Easy Salted Caramels Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of bite-sized, buttery candies with just the right balance of sweet and salty, these Easy Salted Caramels are about to become your new kitchen obsession. With only six familiar ingredients and a breezy stovetop method, you’ll be amazed by how irresistible these soft, melt-in-your-mouth caramels are. Whether you’re gifting a homemade treat or indulging with your afternoon coffee, Easy Salted Caramels are an absolute delight for candy lovers of all ages.

Easy Salted Caramels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something wonderful about how a handful of pantry staples transform into glossily golden caramels. Each ingredient in this recipe is crucial, working together for the ultimate balance of richness, chew, and that crave-worthy salty finish.

  • Unsalted Butter: This is your flavor foundation, delivering creaminess and deep caramel notes, especially if you let it brown just a touch.
  • Packed Light Brown Sugar: For a soft, fudgy texture and a subtle molasses undertone, always tightly pack the sugar into your measuring cup.
  • Light Corn Syrup: The secret to glossy, smooth caramels, corn syrup keeps crystals at bay for that perfect pull with every bite.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps the caramel set up beautifully without any grittiness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon stirs in warmth and rounds out the caramel flavor with a sweet, aromatic finish.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: This final flourish heightens all the flavors and brings out the best in each square of Easy Salted Caramels.

How to Make Easy Salted Caramels

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a generous overhang on both sides. This makes lifting the finished caramels out for easy cutting totally hassle-free.

Step 2: Start the Caramel Base

Place a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s fully melted (and even lightly browned for extra flavor if you like), you’re ready for the next stage.

Step 3: Mix and Heat

Gradually stir in the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to blend everything together into a luscious, golden mixture.

Step 4: Cook to Temperature

Bring the mixture to a boil and attach a candy thermometer to your pot — this is your guide to perfect, chewy Easy Salted Caramels. Keep stirring and watching the thermometer; when it hits 245°F (the firm ball stage), after about 10 to 15 minutes, you’re there!

Step 5: Finish with Vanilla

Take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. This last addition perfumes the caramel and really brings the flavors to life.

Step 6: Pour and Cool

Carefully pour the steaming caramel mixture into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then let it cool for exactly 5 minutes. Now, sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top so it sticks perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Let the caramels cool completely at room temperature (about two hours). Once set, lift them out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and, if you want to go the extra mile, wrap each one in wax paper. Now you’ve got a pile of Easy Salted Caramels ready to devour or share.

How to Serve Easy Salted Caramels

Easy Salted Caramels Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish just before serving. You could even drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the cooled caramels for a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

These Easy Salted Caramels are delightful alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. For dessert platters, pair with dark chocolate truffles or roasted nuts to complement their buttery flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap each caramel in a twist of wax paper, then pile them into a decorative tin or mason jar for a charming, homemade gift. For parties, try threading small squares onto skewers with dried fruit, or create a caramel tasting flight with a few different salt varieties for your guests to sample.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Salted Caramels soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly chewy and delicious for up to two weeks, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or edible gifts.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for holiday gifting or an event, these caramels freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each square tightly in wax paper, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving or packaging.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat Easy Salted Caramels, if they feel a little too firm after storage, let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften. They’ll return to their perfect, gooey texture in no time.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Absolutely! Using dark brown sugar will deepen both the color and flavor of your Easy Salted Caramels, giving them an extra hit of molasses and a richer taste.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

While a thermometer makes things foolproof, you can test the caramel by dropping a little into cold water — it should form a firm but pliable ball once it reaches the firm ball stage (around 245°F).

Can I make Easy Salted Caramels without corn syrup?

If you’d prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can try substituting golden syrup. The caramels may turn out slightly softer and with a hint of golden flavor, but they’ll still be wonderful.

Why did my caramel turn grainy?

Graininess usually means some sugar crystals formed on the sides of the pot. Make sure to stir constantly and use a damp brush to wipe down any sugar from the sides as the mixture cooks.

Are these Easy Salted Caramels gluten-free?

Yes, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so these caramels are safe for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the way these Easy Salted Caramels come together — a true treat that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly special. I hope you’ll give them a try and experience firsthand just how easy and rewarding homemade candy can be!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Salted Caramels Recipe

Easy Salted Caramels Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 64 caramels (1/2-inch squares) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of these Easy Salted Caramels with a hint of sea salt. This homemade candy recipe is perfect for gifting or satisfying your own sweet tooth cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 2 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Line the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  4. Cook: Attach a candy thermometer, cook to 245°F, stirring frequently.
  5. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Pour and Cool: Pour into the pan, cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool completely.
  7. Cut and Wrap: Cut into squares and wrap in wax paper if desired.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, brown the butter slightly before adding other ingredients.
  • Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Candy, Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 65mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Similar Posts