Aunt Janice'S Homemade Caramels(When You Have Plenty Of Time!)
Rich, buttery caramel treats with a smooth vanilla flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting. Ideal for those with a sweet tooth and patience for slow candy making.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large double boiler, bring sugar, lite Karo syrup, butter, and salt to a slow boil, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add evaporated milk, keeping the boiling constant and continually stirring, until the temperature reaches 248° on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Allow the caramel to cool, then wrap in bite-sized pieces using wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of evaporated milk, though this may alter the cooking time slightly. If you don't have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure to stir constantly, especially as the mixture thickens to avoid burning. This recipe is a delightful treat alongside Spiced Peach Souffle Salad.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade caramels are perfect for gifting or serving at parties. Cut them into small squares and arrange them on a decorative plate. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Old Fashioned Molasses Fruit Cake during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Wrapping each piece in wax paper prevents them from sticking together.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Janice'S Homemade Caramels(When You Have Plenty Of Time!) contains roughly 1553 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my caramel too hard?
If your caramel turns out too hard, it may have been cooked to a higher temperature than specified. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy, and if it happens again, you can try adding a bit of cream to soften it when reheating.
Can I add flavoring to the caramels?
Absolutely! You can infuse your caramels with flavors like sea salt, chocolate, or even a hint of espresso. Just add these flavorings at the end, right before pouring the caramel into the pan, to maintain their potency.
How can I prevent the caramels from sticking?
To prevent sticking, make sure to properly butter the pan before pouring in the caramel. Additionally, wrapping each piece in wax paper will help keep them from sticking together when stored. Using a sharp knife for cutting can also help achieve clean edges.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).