My family usually reserves them for our special treat at Christmas time. We give them as neighbor gifts and always have a huge batch to enjoy ourselves!
The ingredients for these caramels are very simple. Butter, sugar, karo syrup, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. However, the key to creating magic–that amazing rich caramel taste and texture–is in the cooking process. These can’t be rushed! Read my tips below, for making perfect caramels, every time.
Once you pour them into a jelly-roll or 9×13” pan, allow them to cool completely. You can refrigerate them for a long time. I usually refrigerate them until they are nice and cool, pull the whole pan of parchment paper out onto a cutting board, and then cut them into small squares. They are much easier to cut when they are cold.
Tips for perfect caramels:
Slowly stir in the evaporated milk:
Maintain steady heat:
Candy Thermometer vs. Ice Water Test
The best (and easiest) way I’ve found for success in any location, is using the ice water method. Drop a spoonful of the hot caramel into a cup of ice water. Mold the caramel with your fingers into a ball. You will know the caramels are ready when they feel pretty firm and pliable.
CONSIDER MAKING THESE CHRISTMAS SWEETS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:
- Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
- Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
- Vanilla Creme Balls
- Christmas Cornflake Wreaths
- Caramel Cashew Clusters
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Homemade Caramels
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups light corn syrup
- 24 ounces evaporated milk (2 cans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9x13'' pan or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. (If you don't have parchment paper you can generously butter the pan.) Either size pan will work--9x13'' will yield thicker caramels.
- Add 2 sticks butter, sugar, and karo syrup to a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Stir over medium heat until mixture begins to boil, about 5-10 minutes.
- Gradually add the evaporated milk, one can at a time, taking about 12-15 minutes PER CAN to slowly add it, while stirring constantly. You want to make sure the mixture maintains a constant boil, otherwise your caramels can curdle.
- Stir the mixture constantly, scraping the sides occasionally until it reaches a firm ball stage (about 238 degrees F on a candy thermometer). It takes patience and time, but it's sooo worth it! (Also, I don't always trust or rely on a candy thermometer either--I like to test it the old fashioned way. Drop a spoonful of hot caramel sauce into a cup of ice water and mold it with your fingers into a ball. When ready it will feel pretty firm and pliable, but still slightly sticky.)
- Once you reach 238 degrees F / or the firm ball stage, remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour caramels into prepared pan. Refrigerate until cooled and hardened. (Best if you refrigerate them overnight, or for several hours. They will be easier to cut and wrap).
- The caramel will seem hard in the fridge after they're set, but they should be soft at room temperature. Cut caramel into small pieces and, if desired, wrap like a tootsie roll in wax paper.
- Try these dipped in chocolate or pretzel rods.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?!
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.
Angela Bullock says
I’ve made this and this by far rocks out if all the diffrent ones I’ve made.. Everyone is screaming for them I ball when cool dip in chocolate and add sea salt to the top yummy..
Kimberly says
White or brown sugar trying today
Lauren Allen says
White granulated sugar.
Susan Oliver says
Mine never got hard. I love this recipe and they are crazy soft and chewy bc I guess my candy thermometer was not correct. Any suggestions to help them set to the right texture?
Lauren Allen says
It sounds like they needed to cook longer– definitely use the “ice water test” I talk about in the post, as opposed to a candy thermometer–it will be much more accurate when you can actually feel if the caramel has cooked long enough.
Brenda says
All my nieces and nephews want this for Christmas instead of other gifts or even money.
Suzanne Shinnick says
I use medical marijuana to reduce my use of opiods, so I used infused butter in the recipe. Your recipe totally hid the resin taste from the weed. I foresee making a batch every few weeks. Thank you!
MadBoy the Merciless says
I needed to hear this, as I’m currently prepping some butter to make this!