Soft Caramel
Soft caramel combines buttery richness with sweet brown sugar and corn syrup, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for caramel lovers and ideal for gift-giving or snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Melt the butter in the pan.
- Add the brown sugar and salt to the melted butter.
- Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Stir in the light corn syrup.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly.
- Use a candy thermometer; heat the mixture until it reaches 245°F (about 12 to 15 minutes).
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan and freeze.
- Once set, cut the caramel at room temperature.
- Wrap each piece in waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother caramel, ensure you stir continuously when adding the sweetened condensed milk to prevent lumps. If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can substitute with golden syrup or make your own by combining sugar and water. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy; if you don't have one, watch for a firm ball stage to determine doneness. This soft caramel is perfect for drizzling over desserts like 4 Flavored Pound Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These soft caramels are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. For a festive touch, try drizzling melted chocolate over the set caramels. They pair beautifully with desserts such as Sweet Potato Pone Pie or can be incorporated into a dessert charcuterie board for a sweet variety.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover soft caramel, wrap each piece individually in waxed paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as it can harden the caramel. If you prefer a softer texture, you can gently warm the caramel in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Caramel contains roughly 293 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 463mg per serving (20% 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 sugar for this recipe?
While brown sugar gives the caramel its characteristic flavor, you can use white granulated sugar in a pinch. However, the caramel may lack the rich depth of flavor from the molasses in brown sugar. Consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the taste.
What can I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramel turns out too hard, you can reheat it gently in a saucepan with a splash of cream or milk. Stir continuously until the caramel softens to your desired consistency. Just be cautious not to overheat, as this can lead to a grainy texture.
How can I flavor my soft caramel?
You can easily infuse flavors into your caramel by adding extracts or flavorings during the final stages of cooking. Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract, orange zest, or even a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel version. Experimenting with different flavors can elevate your caramel experience!
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).