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Easy Homemade Caramel: Soft Candy and Versatile Sauce Recipes (No Thermometer Needed!)

Close-up of glossy, chewy caramel squares piled on a white plate, showcasing the rich caramel color.
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Learn to make rich, buttery caramel from scratch. This guide provides simple methods for both soft, chewy caramel candy and a quick, pourable salted caramel sauce, requiring minimal ingredients and no candy thermometer.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing the paper. If making sauce, prepare a heat-safe jar or container.
  2. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Stop stirring once the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches a deep amber color, about 8 to 12 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Whisk in the butter until fully melted and incorporated. If using, stir in the salt now.
  6. For Caramel Candy: Pour the hot caramel into the prepared 8×8 pan. Let it cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  7. Cut the cooled caramel slab into squares. Wrap each square individually in wax paper for storage or gifting.
  8. For Caramel Sauce: If you want a thinner sauce, you can stop here and let it cool slightly before using. For a thicker sauce, return the mixture to low heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  9. Pour the sauce into a heat-safe jar. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Notes

  • For the candy, if you prefer a microwave method, combine sugar, corn syrup, and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts (2-3 minutes), stirring between each, until the mixture reaches a deep brown color. Whisk in butter and salt off the heat.
  • This sauce is excellent drizzled over ice cream or used in meal planning for sweet treats.
  • If you are looking into weight loss programs, use this sauce sparingly as a controlled indulgence.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/easy-caramel-candy-and-sauce-recipe/