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 are perfectly soft and chewy and so easy to make!
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups light corn syrup
- 24 ounces evaporated milk (2 cans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 a buttered jelly roll pan. Refrigerate until cooled and hardened. (Best if you refrigerate them overnight, or for several hours. They will be easy 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.
Recipe Video
Don't miss the tips and tricks for this recipe listed above in the post!
Have you tried this recipe?!
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.
Cheryl says
I made these for the first time yesterday and they are fabulous! Your hints helped immensely. Will have to make another batch as I keep eating them and there won’t be enough to give as gifts. Wonderful recipe!
Dee says
Would this work well for candy apples? The cost of store bought doesn’t seem too high until you have to buy so many bags at once. Plus, they are a pain to melt. Would I be able to dip the apples while the caramel is still warm? Or should I let them set and re-melt them later?
Lauren Allen says
Hi Dee,
You can definitely use this recipe for caramel apples, and no, you don’t have to let them set. You will need to make sure that the caramels are at the right consistency (use the ice water test I describe in the post) before you dip the apples! Also, be sure to remove the wax from the apples first before dipping them in caramel, otherwise it will just slide right off (see this resource). Also note that this recipe makes quite a lot of caramel. Good luck!
Latiea says
Hi, you explained it so nicely. I’ll definitely make this tomorrow for the holiday treat. Wish you a very Happy Holiday and a Very Happy New Year!