Description
These Ten Minute Microwave Caramels are a quick and easy homemade treat requiring minimal ingredients and using the convenience of the microwave. The recipe yields rich, buttery caramels with a perfect chewy texture and a deep caramel flavor, perfect for gift-giving or for enjoying a homemade sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Butter an 8-inch square pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the caramels don’t stick. For easier removal, you can also line the pan with foil and butter the foil thoroughly.
- Melt the Butter: Place the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and melt it in the microwave for about 1 minute until fully melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, white sugar, and sweetened condensed milk into the melted butter. Mix until the sugar starts to dissolve and everything is well combined.
- First Microwave Cooking: Microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes and 5–15 seconds. After microwaving, stir the caramel mixture well, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even cooking.
- Second Microwave Cooking: Return the bowl to the microwave and cook again for another 3 minutes and 5–15 seconds. Once done, stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Set the Caramel: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the caramel to cool and set at room temperature for several hours until firm. Once set, cut the caramel into squares and individually wrap them in waxed paper for storage or gifting.
Notes
- Using foil to line the pan can make removing the caramels much easier and cleaner.
- Cool the caramels completely at room temperature before cutting to ensure clean squares.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- If you prefer softer caramels, reduce the microwave cooking time slightly; for firmer caramels, increase the cooking time carefully.
- Be cautious when handling the hot caramel mixture as it can cause burns.
