Vanilla Cream Caramels Recipe Easy Homemade Treat Recipe
Delight in these smooth, rich Vanilla Cream Caramels made from simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Perfectly creamy and infused with pure vanilla, these homemade treats are a classic candy that melt in your mouth. With easy stovetop preparation and simple steps, you can craft these luscious caramels in just a few hours, ideal for gifting or satisfying your sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: About 40 small caramels (1-inch squares) 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing parchment paper
- Parchment paper to line baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment with butter to ensure the caramel doesn’t stick.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add Cream Carefully: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to prevent splattering. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook to Temperature: Continue cooking the caramel, stirring frequently, until it turns a rich golden-brown color. Use a candy thermometer and watch for the ‘soft ball’ stage at 240°F (115°C) for perfect texture.
- Remove from Heat and Flavor: Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Pour and Set: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for about 4 hours, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to speed up the setting process.
- Cut and Store: Once set, lift the caramel out by the parchment edges and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Wrap each piece in wax paper to store or serve immediately for a fresh treat.
Notes
- If the caramel is too hard, it may have cooked for too long. Try removing it from heat a bit earlier next time.
- If the caramel is too soft, refrigerate it longer before cutting to help it firm up.
- Use a candy thermometer for best results in hitting the perfect soft ball stage temperature.
- Be careful when adding cream to the hot sugar mixture to avoid splattering and burns.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent sticking.
Keywords: Vanilla cream caramels, homemade caramel recipe, easy caramel candy, stovetop caramel, soft caramels, candy recipe
