Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (2024)

This content may include some affiliate links. Click here to read my fulldisclosure policy.

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe is perfect for making caramel apples and all your favorite fall treats and desserts. It’s incredibly easy and ready in about 30 min. It truly is THE BEST homemade caramel recipe around.

There are certain things that really sum up the season for me. One of them is caramel. It’s like the season wouldn’t happen unless caramel was involved in some way.

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (1)

It’s so rich, so decadent. In our stores, it’s very hard to find those adorable little individually wrapped caramel pieces, which is why I have been craving some for so long.

All last season I wanted to make my own caramel. I never got around to doing it. I even have a recipe for microwave caramel– I still didn’t get around to doing it.

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (2)

The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Two

Easy Caramel

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (3)

So this year I had some plans. I dug through Grandma’s old cookbook and found the recipe that I have been using for so many years. I am so excited to share it with you.

Really- it’s the very best recipe for caramel I have ever had. It’s 100% worth the time it takes to make it from scratch. I love that it takes ingredients that I almost always have on hand.

recipe for caramels

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (4)

Some caramel recipes call for heavy cream, this one does not. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have that on hand.

recipes caramel

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (5)

But with this one I don’t need to plan ahead to make it or make a special trip to the store for it. I just need my short side stock pot and my favorite heavy rubber spatula and I’m good to go.

Trust me- you will not be disappointed!

candy caramels

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (6)

Here are some commonly asked questions

Do I have to use a candy thermometer?

Unfortunately, yes. That is the only way to know you have reached the right temperature for this caramel to set up correctly.

*Note – do not use the clip on the side of the candy thermometer to attach it to the pot. I have found that when it is resting against the side of the pot, it makes that area of the pot heat higher than the rest resulting in not only an inaccurate temperature reading but also burnt food in that area.

VERY IMPORTANT

*Note – do not use the clip on the side of the candy thermometer to attach it to the pot. I have found that when it is resting against the side of the pot, it makes that area of the pot heat higher than the rest resulting in not only an inaccurate temperature reading but also burnt food in that area. I get the best results when holding in the center of the pot for about 30 seconds – just enough to get a reading.

homemade caramel candy

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (7)

How many can this serve?

Well, that will depend on how large or small you cut the pieces. But I was able to get 36- 1″ squares from this batch.

Can homemade caramel be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze homemade caramel Just be sure to freeze either in a single layer or place a piece of parchment in between the layers before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then leave at room temperature once thawed.

best caramel recipe

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (8)

Can this recipe be doubled?

Because the cooking time would change with the volume of the ingredients, I don’t recommend doubling this recipe. Since it is so quick to make, I usually just do several batches back to back.

Why is my homemade caramel grainy?

This happens when the sugar crystallizes. This can happen when the melted sugar splashes up onto the cooler sides of the pot. By doing this the moisture evaporates and it turns back into a sugar crystal.

caramels

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (9)

HOW DO YOU MAKE Soft Caramel Candy?

  1. Line a 13×9 pan with foil and then spray it with cooking spray or an oil mister. Set aside.
  2. In a 2-qt heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Cook & stir until the candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage). This should take about 25-30 minutes depending on the BTU’s of your stove. Don’t turn the heat higher to rush the process.
  4. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Move quickly as it will firm up fast.
  6. Let cool completely before pulling out of the pan by any overhanging foil. Cut into squares and wrap individually with parchment paper.

making caramel

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (10)

What is the best way to store leftover caramel?

Most importantly, this recipe is best when stored at room temperature, unless you happen to keep your house quite warm.

Also, the caramel squares will want to melt into each other if they are stacked in an airtight container after they are cut.

I typically just cover the pan I poured them into and leave it on the counter OR I wrap each caramel square in a little square piece of parchment and keep them in a candy dish.

If you would like to consolidate them into a single airtight container, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between the layers as you stack them.

caramels recipe

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (11)

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST HOMEMADE CARAMEL

  • Stick with real butter – please don’t use margarine for this recipe.
  • Don’t get distracted – this recipe moves pretty quickly so you need to be 100% focused on cooking the caramel
  • Make sure you are using sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk.
  • Don’t use a sugar substitute – you will need real brown sugar for this caramel.

Don’t Miss These Other Fall Recipes

  • Easy Pecan Pie
  • Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
  • No-Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
  • Hummingbird Cake
  • Easiest Snowball Cookies
  • Rolo Pretzel Turtles
  • Fruit Cocktail Cake
  • Best German Chocolate Cake
  • Best Ever Cowboy Cookies
  • Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
  • Divinity Candy
  • Rum Cake
  • Candied Pecans

homemade caramels with sweetened condensed milk

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (12)

To make Homemade Caramel Candy you will need…

  • brown sugar
  • sweetened condensed milk
  • butter
  • light corn syrup
  • vanilla extract

soft caramel recipe

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (13)

Should I use light or dark brown sugar?

Since I make my own brown sugar, I use light brown sugar for almost all of my recipes. But light or dark brown sugar will work in this recipe.

Want to know how to make your own brown sugar –visit my Homemade Brown Sugar post here.

Tips, Tricks, Variations, and Suggestions

  • I prefer to use parchment over wax paper when setting the hot caramel.
  • You can use a wooden spoon to make these creamy caramels, but I prefer a stiff silicone spatula for mixing. Makes cleanup so much easier.
  • Make sure to use a sharp knife when cutting these into squares.
  • The easiest way to avoid sugar crystals sticking to the side of the pot, brush a little water around the rim of the pot and the sides of the pan with a pastry brush.
  • I like to use a medium saucepan over medium-low heat since I am working on a high-output range. But you might need to use medium-high heat for your stove.
  • Try sprinkling the tops of the caramel with sea salt for a pretty presentation and a delicious twist.
  • Be sure to use a sturdy pan to withstand the heat of the caramel for both mixing and setting.
  • Cooking to soft-ball stage is quite hot. Be sure to use oven mitts or pot holders when boiling sugar to make this delicious homemade caramel.
  • These buttery homemade caramels make a great gift for neighbors and friends.

caramels recipe

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (14)

Products I love when making homemade caramel candy…

This homemade caramel candy recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me this time of year, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand

OR maybe you have never made caramel before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this homemade caramel candy recipe.

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (15)

If you love this Easy Homemade Caramel recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (16)

Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (17)

Pressure Cooker Dulce de Leche

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (18)

Caramel Apple Pie Filling

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (19)

Easy Chocolate Caramel Candy

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (20)

Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Moonshine

easy caramel recipe

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (21)

DON’T MISS THESE HOLIDAY E-BOOKS!

If you love this recipe for Homemade Caramel as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (25)

CONNECT WITH TASTE OF THE FRONTIER!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

FB, Pinterest, IG, Email Subscription

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (26)

PIN THIS TO SAVE FOR LATER

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (27)

Rate this Recipe

Best Homemade Caramel RECIPE

Course Dessert

Servings: 36 squares

Best Homemade Caramel RECIPE is perfect for making caramel apples & all your favorite fall treats & desserts. It's incredibly easy & ready in about 30 min. It truly is THE BEST homemade caramel recipe around.

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Cool time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown sugar packed
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Line a 13×9 pan with foil and then spray it with cooking spray or an oil mister. Set aside.

  • In a 2qt heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

  • Cook & stir until the candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage). This should take about 25-30 minutes depending on the BTU's of your stove. Don't turn the heat higher to rush the process.

  • Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Move quickly as it will firm up fast.

  • Let cool completely before pulling out of the pan by any overhanging foil. Cut into squares and wrap individually with parchment paper.

Notes

*Note – do not use the clip on the side of the candy thermometer to attach it to the pot. I have found that when it is resting against the side of the pot, it makes that area of the pot heat higher than the rest resulting in not only an inaccurate temperature reading but also burnt food in that area. I get the best results when holding in the center of the pot for about 30 seconds – just enough to get a reading.

1 Hour Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

Easy 3 Hour Braised Beef Recipe

Classic Limoncello Tiramisu Recipe

Chilled Lemon Roll Cake Recipe

5 Minute Easy Egg Salad Recipe

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 59mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.1mg | Net Carbohydrates: 18g

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Taste of the Frontier cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Love this recipe?Follow @KleinworthCo for even more tasty recipes!

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (33)
Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (34)

Caramel Apples

Reader Interactions

    Share Your Thoughts

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Dianne says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (35)
    Absolutely delicious, I made it according to the recipe. The butter adds to the richness. My candy thermometer did not work halfway through the cooking time…. Nervous, but turned out great . Thank you

    Reply

  2. Dianne says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (36)
    So delicious, makes me have faith in candy making!! Thank you!

    Reply

  3. Debra Faucheux says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (37)
    These were easy to make and delicious! Thank you for a great recipe.

    Reply

  4. Nusakii says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (38)
    Wonderful 🙂

    Reply

  5. Lynda Singer says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (39)
    This is by far the absolute BEST caramel recipe! The texture is creamy and smooth. The direction were easy to follow and perfect! I can’t rave enough about it! I wrapped each piece in parchment paper and gave them to family and friends. Literally everyone that tasted them fell in love with them! Thank you so much!!!!!!

    Reply

  6. debra thesing says

    how would you make caramel apples with this caramel?

    Reply

    • Gina Kleinworth says

      Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (40)
      I have not tried making caramel apples with this particular recipe. I recommend using my recipe for homemade caramel apples here https://www.kleinworthco.com/caramel-apples-recipe/

  7. Tamara Bailey says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (41)
    My car almost turned out great they’re absolutely delicious I used 3/4 cup 2% milk and 3/4 cups half and half cuz I don’t drink vitamin d milk so I had to you know substitute but anyway you know how the pan is supposed to be mine with foil and then you spray it with butter I did that but now it’s probably been about 5 hours they’ve been done and they’re not coming up that boiled suggestion please let me know thank you

    Reply

  8. Tamara Bailey says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (42)
    I just sent you a text message and I am voice texting so some of those things didn’t come around right evidently I have my auto corrections not on so I need to know how to get the caramels off the foil please let me know thank you

    Reply

    • Gina Kleinworth says

      Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (43)
      Hmmm- I think you are asking about releasing from the foil. It sounds like there wasn’t enough oil added to the foil prior to the caramel being added. In this case, I would maybe try freezing it as sometimes it will release easier when it is firm. I have neer had this issue, so I can’t say for sure.

    • Tamara Bailey says

      Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (44)
      This Carmel thank you homemade caramel recipes the best

  9. Tamara Bailey says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (45)
    a homemade caramel recipe is one of the best they’re so good

    Reply

  10. Kaylyn says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (46)
    SO so good 10/10

    Reply

  11. Becky rish says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (47)
    I followed this recipe exactly and won blue ribbon then grand champion of all candies at our county fair. I’m 76 years old and made one batch 25 yrs ago that was a disaster. So many great tips with is recipe

    Reply

    • Gina Kleinworth says

      Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (48)
      That’s great!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to you – how exciting.

  12. Raider says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (49)
    Love the taste. It’s easy to make but as a beginner candy maker I learned don’t second guess yourself when firm ball stage is. I’ll be remaking because it got to more a hard ball stage and it’s like toffee crossed with caramel consistency. It’s operator error and not a problem with the recipe. Even at this consistency they eventually melt wonderfully. Super buttery.

    Reply

  13. PATRICK J BURKE says

    Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (50)
    I needed a caramel recipe for a cookie. I used this and saved the rest for company at Christmas. I had no idea what a huge hit the caramel would be. Highly recommend but be patient with the temp. It is worth doing slowly the first time. Would absolutely make them again.

    Reply

« Older Comments

Best Homemade Caramel Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is white or brown sugar better for caramel? ›

Sugar Note: Most chefs say that only granulated sugar can be successfully caramelized; other sugars — such as brown sugar and unrefined sugar such as cane sugar — contain impurities that can inhibit caramelization. It's those impurities that can burn before the sugar has time to caramelize.

What are the three types of caramel? ›

Caramel can be produced in so many forms such as, sauce, a chewy candy, or a hard candy because of how much of an ingredient is added and the temperature it is being prepared at.

What is the difference between carmel and caramel? ›

Generally, “caramel” is defined as a chewy, light-brown candy made from butter, sugar, and milk or cream. For example: I love eating caramels because they are soft and chewy. In contrast, “Carmel,” is used as a proper noun, and it is a popular beach town in California, known as Carmel-by-the-Sea.

How do you make Ina Garten caramel? ›

Directions
  1. Mix the water and sugar in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Do not stir. ...
  2. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel dissolves and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature, at least 4 hours.

What makes caramel taste so good? ›

Eventually, these new sugar molecules also break down into other molecules and react with one another to make a whole new taste that's more nutty, sour, buttery, and malty. These are usually the distinct aromas and flavors associated with caramelized sugar.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for caramel? ›

Sugar, water, salt, and milk are the base ingredients for any caramel. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream in caramel? Absolutely! You can use any milk you have at home, whether whole, non-dairy, or evaporated, to make a deliciously creamy caramel sauce.

What makes caramel so good? ›

Brings indulgence

Caramel is all about indulgence and it satisfies everybody's sweet tooth. It can also help to add multi-sensoriality as consumers are looking for an intense sensorial delight. From soft to gooey and crunchy textures, different shades of golden and characteristic tastes, caramel has a lot to offer.

Who makes the best caramels? ›

  • Best Taste.
  • GOLD. aL chocoLat Boutique Passion Caramel. Virtuoso Confections Whiskey Maple Pecan Caramel.
  • SILVER. Kwoka caramel Salted caramel with peanuts and chocolate. Panache Chocolatier Rosemary Fig Caramel. Delysia Chocolatier Truffle Sampler: Caramelized Black Truffle.
Nov 28, 2023

What is the formula for caramel? ›

Explanation: The typical formula for caramels is C24H36O18 , so the elements of water have been removed from the sucrose.

What makes caramel soft or hard? ›

Temperature is key when making candy. The difference between a soft caramel and one that's hard and overcooked is all in the temperature. Candy thermometers—like this instant-read thermometer—let you know exactly what stage the caramel is in (thread, soft-ball, firm-ball, hard-ball, soft crack or hard crack).

Is butterscotch and caramel the same thing? ›

Similar to caramel, butterscotch is made by heating sugar. The main difference between the two is that butterscotch uses brown sugar instead of white. The ingredients are also combined in a slightly different order for butterscotch: your start out by melting butter with brown sugar.

What happened to Kraft caramels? ›

In a deal that touches the taste buds of several generations, Kraft Foods Inc. will sell the business that makes its familiar cube-shaped caramels. An investment group made up of Texas Pacific Group of Fort Worth and InterWest Partners of Menlo Park, Calif. will buy the Kraft caramel and marshmallow businesses.

What makes caramel taste like caramel? ›

Caramel is made by heating sugar to the point where it melts, causing a breakdown of sucrose molecules into different flavor compounds.

How is caramel traditionally made? ›

Caramel is made by heating sugar to the point where it melts, causing a breakdown of sucrose molecules into different flavor compounds. Think about the flavorless sweetness of white granulated sugar and the deep, dark complexity of caramel sauce.

What are the two methods for making caramel? ›

What Are The Two Methods for Making Caramel? Wet vs. Dry Caramel
  1. Wet caramel is the most common method for making caramel at home. ...
  2. Dry caramel is the more challenging method. ...
  3. Be prepared. ...
  4. Use a light-colored pot. ...
  5. Add corn syrup. ...
  6. Don't mix. ...
  7. Warm the cream. ...
  8. Keep your butter cold.
Mar 24, 2023

What gives Carmel its flavor? ›

What Is Caramel? Caramel is white granulated sugar that's been heated slowly to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. This gradual heating process breaks down the sugar's molecules and creates a deep golden brown color and rich flavor.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5533

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.