Soft Chewy Cream Caramels Recipe

Introduction

Soft chewy cream caramels are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery sweetness. Perfect for gifts or a homemade indulgence, these caramels combine simple ingredients into a luxurious candy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick foil and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the sugar, heavy cream, and light corn syrup. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Insert a candy thermometer and continue boiling over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: Cook until the candy reaches 247-248°F for a soft chewy texture.
5. Step 5: For a firmer caramel, let it cook up to 250°F. This process may take 45 minutes to an hour, so be patient and monitor the temperature closely.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat, add the vanilla, and stir to combine evenly.
7. Step 7: Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and allow it to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Once cooled, lift the caramel out using the foil sling and place it on a cutting board. Slice into 1-inch squares.
9. Step 9: Wrap each caramel piece in wax paper to prevent sticking.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to ensure the perfect chewy texture every time.
• For a flavored twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of espresso powder along with the vanilla.
• Prevent sticking by wrapping caramels individually in wax or parchment paper.

Storage

Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before unwrapping. To re-soften slightly hardened caramels, warm gently at room temperature or in your hand.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream?

Heavy cream works best because of its high-fat content, which creates a rich, smooth texture. Using lighter cream or milk may result in a less creamy caramel.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

Without a candy thermometer, try the cold water test by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that holds shape but is still pliable, the caramel is ready. However, a candy thermometer is recommended for best results.

Soft Chewy Cream Caramels Recipe

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Soft Chewy Cream Caramels are a luscious homemade treat made with butter, sugar, heavy cream, and light corn syrup. These rich, creamy caramels have the perfect balance of sweetness and a satisfyingly chewy texture, enhanced with a touch of vanilla. Ideal for gifting or indulging, this classic candy recipe is straightforward and requires gentle cooking to achieve the perfect consistency.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 64 pieces (1-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Caramel Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper, making sure the foil extends over the edges for easy removal of the caramel later. Set aside.
2. Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, heavy cream, and light corn syrup. Mix gently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Cook the Caramel: Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and continue boiling over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Cook until the candy reaches a temperature of 247-248°F (soft ball stage).
4. Optional Firmer Caramel: For a slightly firmer caramel, let the temperature reach 250°F. This step requires patience as it can take between 45 minutes to an hour.
5. Finish and Pour: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor. Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
6. Cool and Set: Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature completely, which helps it firm up to the perfect chewy texture.
7. Slice and Wrap: Once cooled, lift the caramel out of the pan using the foil sling. Place on a cutting board and slice into 1-inch squares. Wrap individual pieces in wax paper to keep them fresh.
8. Storage: These caramels freeze well. Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container in the freezer for longer shelf life.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
• A candy thermometer is essential to monitor the precise candy temperature for best results.
• Stir occasionally but gently; too much stirring can cause crystallization.
• Wrap caramels individually to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• These caramels can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 1-2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: soft caramel recipe, chewy caramels, homemade caramel candy, cream caramels, candy thermometer recipe