Are you a See's Candy devotee? Those creamy chocolates and luscious caramels? We get it. But let's be honest, those little boxes can get pricey! This blog post will share the secrets to creating your own delicious copycat See's Candy recipes, saving you money and offering the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure with easy recipes and healthy twists, perfect for quick dinner desserts or anytime indulgence. These delectable treats are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and the results are unbelievably close to the real thing.
Homemade See's Candy Recipes: A Taste of Luxury at Home
This post features two of See's most popular candies – their classic chocolates and their irresistible caramels – adapted for the home kitchen. These are designed to be delicious, achievable, and customizable to your preferences. Let's dive in!
Copycat See's Creamy Chocolate Truffles
Yields: Approximately 24 truffles Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: At least 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for coating
- Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate: Gently heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped bittersweet and semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate butter and vanilla: Whisk in the softened butter and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be incredibly smooth.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll into balls.
- Shape the truffles: Roll the chilled chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Coat the truffles: Place the cocoa powder in a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the cocoa powder to coat evenly. You can also get creative and use chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flair.
- Refrigerate again: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set.
Copycat See's Butterscotch Caramels
Yields: Approximately 24 caramels Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes Chill time: At least 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt.
- Cook the caramel: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to boil, without stirring, for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This indicates the soft-ball stage.
- Cool and add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel into a buttered 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Chill and cut: Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Cut into squares.
- Optional sea salt: Sprinkle with sea salt before serving, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the truffles will taste.
- Don't overheat the cream: Overheating the cream can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Work quickly: Once the caramel reaches the soft-ball stage, work quickly to pour it into the prepared pan.
Variations & Healthy Twists
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: Substitute dark chocolate for the bittersweet and semisweet chocolate.
- Milk Chocolate Truffles: Use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet and semisweet.
- Nutty Caramels: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel mixture.
- Healthy Swap: For a healthier version of the truffles, use dark chocolate with a higher cacao percentage and reduce the amount of butter slightly. You can also substitute some of the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – varies with variations)
Copycat See's Creamy Chocolate Truffles: Calories: 150-200, Fat: 10-15g, Sugar: 10-15g
Copycat See's Butterscotch Caramels: Calories: 100-150, Fat: 7-10g, Sugar: 12-15g
Remember, these are estimates and can change based on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious homemade treats responsibly!