Old Fashioned Caramels
Rich, buttery caramel candies with deep brown sugar notes and a smooth vanilla finish, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat. These old-fashioned caramels melt in your mouth and appeal to caramel lovers and those seeking nostalgic confections. Ideal for sharing in casual or festive settings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 11-inch cake pan.
- Melt butter in a heavy 3-quart saucepan.
- Add brown sugar and mix well.
- Stir in light corn syrup.
- Cook until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 240°F (soft ball stage). This takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pour into the prepared pan.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Slip a spatula under the corner and remove from the pan.
- Cut into small pieces and wrap each piece with plastic wrap.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular. If you prefer a slightly different sweetness, you can substitute half of the brown sugar with coconut sugar. Ensure you stir continuously once you add the sweetened condensed milk to avoid burning. A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the perfect soft ball stage at 240°F.
Serving Suggestions
These caramels make a delightful treat on their own but can also be served alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a festive touch, consider placing them in a decorative box as a gift. They pair beautifully with Crispy Cheese Rounds or can be enjoyed as a sweet finish after a meal featuring Pilgrim Pound Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store the caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to refrigerate them to prevent sticking. To enjoy them again, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Caramels contains roughly 190 calories, with 1g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use any brand of sweetened condensed milk, including non-dairy alternatives, to achieve similar results. Just ensure that the consistency is similar to traditional sweetened condensed milk to maintain the integrity of the caramel texture.
What if I don't have a candy thermometer?
If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that can be easily pressed, it's ready. This method requires careful attention, so be sure to test periodically as it cooks.
How can I prevent my caramels from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, make sure to cut the caramels into pieces once they have cooled slightly and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Additionally, you can dust the cut pieces with a little bit of powdered sugar before wrapping to reduce stickiness.
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).