Easy Microwave Caramels Recipe
These buttery, soft caramel candies are made in the microwave. These homemade caramels are incredibly rich in flavor, and they practically melt-in-your-mouth. Microwave caramels are one of the simplest ways to make homemade candy.
Servings: 4 dozen
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup (I used Karo)
- 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Next, add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Cook the caramel in the microwave in 3 minute increments, stirring after each hit in the microwave.*
- For a buttery soft caramel consistency, I cooked mine in the microwave for 9 minutes and 30 seconds (I have a 1200 watt microwave for reference) in 3 minute intervals. For slightly harder caramel, you can cook the caramel for another 1-2 minutes, or so. The cooking time will vary on your microwave.
- Err on the side of caution, and cook for less time. Then do a soft-ball test in cold water, or use a candy thermometer.
- For caramel, you generally want it to reach somewhere between 238-242 degrees Fahrenheit. If the caramel reaches the soft ball stage, it’s somewhere within that range of degrees.**
- Once the caramel has reached the soft ball stage, add in the vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
- Then, pour into a parchment lined 9x9 baking dish. Sprinkle with a little sea salt, if desired. Additionally, you can sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramels after they have cooled.
- Allow to cool in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Then cut into squares or logs with a sharp knife, and wrap in parchment paper or wax paper, if desired.
Notes
*The caramel and the bowl will be very hot so you will want to be careful and you will need to use hot pads.
** Soft Ball Test: Drop some of the caramel into a cup of cold water and let it sit for a minute or so. When you touch it, it should be pliable and roll into a ball. This is the soft ball stage and will yield a soft, buttery consistency.
** Soft Ball Test: Drop some of the caramel into a cup of cold water and let it sit for a minute or so. When you touch it, it should be pliable and roll into a ball. This is the soft ball stage and will yield a soft, buttery consistency.