Homemade caramels always remind me of cozy afternoons when the kitchen filled with the smell of butter and sugar bubbling away. They're simple to make, yet feel like such a special little luxury.
I always think of homemade caramels as one of those little kitchen joys, soft, chewy squares cooling on the counter, filling the air with the sweetest smell. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity: just butter, sugar, and cream. No corn syrup, no fuss, yet the flavor still comes out rich and smooth, just the way it should.
I like making these around the holidays, wrapping them up for friends, or keeping a few on hand to enjoy with coffee. They don't ask for much, just a candy thermometer and a bit of time at the stove, but the payoff is so worth it. Every bite feels like a small reward, soft and sweet, the kind of treat that disappears faster than you expect.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Homemade: There's something special about homemade treats. Knowing that you've put effort into creating a delicious and decadent treat can bring a sense of satisfaction and pride.
- Gifting Option: Speaking of gifts, homemade caramels can make for a wonderful present. Whether it's for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions, gifting something you've made yourself adds a personal touch that store-bought items often lack.
🧾Homemade Caramels Ingredients
Here is a list of everything you need:
- Butter: I use real butter because it gives the caramels a rich base and a smooth, creamy flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar melts down beautifully, creating the golden sweetness that defines caramel.
- Cream: I like using cream for its velvety richness, it gives the candy its soft, chewy bite.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Homemade Caramels
ou can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the sugar until dissolved.
2. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to medium-low.
3. Cook, stirring often, until the caramel reaches 240°F (116°C), about 15-20 minutes.
4. Pour into a parchment-lined pan, cool for 2 hours until firm, then lift out and cut your homemade caramels into squares.
💭My Tips for Recipe Success
Keep the Heat Steady: I find cooking over medium-low gives me more control and prevents scorching.
Don't Rush the Cooling: Letting the caramels set fully makes cutting them so much easier.
Storage Tip: I like to wrap each square in parchment and keep them in a tin, they stay soft for up to two weeks.
🍬More Candy Recipes!
If you're loving this homemade caramels, you'll also like candy recipes:
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
Recipe
Soft and Chewy Homemade Caramels
Ingredients
- 60 g Butter
- 250 g Sugar
- 150 ml Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until smooth and bubbling.
- Add the sugar to the melted butter, stirring gently until it dissolves completely.
- Slowly pour in the cream while stirring to combine, keeping the mixture smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the caramel reaches 240°F (116°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan.
- Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, until fully set.
- Lift the caramel slab out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Cut into squares with a sharp knife, then wrap or serve as you like.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This recipe is super easy, caramels are my childhood favorite sweets, I will definitely use this recipe thanks.