Best The Original Caramel Recipe
Buttery, rich, old-school caramel candies with a smooth, chewy texture and a touch of sea salt. Cooked to the firm-ball stage for perfect bite, these classic caramels are ideal for gifting, holiday trays, or stocking your candy jar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 64 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar (or brown sugar for richer flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and butter it well.
2. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and cook until the mixture turns a deep amber.
3. Meanwhile, warm the cream, butter, and salt in another pot until steaming.
4. Slowly whisk the warm cream mixture into the amber sugar mixture (it will bubble up). Continue cooking until the caramel reaches 248°F (firm-ball stage), about 10–15 minutes. Stir in vanilla if using.
5. Pour caramel into the prepared pan. Let cool and set for 24 hours.
6. Lift out, cut into squares, and wrap each piece individually.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer for best results—248°F gives a classic chewy caramel. Avoid stirring once the sugar is dissolved to help prevent crystallization. Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer keeping (bring to room temp before serving).
Find it online: https://www.musttryrecipe.com/the-original-caramel-recipe/