Description
A soft, buttery caramel made from cream, butter, sugar, and a hint of salt, perfect for gifts and snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Can substitute with full-fat milk)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Use melted to grease pan)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for richer caramel)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Opt for sea salt for a gourmet touch)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Prevents crystallization)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can be a unique alternative)
- to taste Flaky Sea Salt (For finishing touch)
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Grease a small square pan with melted butter. Line with parchment if you like.
- Combine ingredients: Put cream, butter, and sugar in a heavy pot. Add salt and lemon juice. Stir to mix.
- Heat and stir: Heat over medium. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer. Stir so it does not burn. Watch color change to golden.
- Check temperature: If using a thermometer, reach about 245–250°F for firm but chewy texture.
- Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour into pan. Let cool at room temperature.
- Cut and wrap: Once firm, cut into pieces. Sprinkle flaky salt if you like. Wrap each caramel.
Notes
Stirring early stops sugar from sticking. Lower heat keeps the bottom from burning. Cooling at room temperature gives the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg