Microwave Caramel Candies
Microwave Caramel Candies: A Sweet and Simple Treat
Jump to Recipe**Updated September 26, 2024**
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Craving a decadent dessert but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Look no further than microwave caramel candies! This quick and easy recipe delivers chewy, gooey perfection with minimal effort.
All you need is a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand: butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in short bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture reaches a caramel-like consistency. Pour the hot caramel onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor, and let it cool completely before cutting into squares.
Microwave caramel candies are not only delicious but also versatile. Enjoy them as a snack, add them to ice cream or yogurt, or use them to create homemade caramel sauce. With their simple preparation and endless possibilities, these candies are a must-try for any sweet tooth.
Microwave Caramels
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup I used Karo
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- sea salt optional
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Next, add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Cook the caramel in the microwave in 3 minute increments, stirring after each hit in the microwave.*
- For a buttery soft caramel consistency, I cooked mine in the microwave for 9 minutes and 30 seconds (I have a 1200 watt microwave for reference) in 3 minute intervals. For slightly harder caramel, you can cook the caramel for another 1-2 minutes, or so. The cooking time will vary on your microwave.
- Err on the side of caution, and cook for less time. Then do a soft-ball test in cold water, or use a candy thermometer.
- For caramel, you generally want it to reach somewhere between 238-242 degrees Fahrenheit. If the caramel reaches the soft ball stage, it’s somewhere within that range of degrees.**
- Once the caramel has reached the soft ball stage, add in the vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
- Then, pour into a parchment lined 9×9 baking dish. Sprinkle with a little sea salt, if desired. Additionally, you can sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramels after they have cooled.
- Allow to cool in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Then cut into squares or logs with a sharp knife, and wrap in parchment paper or wax paper, if desired.
How To Soften Butter Quickly
Sweet Heat Candied Nuts
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12 Comments
Melissa Sears
I was just checking if total cook time is 9 or 12 minutes? I see both and just want to be sure! THanks
Two Southern Sweeties
Hi Melissa.
Sorry about that, it is a total of 9 minutes. Thank you for alerting me to the error. It’s been fixed now.
~Tracey
Polly Crabtree
How long did this take to set for you? I made this recipe last night, and while it makes beautiful and great tasting caramel, it isn’t setting for me. I am trying the freezer now to see if that will help firm it up. Otherwise, it will make a great caramel sauce!
Linda Sessions
I made this recipe and it turned out perfect with no problems these are so good. Easiest and best recipe I have found.
Two Southern Sweeties
Hi Linda.
I’m glad you liked them. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on these caramels. These days I am really loving the quick and easy candies since I make so many different ones at this time of the year.
~Tracey
Zoe Claxton
I made these caramels following the recipe by the letter. I’ve made a lot of different candies over the years.
I could not get these to set using the recipe.l even keeping in the refrigerator. Taste great but more like “spoon” caramels.
Two Southern Sweeties
Hmm I’m not sure why they didn’t set up for you Zoe. They have set up for me every time I have made them.
~Tracey
Arlene Sauls
I have not made this recipe but would like to. As a candy maker I adhere to the ingredients precisely. However, this recipe does not say “packed” for the brown sugar. Please clarify. Thank you.
Two Southern Sweeties
Thank you for reaching out Arlene. Yes, it is packed brown sugar.
I hope you enjoy these as much as we do.
Arlene Sauls
Thank you for your quick response. I like the simplicity of the recipe and followed it exactly. Flavor is very good. However, mine did not setup either. I live in Florida and know the humidity we have is not good for some candies such as Carmel and Divinity. Will definitely try the recipe again on a day with low humidity.
Laura Sullivan
I made these carmels and they are way to soft. I put in a bowl and did 6 more minutes stirring every 3 minutes. What am I doing wrong and are these fixable?
Kathy Montoya
Do you know if they can be made at thigh altitude?