Six minute caramels

Six-Minute Caramels are a delightful homemade candy treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with a quick and easy preparation method. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere six minutes of your time, you can create these soft, chewy caramels that are perfect for indulging your sweet tooth or gifting to friends and family. Get ready to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade caramels without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparing the Pan:

1. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the caramels out later. Grease the parchment paper with a little butter or cooking spray for easy removal.

Cooking the Caramels:

2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in the packed light brown sugar and salt. Mix until the sugar is well combined with the melted butter.
4. Add the light corn syrup, stirring continuously. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil.
5. Once it starts boiling, gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, continuing to stir. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches the “soft ball” stage, which is around 238-240°F (114-116°C). This typically takes about 5-6 minutes, hence the name “Six-Minute Caramels.”
7. As soon as it reaches the soft ball stage, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.

Pouring and Cooling:

8. Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan.
9. Allow the caramels to cool at room temperature for a few hours or until they are completely set and firm to the touch.

Cutting and Wrapping:

10. Once the caramels are set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift them out of the pan.
11. Place the caramel block on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
12. Optionally, you can wrap individual caramels in wax paper or parchment paper squares for a professional touch. This also makes them easy to store and share.

Enjoying:

13. Serve your homemade Six-Minute Caramels as a sweet treat or package them as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a bit of homemade sweetness.

Variations and Tips

• Salted Caramels: For a delightful twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each caramel square before it fully sets. The sweet and salty combination is irresistible.
• Nutty Caramels: Add a cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the caramel mixture just before pouring it into the pan for an added crunch and flavor.
• Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, to give your caramels a unique twist.
• Storage: Store your Six-Minute Caramels in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several weeks.
• High Altitude Adjustment: If you’re at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly lower on your candy thermometer, as boiling points can differ.

 

Six-Minute Caramels offer a quick and convenient way to enjoy the delectable taste of homemade caramel candies. Whether you’re making them for personal indulgence or as a delightful gift, these caramels are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings with their soft, chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible homemade caramels.