Mocha Caramels
Rich mocha caramel candies with a smooth, buttery texture and bold coffee flavor, perfect for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth seeking a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, except vanilla, in a large, heavy saucepan.
- Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the temperature reaches 248° (firm ball stage on thermometer), about 1 hour.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pour into a buttered 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Let stand until cool.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and wrap each caramel in waxed paper.
- Refrigerate up to 3 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your caramels turn out perfectly, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup. For a stronger coffee flavor, consider using espresso powder instead of instant coffee. Stir constantly to prevent burning, especially as it approaches the firm ball stage.
Serving Suggestions
These Mocha Caramels are perfect for gifting or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a rich dessert like No Sugar Apple Pie Filling or can be enjoyed on their own as a delightful afternoon snack. Consider serving them at a party or alongside a dessert platter for an impressive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mocha Caramels contains roughly 346 calories, with 0g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 18g fat.
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 milk instead of half and half?
Yes, you can substitute half and half with whole milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but keep in mind that it may change the creaminess of the caramels. If using non-dairy milk, look for options that are creamier to achieve a similar texture.
What should I do if my caramels are too hard?
If your caramels are too hard, it may be due to overcooking. To soften them, you can microwave them briefly in short intervals, checking to prevent overheating. For future batches, aim for the lower end of the temperature range to ensure a softer result.
Can I add nuts or other flavors to the caramels?
Absolutely! You can fold in toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, after removing the mixture from heat. Additionally, flavors like vanilla bean or sea salt can enhance the caramels’ taste. Just make sure any additions do not affect the cooking process.
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).