Tom'S Caramels
Creamy, rich caramel candies with a hint of vanilla and optional nuts, perfect for holiday gifting and satisfying sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy pan, melt butter over low heat on top of the stove. Add corn syrup and sugar.
- Boil for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Add 1 1/2 cans of Eagle Brand milk.
- Mix remaining Eagle Brand milk with flour thoroughly, then add to the corn syrup-sugar mixture.
- Boil until mixture darkens and forms a medium-hard ball (240°).
- Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning.
- Add vanilla and pour into a buttered 2 x 13 x 2-inch pan. Chill until set.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces and wrap in wax paper.
- Great for Christmas giving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the butter is fully melted before adding the corn syrup and sugar. If you're looking for a variation, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor. Adding toasted nuts can provide a nice crunch, but be sure to chop them finely so they distribute evenly. Keep the heat steady to prevent burning, similar to techniques used in Maryhelen'S Chocolate Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These caramels are perfect for holiday gift-giving, especially around Christmas. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat. You can also use them as a topping for desserts like ice cream or as an addition to a party platter with other sweets. They pair beautifully with Pfeffernuesse("Little Peppernuts") for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store your cut caramels in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture. If you live in a warm climate, refrigeration may be necessary to prevent them from melting. When ready to enjoy, allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture. They can last for several weeks if kept properly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S Caramels contains roughly 279 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% 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 milk instead of Eagle Brand milk?
While the recipe calls for Eagle Brand milk for its creaminess, you can substitute it with regular sweetened condensed milk. Just ensure that you adjust the flour accordingly, as the consistency may vary slightly.
What should I do if my caramels are too hard?
If your caramels turn out too hard, they may have been boiled for too long. To rescue them, you can melt the caramels down gently in a double boiler with a splash of cream or milk until they reach your desired consistency.
How can I make these caramels more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your caramels, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of bourbon or rum during the cooking process. This adds depth and complexity to the caramel, making it even more delicious.
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).