 6

Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble slightly.

Step 7

Pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula if needed.

Step 8

If desired, sprinkle sea salt evenly over the surface of the caramel for a salty-sweet flavor combination.

Step 9

Allow the caramel to cool completely at room temperature, about 4–6 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting.

Step 10

Once set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the caramel out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch squares or desired shapes.

Step 11

Wrap each caramel piece in wax paper or parchment squares to prevent them from sticking together. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1203.4 grams (1203.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4363

Total Fat 210.60g	270%
Saturated Fat 125.80g	629%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 623mg	208%
Sodium 2836mg	123%
Total Carbohydrate 594.60g	216%
Dietary Fiber 0.00g	0%
Total Sugars 593.60g
Protein 32.20g	64%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 1152mg	89%
Iron 1mg	4%
Potassium 1501mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.1%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 54.0%