Chewy Sea Salt Caramels
Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery
Savor the sweet and salty delight of homemade Chewy Sea Salt Caramels. This easy recipe captures the perfect blend of rich caramel flavors and a hint of sea salt, making it a festive treat for the holidays or a delightful gift for friends and family. Create these irresistible caramels to elevate your holiday dessert table and impress your loved ones with your baking skills.
Chewy Sea Salt Caramels are a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for any occasion. These delightful caramels are easy to make and will impress anyone who tries them.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty
Homemade Sea Salt Caramels strike an exquisite balance between sweetness and saltiness. The rich flavor of caramel combines beautifully with the hint of sea salt that tantalizes your taste buds. This unique combination elevates them from ordinary sweets to gourmet treats, perfect for your holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift. The slight crunch of sea salt contrasts with the smooth, chewy texture of the caramel, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
These caramels are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can experiment with various types of salts or even infuse the caramel with different flavors, like espresso or orange zest, to create your signature treat. Whether served at a party or wrapped in charming packaging, these caramels will leave your guests raving about the delightful treat!
A Simple Recipe You Can Master
If you're intimidated by making candy at home, this Chewy Sea Salt Caramel recipe is a perfect starting point. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can achieve perfect results. Unlike many candy recipes that require complicated techniques, this one focuses on the basics, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
In just a short amount of time, you can make a batch of caramels that rivals those from your favorite candy shop. The satisfaction of crafting these treats from scratch is unmatched, plus it’s a fun activity to do with friends or family. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress everyone around you with your candy-making prowess!
Perfect for Gifting or Celebrating
These Chewy Sea Salt Caramels not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make for a thoughtful gift for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged box of these delectable caramels to friends and family. The personal touch of homemade treats adds warmth and love that store-bought gifts simply can't match.
Furthermore, they’re ideal for holiday parties, gatherings, or cozy nights in. Their rich flavor and unique texture will make them a favorite among your guests. Pair them with a warm beverage like hot chocolate or coffee for a delightful treat that brings everyone together and creates lasting memories.
Ingredients
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Steps
Prepare the Pan
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Cook the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until melted. Once melted, carefully add heavy cream and stir until well combined.
Cool and Cut
Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it cool completely. Once cool, lift the caramel out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Wrap the caramels in wax paper for storage.
Storage Tips
To keep your Chewy Sea Salt Caramels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you're making them ahead of time, you can wrap each caramel in wax paper to prevent them from sticking together, ensuring they remain easy to enjoy. Alternatively, for longer storage, consider refrigerating them, but make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Avoid exposing the caramels to moisture, which can cause them to harden or lose their chewy texture. If you're concerned about them getting too soft in warm weather, simply store them in a cooler location to maintain their perfect consistency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your caramels turn out too hard, it may be due to cooking them too long or at too high of a heat. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and aim for the soft ball stage (around 240°F). This ensures that your caramels remain chewy and easy to bite into, rather than becoming overly firm.
On the other hand, if your caramels are too soft, they likely needed more cooking time. Don't worry—next time, just keep a closer eye on the temperature and cooking duration, and your caramels will be the perfect blend of soft and chewy.
Creative Variations
Elevate your caramels with creative flavor additions! Consider incorporating crushed nuts for added crunch or a splash of bourbon for a rich, adult twist. You can also infuse your cream with herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight. The possibilities are endless, making this base recipe a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity.
For a festive touch, try including holiday spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or experiment with flavored sea salts like smoked salt for an unusual but delicious caramel. Each variation can transform your caramels into a new flavor experience, making them truly one-of-a-kind treats.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the caramels may be less rich.
→ How should I store the caramels?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Chewy Sea Salt Caramels
Savor the sweet and salty delight of homemade Chewy Sea Salt Caramels. This easy recipe captures the perfect blend of rich caramel flavors and a hint of sea salt, making it a festive treat for the holidays or a delightful gift for friends and family. Create these irresistible caramels to elevate your holiday dessert table and impress your loved ones with your baking skills.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Sweet Cravings Bakery
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 25 caramels
What You'll Need
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until melted. Once melted, carefully add heavy cream and stir until well combined.
Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it cool completely. Once cool, lift the caramel out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 12g