I am a big caramel girl! And I have searched high and low and finally found the best soft caramels recipe. And unlike most caramel recipes, this one uses Evaporated milk.
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These make the perfect Christmas gift to share with family and friends!
I saw my favorite TikToker Lexnicoleta (if you aren’t following her DO IT NOW!) make these on her page and they looked delicious!
Not only are they delicious but they’re also super easy to make and pretty much foolproof.
While there are countless caramel recipes out there, today, I’m sharing with you a tried-and-true favorite: soft caramels made with evaporated milk.
This recipe combines simplicity with unparalleled flavor, resulting in caramels that are irresistibly smooth and creamy.
The Best Soft Caramel Recipe
Tools for the Best Soft Caramels recipe:
- Candy thermometer
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Wax paper squares – these are optional but they really save so much time
Ingredients for the Best Soft Caramel Recipe:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 16 oz bottle of light corn syrup (2 cups light corn syrup)
- 2 cans (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Maldon salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions for the Best Soft Caramel Recipe:
Prepare your ingredients and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a stainless steel pan (make sure it is large, the mixture will expand significantly), combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to boil, slowly add the evaporated milk – very slowly – stirring constantly
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Increase the heat to medium to medium-high stirring constantly.
Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is around 238°F (114°C) on the candy thermometer. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
Once the mixture reaches the softball stage, remove it from the heat and pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle sea salt over the top if desired for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Allow the caramels to cool completely at room temperature.
Once they are completely cooled, place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to make them easier to cut.
Use the parchment paper to lift the caramel block out of the dish.
With a sharp knife, cut the caramel block into individual pieces. You can wrap each caramel in wax paper or parchment paper for storage or enjoy them immediately.
See Also: The Best Homemade Limoncello Recipe
The Best Way to Store Soft Caramels
Storing homemade soft caramels properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are the best methods to keep your caramels in perfect condition:
- Individually Wrap: Wrap each caramel piece in wax paper or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their shape.
- Airtight Container: Place the wrapped caramels in an airtight container. This helps to keep them fresh and prevents exposure to air and humidity.
- Cool, Dry Place: Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight or areas with high temperature fluctuations.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend the shelf life of your caramels, store them in the refrigerator. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze soft caramels. Place the individually wrapped caramels in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Following these steps will help keep your soft caramels fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat.
Pro Tips for the Best Soft Caramels
Creating the perfect batch of soft caramels can be an art. Here are some pro tips to ensure your caramels turn out beautifully every time:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Accurate temperature is crucial for making caramels. A candy thermometer ensures you reach the exact soft-ball stage (238°F or 114°C) for the ideal texture.
- Stir Continuously: When combining sugar, corn syrup, and evaporated milk, stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved to prevent crystallization and ensure a smooth texture.
- Even Heating: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching. Maintain a medium to medium-high heat to control the caramelization process.
- Prep Your Tools: Before starting, prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the caramels once they are set. This is a MUST!!!
- Test for Doneness: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of caramel into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it’s ready.
- Flavor Enhancements: For added depth, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture. You can also experiment with flavorings like vanilla bean paste, bourbon, or espresso.
- Temperature Awareness: Be mindful of the ambient temperature and humidity. High humidity can affect the caramel’s consistency, so aim for a dry day or use a dehumidifier in your kitchen.
- Cutting Tips: Let the caramel cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife or a greased pizza cutter for clean, even pieces. You can also place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
- Storage: Store caramels in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly smooth, rich, and delectable soft caramels every time. Happy candy-making!
This Post was all About the Best Soft Caramel Recipe
There’s no denying the allure of homemade soft caramels, especially when made with the creamy richness of evaporated milk.
This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery smoothness, elevating the simple pleasure of caramel to new heights.
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with others, these soft caramels are sure to delight and impress.
The Best Soft Caramels Recipe Made with Evaporated Milk
Equipment
- 1 Candy Thermometer
- 1 pkg Waxed Paper Squares
Ingredients
- 4 cups Sugar
- 2 cups Light Corn Syrup – 1 whole bottle
- 2 cans Evaported Milk (12 oz each)
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Cubed
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 Tbs Maldon Salt for sprinkling on tip
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a stainless steel pan (make sure it is large, the mixture will expand significantly), combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to boil, slowly add the evaporated milk – very slowly – stirring constantly
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Increase the heat to medium to medium-high stirring constantly.
- Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is around 238°F (114°C) on the candy thermometer. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
- Once the mixture reaches the softball stage, remove it from the heat and pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle sea salt over the top if desired for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- Allow the caramels to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once they are completely cooled, place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to make them easier to cut.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the caramel block out of the dish.
- With a sharp knife, cut the caramel block into individual pieces. You can wrap each caramel in wax paper or parchment paper for storage or enjoy them immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Soft Caramels
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Accurate temperature is crucial for making caramels. A candy thermometer ensures you reach the exact soft-ball stage (238°F or 114°C) for the ideal texture
- Stir Continuously: When combining sugar, corn syrup, and evaporated milk, stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved to prevent crystallization and ensure a smooth texture.
- Even Heating: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching. Maintain a medium to medium-high heat to control the caramelization process.
- Prep Your Tools: Before starting, prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the caramels once they are set. This is a MUST!!!
- Test for Doneness: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of caramel into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it’s ready.
- Flavor Enhancements: For added depth, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture. You can also experiment with flavorings like vanilla bean paste, bourbon, or espresso.
- Temperature Awareness: Be mindful of the ambient temperature and humidity. High humidity can affect the caramel’s consistency, so aim for a dry day or use a dehumidifier in your kitchen.
- Cutting Tips: Let the caramel cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife or a greased pizza cutter for clean, even pieces. You can also place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
- ‘Storage: Store caramels in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and flavor.
