Print

Best Soft, Chewy Sea Salt Caramels

A stack of homemade, soft, square caramels topped generously with flaky sea salt.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make rich, buttery homemade caramels that are soft and chewy. This easy recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth candy perfect for holiday gifts or simple indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for topping

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
  2. Combine the sugar and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Insert a candy thermometer. Cook until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage). This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Watch the temperature closely.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue whisking until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
  5. Return the pan to medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit again. This step develops the final texture.
  6. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
  7. Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan. Do not scrape the sides of the pan.
  8. Sprinkle the top evenly with extra coarse sea salt. Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
  9. Once firm, lift the caramel block out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 1-inch squares. Wrap individually in wax paper or cellophane for gifting.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a microwave, but temperature control is harder, increasing the risk of hard candy instead of soft caramels.
  • If the caramels stick to your knife when cutting, chill them briefly in the refrigerator first.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/best-soft-chewy-sea-salt-caramels/