Name: Microwave Caramels Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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There’s just something irresistible about rich, chewy, homemade candies, and these Microwave Caramels are my secret weapon for impressing friends and indulging my own sweet tooth without spending all day in the kitchen. This quick, fuss-free recipe creates luscious, melt-in-your-mouth squares of buttery caramel goodness, perfectly balanced with a hit of salt on top if you’re feeling fancy. Whether you gift-wrap them or keep the stash to yourself, these little treats are destined to become your new favorite microwave miracle!

Microwave Caramels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Microwave Caramels is how incredibly simple and straightforward the ingredient list is. Every single item plays a crucial part in creating that signature caramel flavor, dreamy texture, and golden color you crave in homemade candy.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Brings a creamy, luscious foundation, ensuring the caramels are soft and rich rather than sticky or hard.
Light corn syrup (1/2 cup): This helps prevent crystallization, giving your caramels that gorgeous, silky-smooth texture every time.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): The classic sweetener kicks off the caramelization process and keeps the flavor bright.
Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds depth, warmth, and a hint of molasses for that traditional caramel glow and taste.
Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): The secret to that undeniably chewy softness and subtle creaminess you’ll taste in every bite.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): You’ll stir this in at the end to give the finished caramels a round, aromatic finish.
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): Totally optional, but highly recommended! A little sprinkle brings out the full caramel flavor and adds delightful contrast.

How to Make Microwave Caramels

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick spray—this tiny step saves a lot of sticky headaches when it’s time to lift out your Microwave Caramels.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large microwave-safe bowl (bigger than you think you need, trust me!), combine the unsalted butter, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together until you have a golden, glossy mixture. This base is your ticket to perfect, never-grainy caramels in no time.

Step 3: The Microwave Magic

Place the bowl in your microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes. Take it out—very carefully, as it will be hot—and stir it well. Return it for another 2 minutes, then stir again. After this, microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring after each interval, until the caramel reaches the soft ball stage, about 240°F (use a candy thermometer if you have one). Usually, this takes 6–7 minutes total, but keep a close eye on it—don’t be afraid to stop and check early if your microwave runs hot!

Step 4: Add Flavor and Set

Once your caramel has reached the right temperature, stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, unmistakable aroma. Working quickly, pour the hot caramel into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. If you’re adding flaky sea salt, scatter a pinch across the top now, while it’s still warm and sticky.

Step 5: Cool, Cut, and Wrap

Let the caramels cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours until firm to the touch. Once completely set, lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Grab a sharp knife and slice your Microwave Caramels into bite-size squares. To keep them from sticking, wrap each piece individually in wax paper—if you can resist eating them all at once!

How to Serve Microwave Caramels

Garnishes

These caramels are wonderful with a pinch of flaky sea salt on top, but you can also get creative with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a little extra crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

For a sweet treat pairing, try serving Microwave Caramels alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or espresso. They’re also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a pretty accent on a cheese plate for a sweet-savory dessert experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Package a handful of individually wrapped Microwave Caramels in a glass jar or cellophane bag, tied with a festive ribbon. Add a handwritten label—the personal touch makes these caramels a perfect edible gift for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where a homemade treat is welcome.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Microwave Caramels store beautifully when wrapped in wax paper and tucked into an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two weeks—perfect for when you need a sweet pick-me-up or want to share a treat with friends.

Freezing

If you need to make a big batch ahead of time, these caramels freeze incredibly well. Place the individually wrapped caramels in a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes—good as new!

Reheating

If your Microwave Caramels firm up a bit more than you’d like after storing, simply microwave a single caramel for 5–10 seconds. This quick zap will return them to their soft, chewy best—just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with melted caramel!

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! You can double everything, but make sure you use a much larger microwave-safe bowl, as the caramel mixture bubbles up quite a bit during cooking. You may also need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

No candy thermometer? No problem! You can test the caramel by dropping a small spoonful into a cup of cold water—if it forms a soft, flexible ball that holds its shape, you’re good to go.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes! Dark corn syrup will lend a deeper, more robust flavor and richer color to your caramels. It’s a fun twist, but the basic recipe works just the same.

Why did my caramels turn out too hard or too soft?

The key is reaching the correct temperature—the soft ball stage (about 240°F). Going above that can make the caramels hard, while cooking them less may keep them too soft. Microwave wattages vary, so checking early and often is best.

Do I have to wrap each caramel individually?

To keep your Microwave Caramels wonderfully fresh and prevent them from sticking together, wrapping them individually in wax paper is highly recommended. It’s a little extra work but so worth it for easy gifting and storage!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about creating a batch of Microwave Caramels in just minutes, and the payoff is nothing short of sweet satisfaction. If you’ve never tried homemade caramels before, this recipe is the perfect place to start—simple, rewarding, and shareable. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Give these a go and let yourself fall in love with this speedy, decadent treat!

Microwave Caramels Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 40 caramels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and buttery sweetness of these homemade Microwave Caramels. Made with simple pantry staples and cooked quickly in the microwave, these soft caramels are perfect for a sweet treat or homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Microwave Caramel Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high, stirring at intervals, until reaching the soft ball stage.
Finish and Cool: Stir in vanilla extract, pour caramel into the dish, spread, and sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool at room temperature until firm. Cut into squares and wrap individually in wax paper.