How to Make the Best Salted Caramels at Home
These salted caramels are soft, chewy and perfectly melt away in your mouth. Before starting to make our salted caramels recipe it is best to be sure you have all equipment ready and ingredients measured out. This caramels recipe has been inspired and adapted from Jacques Pepins book, Chez Jacques: Traditions and Rituals of a Cook.
These salted caramels are soft, chewy and perfectly melt away in your mouth. Before starting to make our salted caramels recipe it is best to be sure you have all equipment ready and ingredients measured out. This caramels recipe has been inspired and adapted from Jacques Pepins book, Chez Jacques: Traditions and Rituals of a Cook.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1g)
- Sodium 0.0444375 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Lightly oil a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan then measure and cut a piece of parchment paper that will fit inside the pan and come up the sides by at least 1 inch. Next, lightly oil the parchment paper and place into the pan. Set the pan aside.
- Cut butter into 8 pieces then combine with heavy cream in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until hot and butter has melted. Set aside, we will use this later.
- In a small saucepan combine the water and corn syrup. Then, add the sugar, but try your best not to splatter the sugar up the sides of the pan. Now, use a spoon to gently stir the sugar into the water and corn syrup, just moistening the sugar.
- Heat over medium heat until the sugar has come to a boil. Then, cover with a lid for 1 minute. This adds steam/moisture to the pan, so any sugar that may have stuck to the sides of the pan melts and falls back into the boiling sugar.
- Remove lid then attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Then, cook sugar for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar reaches a temperature of 320 degrees F. At this temperature, the sugar will take on a light amber color around the edges of the pan.
- The moment the sugar reaches 320 degrees F, carefully pour about a sixth of the butter and cream mixture then stir, using the base of the candy thermometer to incorporate it. Repeat with the remaining cream and butter (adding a sixth of it at a time then stirring). The sugar will bubble violently as you add the butter and cream – so do this carefully and slowly to prevent the mixture from bubbling over the sides of the saucepan.
- By adding the cream and butter, the temperature will drop. Now, continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the caramel reaches a temperature of 240 degrees F. This will create a soft caramel, if you want slightly harder caramels, bring the temperature closer to 245 degrees F.
- The moment the caramel reaches your desired temperature, pour into the prepared loaf pan. Cool 20 to 30 minutes then scatter the salt over the caramel. Then, let the caramel cool 3 1/2 hours.
- Unmold the caramel. If the caramel is too soft to work with, place into the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes to firm up. Then, use a large sharp knife to cut into your desired shape. We like to cut into 1-inch by 1/2-inch rectangles.
- Wrap caramels in plastic wrap or waxed paper and enjoy immediately, or you can refrigerate or freeze for enjoying later.
The Sweetest Escape: Homemade Salted Caramels
As a busy working mom, finding time for anything beyond the whirlwind of daily life feels like a luxury. But there are moments, tucked away between school pick-ups and deadline crunches, where I crave a little something special, a little indulgence. That's where my homemade salted caramels come in. They're not just a treat; they're a small act of self-care, a delicious reward for navigating the chaos of modern life. The rich, buttery caramel, kissed with the perfect hint of salt, melts in my mouth, carrying me away for a few precious moments. It's a simple pleasure, yet it brings an immense sense of satisfaction – the kind that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious with my own hands. And let’s be honest, the happy sighs from my kids when they see the caramel tray isn't a bad perk either!
The process itself is oddly therapeutic. The careful melting of the sugar, the precise temperature checks, the satisfying pour into the pan – it's a meditative experience that allows me to disconnect from the day's stresses. I find myself losing track of time as I stir the bubbling caramel, focusing intently on the transformation taking place before me. It’s a welcome distraction, a moment of mindful creation in an otherwise hectic world. And the end result? More than just delicious caramels; it’s a tangible reminder that even amidst the madness, I can find time for joy, for creativity, and for the simple pleasure of a perfectly made treat. It's a reminder to slow down, to savor the moment, and to appreciate the small things that bring a little extra sweetness to life.
Beyond the Kitchen: A Symbol of Balance
Making these caramels isn't just about the delicious outcome; it's about the process, the balance it brings to my life. In a world that demands constant multitasking, the focused attention required to create these little squares of perfection is a valuable exercise in mindfulness. The rhythmic stirring, the careful monitoring of the temperature, the precise cutting – these acts ground me, bring me back to the present moment. And that focus, that attention to detail, carries over into other aspects of my life, making me more efficient, more present, and ultimately, more capable of handling whatever life throws my way.
This recipe isn’t just about sugary indulgence; it’s a metaphor for the balance I strive for in my life – the balance between work and family, between responsibilities and self-care. The sweet caramel represents the rewards of hard work, the moments of joy and satisfaction that make the challenges worthwhile. The pinch of salt? That’s the reminder that life isn’t always sweet, but that even the challenges can add depth and complexity to the overall experience. So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed, consider escaping into the kitchen and creating a batch of these salted caramels. You might be surprised at the sense of peace and accomplishment you discover within yourself, along with a batch of delicious treats to share (or not!).
Sharing the Sweetness
The best part of making these caramels is not just eating them, but sharing them. The delighted expressions on my children’s faces as they take their first bite, the appreciative comments from friends and colleagues – these are the moments that make the whole process worthwhile. They are a small gesture of kindness, a way to connect with others and spread a little sweetness in the world. It’s about more than just dessert; it’s about connection, sharing, and the simple joy of giving.
So go ahead, take a deep breath, clear your schedule for an hour, and indulge in the pleasure of making these exquisite salted caramels. You’ll find not only delicious treats, but also a newfound appreciation for the calming rhythm of the kitchen, the sweet rewards of creativity, and the simple satisfaction of making something beautiful, one perfectly formed caramel at a time.
