Jean'S Caramels
Creamy, rich caramel candies with deep vanilla flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings. Smooth, buttery, and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook all the ingredients, except the vanilla, to a hard boil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- When mixture has reached hard-ball stage, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour into a buttered pan.
- Cool and then cut into desired size pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure you use a candy thermometer to check for the hard-ball stage (around 250°F). If you want a richer flavor, consider using heavy cream instead of milk for a creamier caramel. Stirring continuously while cooking will prevent scorching, so keep an eye on it. For a twist, add a pinch of sea salt for salted caramels.
Serving Suggestions
These caramels make a delightful treat on their own, but you can also serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies like Quick Chocolate Chip Cookies or slices of Lucy'S Pound Cake. For a festive touch, wrap them in colorful wrappers and give them as gifts during the holidays. They also pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Once the caramels are cooled and cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their firmness. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave in short bursts, ensuring they don’t melt completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Caramels contains roughly 750 calories, with 9g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, using brown sugar will give your caramels a deeper, molasses-like flavor. However, be aware that it may slightly alter the texture, making them a bit softer. It's best to experiment with a mixture of both sugars to achieve your desired taste and consistency.
What can I do if my caramels are too hard?
If your caramels turn out too hard, try reheating them gently in a saucepan with a splash of cream. Stir until they soften to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use them as a topping for desserts or mix them into a warm dessert like Figgy Pudding Cake.
How can I prevent my caramels from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, ensure that you properly butter the pan before pouring in the caramel mixture. Additionally, you can layer parchment paper between the pieces after cutting them. Dusting the cut caramels with powdered sugar can also help keep them separate.
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).