For me, weekends mean making treats and eating waaay too much sugar. Tea is constantly being made with maybe a movie thrown in. Sweatpants optional.
Can you believe that with my caramel obsession being what it is, this is the first time I have ever made caramel. I mean, at this very moment I’m sipping on a caramel latte!! What was stopping me from making these little squares of deliciousness?
Now that I think about it, these make be the perfect Christmas gifts. I wish I had this realization earlier…
But this has become my new favorite thing. I really don’t know why I ever bought caramel before.
Actually, I do know why. My (and probably a lot more people’s) reasons were:
- I didn’t have a candy thermometer.
- I didn’t have the time
- It’s just so much easier to buy things.
But if making caramels has taught me anything, my advice for my former self (and anyone else who is still buying caramels) is:
- BUY A CANDY MAKER!!! Not only can you make caramels, you can make granola bars and toffee sponge (note to self: I need to do this!!)
- Granted it does take more time, but it’s not like you need to do much. Reading at a table next to the stove is highly recommended so you can check on it every now and then. Also, this recipe makes A LOT of caramels. You won’t need to go shopping for caramels for a while.
- Sure it’s easier to buy caramels, but when you make it yourself, you can add things to suit your preference (hello salted caramel!) and you know all of the ingredients that are going into it.
Homemade Caramels
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup salted butter
Instructions
- Grease a 12×15 inch pan (I split it between a 13×9 inch and a 8×8 inch pan. Just use what you have on hand!) Set aside.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large saucepan. Place a candy thermometer into the saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium low, stirring constantly. Continue stiring, keeping an eye on the mixture until it reaches 250˚F. (This will take a long time a long time. Don’t rush it!)
- Immediately pour the mixture into your prepared pan(s). Allow the mixture to cool. Cut into squares with a sharp knife or scissors.
I am afraid if I make them, I would finish all of them 🙂
These look picture perfect Cathleen, and soooo creamy and delicious 😀
I remember sometimes my mum would make homemade caramel, and I would be so fascinated by the way it set 🙂 It changed texture completely, and it tasted so good. She made the more solid kind, so we could break off massive pieces 🙂
Ah but the wrapping and everything, Cathleen – anyone would be happy to receive these little treats as a gift 😀 x
LOVE caramels — and they make the classiest movie-in-sweatpants food 😉
These caramels look perfect! Lots of sugar, but everyone deserves something sweet from time to time.
Great caramels, Cathleen! They're a perfect treat, for sure! My mother used to make them every Christmas for gifts, so this brings back great memories. I make them now and sometimes add chopped walnuts. Yum! I like your blog and am happy to be your newest follower!
wow..great ones,yummy!!
Gosh, Cathleen! These are very dangerous things which I will have to finish in one sitting. Help!
I adore making candy and I'm with you on the sweat pants! I love weekends making special desserts and dishes. Food blogging is the best!
Homemade candy are the best!! Thank you for sharing-)
Your pictures make me want to grab a handful of those caramels and start chewing. My mouth and tastebuds wouldn't love it, but my teeth would be screaming. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe and method!
This has always been on my bucket list!!
I loved caramels as a child soo much… Well, I'll have to put that candy thermometer on my wishlist, and bookmark your recipe 🙂
now this is truly tempting me to buy a candy thermometer! The caramel bites look gorgeous.
thanks Cathleen for visiting my space and leaving a lovely comment. much appreciated 🙂
Hi Cathleen,
These caramel are tempting me!
My kids would stick to you if they sees these.
Who don't love such tempting caramel 😀
mui
I love homemade caramels! Yours look so good! I usually only make them at Christmas and forget about them this time of year. Which seems silly to me because who doesn't want a caramel year round?! 🙂
I’m not a big fan of caramels, but my mother is, she would gobble all of these up and no she would not share either, gotta love her!!
Haha, it’s hard to share these!!