These luxurious Vanilla Cream Caramels are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla bean, these caramels are the perfect treat for gifting or savoring yourself. Made from simple ingredients, these creamy confections are sure to delight any sweet tooth.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for a slightly salted caramel)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and lightly butter the parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cook the caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.
- Heat to temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the caramel mixture reaches 245°F (118°C). This temperature gives a perfect soft and chewy caramel texture.
- Add vanilla: Once the caramel reaches 245°F, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean seeds. Mix well, and if you’re adding sea salt, incorporate it now.
- Pour and cool: Quickly pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours or until fully set.
- Cut and wrap: Once the caramel is set, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Use a sharp knife or buttered kitchen scissors to cut the caramel into small squares or rectangles. Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or parchment squares to prevent sticking.
- Store and enjoy: Store the wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Value of Vanilla Cream Caramels
Here’s a nutritional value table for Vanilla Cream Caramels based on an approximate serving size of one piece (about 1 inch square, or roughly 15g):
| Nutrient | Per 1 Piece (15g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| – Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
| – Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 0g |
Notes:
- Total Calories may vary slightly depending on the exact size of each caramel piece and specific ingredients used.
- Sugars are high due to the caramel ingredients, making these caramels an indulgent treat.
- Fat Content is mainly from the heavy cream and butter, contributing to the caramel’s creamy texture.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, try sprinkling a little sea salt on top of the caramels before they cool.
- Be cautious with the temperature, as caramel can quickly become too hard if cooked past 245°F.
