Are you ready to embark on a sweet adventure? Forget store-bought candies filled with artificial ingredients; today, we're making homemade hard caramel candy! This recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring minimal equipment and yielding a batch of deliciously chewy, intensely flavored sweets perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. It's a fantastic recipe for anyone looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (well, maybe not dinner, but a delightful dessert!), or simply a fun homemade cooking project. Get ready to experience the joy of creating truly delicious dishes from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your caramels from sticking.
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Combine ingredients: In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Cook the caramel: Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture cook, without stirring, until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard-crack stage. Be patient; this stage is crucial for achieving the perfect hard caramel texture.
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Add butter and cream: Carefully remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously – be cautious! Stir gently but continuously until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
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Season and pour: Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Immediately pour the caramel onto your prepared baking sheet.
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Cool and cut: Let the caramel cool completely and harden. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the room temperature. Once firm, break the caramel into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hard Caramel Candy:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This prevents scorching and ensures even heating.
- Don't stir the mixture while it's cooking: Stirring before it reaches the hard-crack stage can cause crystallization.
- Use a candy thermometer: Accurate temperature control is essential for achieving the right consistency.
- Work quickly when adding the cream: The mixture will be very hot.
- Let the caramel cool completely: This ensures it sets properly and prevents sticking.
Variations:
- Add flavor: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint, almond, or maple.
- Incorporate nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel before pouring.
- Make it salty: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the cooled caramel for a sweet and salty treat.
- Dip it: Once cooled, dip the candies in melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per piece – approximate, will vary based on size):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 18-22g
This hard caramel candy recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you to create a delightful treat. It is great for gifting during holidays or simply enjoying a sweet, homemade snack. The process is simple enough to make it a fun family activity, blending the satisfaction of homemade cooking with the joy of sharing delectable treats.