Full Cream Nut Caramels
Rich, buttery caramel candies with crunchy pecans, perfect for gifting or indulging, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness, creaminess, and nutty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook sugar, corn syrup, and 1 cup of cream for about 10 minutes.
- Add the remaining cup of warm cream slowly and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Keep heat high enough to prevent boiling over.
- Add butter a little at a time.
- When a thermometer reads about 230°F, lower heat and cook to 240°F to 244°F.
- Stir occasionally toward the end of cooking to prevent scorching, then remove from heat as soon as the temperature is reached.
- Add salt and vanilla.
- Let the mixture stand for several minutes, then mix gently.
- Allow to stand for about 10 minutes.
- Gently fold in the nuts.
- Pour into a well-oiled or buttered 8-inch square pan.
- Cool until the caramel is solid enough to cut.
- Wrap individual pieces to prevent spreading.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your cream is warm before adding it to the mixture. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with golden syrup or honey, but the flavor may vary slightly. Stirring constantly after reaching 240°F is crucial to avoid burning. For a nut variation, try using almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
Serving Suggestions
These nut caramels make a delightful treat on their own or can be served as part of a dessert platter alongside Jordan'S Blueberry Muffins. For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top before they cool. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store the caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid climate, it's best to refrigerate them to maintain firmness. To reheat, place the caramels in a microwave-safe dish for short intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Full Cream Nut Caramels contains roughly 296 calories, with 1g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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
Can I use a different type of cream for this recipe?
Yes, while warm cream or whipping cream is ideal for richness, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the texture and creaminess may be slightly altered.
What should I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramels are too hard after cooling, they may have been cooked too long. To fix this, you can try reheating them gently with a splash of cream to soften them, then re-pour and let them set again.
How can I prevent my caramels from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, wrap individual pieces in wax paper or parchment paper after they have cooled. Ensure the caramels are completely set before wrapping to avoid any moisture, which can cause them to become tacky.
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).