Silky Smooth Salted Caramels (That Actually Work!)

Craving the best caramel candy? My Salted Caramels are chewy, buttery perfection! Get pro tips for perfect results every time. Forget store-bought – make these!

June 11, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Okay, let's dive into this caramel candy adventure! honestly, who doesn't love a good caramel? it's like a warm hug in candy form.

This recipe? it's about to become your new obsession. trust me.

Sweet Surrender: Making Your Own Silky Smooth Salted Caramels

Why This Recipe Will Rock Your World

Ever wondered how to make caramel candy that's actually, properly good? i did! that’s why i’m sharing this recipe. these salted caramels are chewy, buttery, and have that perfect salty-sweet balance.

Forget those bland store-bought caramels.

A Caramel's Tale

Caramels have been around for ages, a confectioner's trick evolving over time. this recipe gives a nod to that history, bringing a touch of sophisticated sweetness to your day.

This is a medium-difficulty recipe that needs about 2 hours 45 minutes, plus chilling time. this yields 36-48 caramels, perfect for sharing.

The Power of Caramel: More Than Just a Treat

Alright, caramel pecans recipe might be another thing, but even this recipe can do wonders. beyond the obvious deliciousness, the satisfaction of making these from scratch is unmatched.

I've served these at christmas parties, and they're always gone within minutes, making them a great homemade gift for christmas .

Plus, that little bit of sea salt actually enhances the other flavours, y'know? it's science.

Let's Gather 'Round: The Ingredients

To get started, you'll need simple ingredients. one cup of butter, one cup of heavy cream, vanilla extract, and your sugar, corn syrup, and salt.

I've tried so many recipes, some using different ingredients, but they have never worked. remember, with candy with caramel the precision is important.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these Silky Smooth Salted Caramels! Honestly, the ingredient list is pretty straightforward. But the quality makes all the difference.

Silky Smooth Salted Caramels (That Actually Work!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:36-48 caramels

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
• 1 cup (240ml / 8 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (200g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml / 4 fluid ounces) light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
• Butter or non-stick cooking spray

Instructions:

• Butter or spray an 8x8 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
• In a small saucepan, combine butter and heavy cream over low heat. Stir occasionally until butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and becomes an amber colour.
• Carefully pour the warm butter and cream mixture into the sugar mixture. Be prepared for it to bubble vigorously!
• Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the candy thermometer registers 245°F (118°C) for firm-chewy caramels.
• Immediately pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt.
• Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting.
• Lift the caramel from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles. Wrap individually in wax paper or cellophane.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:100 calories

Fat:7g

Fiber:<1g

Recipe Info

Category:Candy

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment

This is where the magic happens, folks. Forget the shop-bought stuff; we're going full-on homemade!

Main Ingredients: The Caramel Core

Here's what you'll need, measured precisely. Trust me, accuracy is key in the caramel game.

• 1 cup (227g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces. Use proper butter, not margarine. The taste difference is HUGE!
• 1 cup (240ml / 8 fluid ounces) heavy cream. Full fat, baby!
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Avoid the cheap stuff; it tastes artificial.
• 1 cup (200g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar. Plain and simple.
• ½ cup (120ml / 4 fluid ounces) light corn syrup. This helps prevent crystallization.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling. Flaky sea salt is best, if you have it.

For the butter, look for a nice yellow colour and a creamy texture. it melts beautifully. the heavy cream should be thick and luscious.

It needs to be a good quality , this ingredient is key.

Seasoning Notes: A Dash of Magic

Time to talk flavour boosters!

• Essential Spice Combinations: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth.
• Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: A tiny bit of bourbon or rum extract for a boozy kick?
• Quick Substitution Options: No vanilla extract? A dash of almond extract will do in a pinch.

I once tried adding a bit of smoked paprika. Don't do that. Trust me. This is the difference between good and best homemade candy .

You can also make caramel nut clusters . try stirring in some toasted pecans at the end! these pecan delights candy are a total winner.

You might even call it caramel pecan log .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets. I am talking about the bare essentials.

• 8x8 inch baking pan (or similar size). Lined with parchment paper!
• Parchment paper . Makes removing the caramels a breeze.
• Heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan . To prevent scorching, super important!
• Candy thermometer . This is non-negotiable, you need it!
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula . For constant stirring.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter . For clean cuts.

No candy thermometer? You're playing a dangerous game. A common household alternative for the parchment paper is foil with plenty of non-stick spray.

Honestly, making caramel candy can feel intimidating, but with the right tools and ingredients, you're golden. you could even gift it to loved ones.

It's a perfect homemade gift for christmas . want to try diy candied pecans ? we got your back! next time try to sprinkle some caramel pecans recipe on top of the caramel to have candy with caramel .

Alright, let's dive into making some proper silky smooth salted caramels! honestly, who doesn't love good caramel candy ? it's like a little hug in candy form.

I'm sharing my go-to recipe, the one that actually works, even if you're a bit nervous about cooking sugar.

Prep Steps for Caramel Candy Perfection

Making this Best Homemade Candy starts with getting organised. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, have everything measured and ready to go. it means your butter, cream, sugar, corn syrup, salt and vanilla are all standing by for the action.

No last-minute scrambling, okay? also get your baking pan ready, because speed is key at some point.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. leave some overhang, it makes life so much easier when you're trying to lift the caramels out later.

Grab your saucepan, candy thermometer and wooden spoon, because you will need them all.

Safety First, Sweet Tooth Second

Sugar cooking is no joke! We are dealing with molten sugar, so please be careful, okay? Keep kids and pets away from the hob. Have some cold water nearby, just in case.

Step-by-Step Process: Caramel Candy Magic

Okay, here's the nitty-gritty. Don't stress, I've broken it down into easy steps.

1. Prep the Pan: Grease the pan and line with parchment paper. Make sure there’s an overhang.
2. Combine Butter & Cream: Melt 1 cup (227g / 8 ounces) of butter with 1 cup (240ml / 8 fluid ounces) of cream over low heat. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla. Set aside.
3. Cook the Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, cook 1 cup (200g / 7 ounces) of granulated sugar, ½ cup (120ml / 4 fluid ounces) of light corn syrup, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt over medium heat until amber.
4. Add the Cream Mixture: Carefully pour in the butter mixture. It will bubble like crazy, so go slow!
5. Cook to Temperature: Keep stirring until the thermometer hits 245° F ( 118° C) for firm-chewy caramel candy .
6. Pour & Sprinkle: Pour into the pan. Sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Chill: Cool, then chill for at least 2 hours .
8. Cut & Wrap: Lift out the caramel candy , cut into squares, and wrap.

Pro Tips for Pecan Delights Candy -Level Goodness

Want to take your caramels from good to OMG amazing? Here are my secrets.

Expert Techniques (And Shortcuts!)

Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan. it helps prevent the sugar from burning. also, don't stop stirring! it's crucial to prevent the sugar from crystallising.

Speaking of nuts, for a perfect caramel pecan log experience, consider pressing toasted pecans onto the caramel just before it sets.

Or go full-on caramel nut clusters by stirring the pecans right into the caramel mixture.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

The biggest mistake? Not using a candy thermometer! You simply must. Another tip? Warm the cream mixture before adding it to the sugar. This stops the sugar seizing.

Make-Ahead Options

You can totally make these ahead of time, this makes them a great homemade gift for christmas . they'll keep in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer.

Just make sure they're well wrapped.

Honestly, these silky smooth salted caramels are worth the effort. imagine biting into candy with caramel that’s chewy, salty, and utterly divine.

Enjoy the caramel pecans recipe ! you'll become addicted to making diy candied pecans !

Alright, let's talk silky smooth salted caramels! you know, the kind that make you go "oh my gosh!" after just one bite.

These are inspired by classic confectionery, and i promise they're easier than you think. forget those store-bought bricks; we're making the best homemade candy right here!

Recipe Notes

Honestly, these caramels are pretty straightforward. But before we dive in, here are some things I've learned making caramel candy over the years. These caramel pecans recipe variations can be a game-changer!

Sweet Serving Suggestions

Picture this: you've got these gorgeous, golden caramel candy , right? now how do you show them off? i like to cut them into perfect little squares and arrange them on a nice plate.

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates the presentation.

Want to be really fancy? serve them with a strong cup of coffee or a small glass of dessert wine.

A couple of these caramel nut clusters alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream? you'll be winning at life.

Savvy Storage Tips

Okay, so you've made a batch (or two!) of these bad boys. time for storage! for short-term storage, wrap each caramel candy individually in wax paper.

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. they'll stay good for about 2 weeks.

Want to keep them longer? freezing is an option. wrap them really well (think multiple layers of plastic wrap) and they can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

To thaw, just pop them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating isn't really necessary. They're meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just be careful, because these Pecan Delights Candy are soft.

Variations Galore

This is where things get fun! got a friend who's dairy-free? you can totally make these with vegan butter and coconut cream.

The texture might be a tad different, but they'll still be delicious.

Feeling nutty? throw in some chopped pecans before pouring the caramel into the pan for a caramel pecan log vibe.

Honestly? these could also be a great homemade gift for christmas! consider also adding some diy candied pecans .

Nutrition Basics

Let's keep it simple, shall we? one caramel candy is roughly around 100 calories. it’s got some fat (around 7g) and carbs (about 10g), mostly from sugar.

There's a tiny bit of protein in there too. don’t forget the sodium from the salt!

The upside? A little bit of indulgence can boost your mood! Plus, nuts will make it even more nutritious.

So, there you have it. my top tips for making the best caramel candy ever! go on, give it a try.

Honestly, with a little bit of patience, you'll be a candy with caramel wizard in no time. i know you'll love the caramel nougat candy feel.