Soft, buttery homemade caramels! A tried-and-true recipe you’ll want to make every Christmas. Hundreds of reviewers agree these are the most delicious homemade soft caramels around!

This post was originally published in 2012. It has been updated with new step-by-step photos but the recipe is still the same treasured recipe from an old church cookbook.

Caramels wrapped in wax paper and placed in a bowl


 

I’ve tried other caramel recipes over the years, but always come back to this one. These are perfectly soft, but not such a soft caramel that they fall apart.

This recipe makes a ton of caramels! I usually make them for my yearly Christmas neighbor gifts. It’s a family tradition to make a batch or two the weeks leading up to Christmas.

one caramel cube on parchment paper

(Original photo from 2012 post)

I actually look forward to spending the evening wrapping caramels in wax paper (and sneaking some bites!) and hanging out with family.

VIDEO: How to Make Caramels

Table of Contents

Homemade Soft Caramels

This recipe makes a ton of caramels, so you’ll want to recruit the whole family to help wrap them and package them in gift boxes for friends and neighbors. They’re a creamy indulgence and quick treat everyone will love!

Long ago my Grandma would cut individual pieces of wax paper to wrap up these caramels. Now I just buy a pack of pre-cut wrappers on Amazon. I like these wax paper squares or these clear wrappers.

The original recipe my Grandma used came from an old church cookbook. It was submitted by a woman named Elda Peck.

So wherever you are Elda Peck, thank you! Your soft homemade caramels are a classic candy favorite at our house!

picture of old recipe for soft caramels

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Great for the holidays
  • Deep caramel flavor
  • Makes a large batch for gifting

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for caramels on a countertop

These homemade caramels are made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. The magic is in the method of making them!

  • Sugar: It’s important to use white granulated sugar to create the best rich caramel flavor. No other type of sugar will work! I like Domino brand best.
  • Butter: Use unsalted, real butter for this delicious caramel recipe. (You’ll be adding in salt later.)
  • Corn syrup: For the best caramels, use light corn syrup (not dark corn syrup).
  • Salt: Kosher sea salt is best for this recipe — it gives the best texture and flavor!
  • Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk helps give these soft chewy caramels a creamy, smooth texture.

Optional but delicious: I also love adding the seeds of a vanilla bean to these caramels. Just add scrape the seeds out of the vanilla bean pod and add them in with the sugar. They’re also delicious topped with some flaky sea salt.

How to Make Homemade Caramels

Butter and sugar in a pot
  • Melt the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt together in a large, heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium heat or medium-high heat.
Butter and sugar melted together in a pot
  • Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the evaporated milk a little at a time, taking 5-10 minutes per can and stirring constantly. A labor of love indeed.
Butter, sugar, and milk combined in a pot and turning golden brown, with a thermometer on the side
  • Once all the milk is added use a candy thermometer and bring the mixture to 238F-240F and not any hotter! Even a few degrees hotter will make them chewy instead of soft.
Carmels poured in a lined pan
  • Pour into a parchment lined 13×9 pan and cool completely. Cut and serve. Enjoy!

Storage Instructions

For a perfect bite size candy, individually wrap these creamy caramels in pre-cut wrappers from Amazon. From there, you can store them in an airtight container or in a candy jar. You can store them at room temperature or in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week at room temperature and even long in the refrigerator.

An overhead view of a slab of caramel, before cutting

Caramel Recipe FAQs

How can I speed up the process?

Some reviewers had reported good success with microwaving the evaporated milk to warm it up before adding it. The key is you want the caramel mixture to keep boiling the whole time you’re adding the milk.
(Adding warm milk won’t bring the temperature down as much so you can add it faster while still maintaining a boil.)

Can I half this recipe?

Yes! You can easily half this recipe and use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan.

Can I add a sprinkle of salt?

Yes! A sprinkle of salt makes a delicious addition to these caramels. I highly recommend this maldon salt. Sprinkle the salt over the caramels immediately after pouring them into the pan so the salt will stick.

Can I add a vanilla bean?

I love adding the seeds of a vanilla bean to these caramels. Just add scrape the seeds out of the vanilla bean pod and add them in with the sugar.

How long will these caramels keep?

Once the caramels have been cut and wrapped in wax paper or parchment candy wrappers, they will keep in an airtight container for several weeks. I like to keep them in the fridge!

Pieces of caramel on a countertop

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Testing the temperature: The most important part of making homemade caramels is to be sure they come up to the right temperature. For soft caramels 238F is the perfect temperature. I like to use a candy thermometer while I’m stirring/cooking the caramels then MOST IMPORTANTLY double check the temperature with an instant thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature in the middle of the caramel mixture! If the thermometer is touching the bottom of the pan the temperature won’t be correct.
  • Testing the consistency: I highly recommend using a thermometer AND the cold water test to be sure you get perfectly chewy candies. To do the cold water test, simply fill a small cup with cold water then drizzle a little of the caramel into the cup. You should be able to use your fingers to form it into a stable ball, but it will still be soft and easy to squish.
  • Use a stainless steel pot if possible! These caramels turn out much butter when made in a stainless steel pot (as opposed to an enameled Dutch Oven).

We also might this tried-and-true marshmallow fudge every year!

More Recipes from My Grandma’s Cookbook

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you try these homemade caramels, be sure to leave me a comment/rating below. I’d love to hear from you!

one caramel cube on parchment paper
4.99 from 245 votes

Soft, Buttery Homemade Caramels

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 80 servings
Soft, buttery homemade caramels! A tried-and-true recipe you'll want to make every Christmas. Hundreds of reviewers agree these are the most delicious homemade soft caramels around!
This post was originally published in 2012. It has been updated with new step-by-step photos but the recipe is still the same treasured recipe from an old church cookbook.

Video

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sugar
  • 2 sticks butter 1 cup
  • 2 cups white corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 12 oz. cans evaporated milk

Instructions 

  • Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Melt the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt together in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. (A stainless steel pot works best for these caramels.)
  • Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the evaporated milk a little at a time, taking 10-15 minutes per can and stirring constantly. A labor of love indeed.
  • Once all the milk is added use a candy thermometer and bring the mixture to 238F-240F and not any hotter! Even a few degrees hotter will make them chewy instead of soft. (This will take another 15 minutes or so!) I highly recommend double checking the temperature with an instant read thermometer as it comes to temperature.
  • Immediately pour into the prepared pan and cool completely. (Once the caramels are cool – I recommend freezing them for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Or you can refrigerate them for a few hours. You don't want them to be frozen solid, but if they're cold this helps the caramels hold their shape when cutting/wrapping.) Cut and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Optional but delicious: I also love adding the seeds of a vanilla bean to these caramels. Just add scrape the seeds out of the vanilla bean pod and add them in with the sugar. They’re also delicious topped with some flaky sea salt.
STORAGE
I like to individually wrap these caramels in pre-cut wrappers from Amazon. From there, you can store them in an airtight container or in a candy jar. I like to store them in the fridge. They will last several weeks!
RECIPE NOTES
  • Testing the temperature: The most important part of making homemade caramels is to be sure they come up to the right temperature. For soft caramels 238F is the perfect temperature. I like to use a candy thermometer while I’m stirring/cooking the caramels then MOST IMPORTANTLY double check the temperature with an instant thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature in the middle of the caramel mixture! If the thermometer is touching the bottom of the pan the temperature won’t be correct.
  • Use a stainless steel pot if possible! These caramels turn out much butter when made in a stainless steel pot (as opposed to an enameled Dutch Oven).

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 15mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 14mg

Caramel FAQs

What are caramels made of?

Caramels are made by heating white sugar until the molecules break down, resulting in a dark brown, rich flavored syrup. This recipe also includes butter, white corn syrup, Kosher salt, and evaporated milk.

Why do caramels need corn syrup?

Corn syrup is a necessary ingredient in caramels because it keeps the sugar molecules from crystallizing after they break down. This creates a soft, smooth texture, rather than a grainy texture.

Are butterscotch and caramel the same?

Butterscotch and caramel flavors are certainly similar. However, there is a slight difference: caramels are made with white sugar, and butterscotch is made with brown sugar.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Categories: , , , , ,

Hi, I’m Erin!

BS Food Science,

MS Nutrition

I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I’m here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!

You may also like

image for website to buy cookies cookbook

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe results in some delicious caramel, I have to say. So thank you.

    The only thing I struggled with was the temperature. On the first attempt, I followed the recipe and brought the mix to 238F. What I got was very runny, more of a spread. So I tried reheating it to 250. Got a thicker mix, but still something that melted and had to be kept in a jar. Armed with this “knowledge,” I brought my second attempt to 270F. Came out very firm, a little bit too much I would say.
    Kind of reinventing a wheel here, but what I realized is that the temperature is kind of a guess as well. What matters is the water concentration in the mixture, which is something you will have to get a feel for with “failed attempts.” No worries though, whichever consistency the end product comes in, it will taste great.
    For my third attempt, I gave up on thermometers and just cooked to a viscosity that was close to the last one and did the water test.

    1. Once all was melted and can milk was introduced, it took me about an HOUR of stirring, checking temp. Used candy thermometer and a professional digital cooking thermometer. Brought digital to 238.7 Turned out perfect. Definetly a labor of love.

  2. 4 stars
    One thing always missing from recipes posted online: High altitude instructions. Candy making is a finicky business. The altitude you are at makes a huge difference in what temp you boil sugar to. Using the ice water test is a must along with calibrating what is the boiling temperature at your location.

    1. No kidding. I moved from Texas to Colorado once and I went from being a highly complemented baker to the worst.

  3. 5 stars
    This recipe is allot like my recipe, only instead of evaporated milk, I use heavy cream.
    Also once you have poured them into dish, sprinkle with French sea salt.
    The salt makes a huge difference.

  4. 4 stars
    Taste was really good..
    Caramels came our hard ?, reminded me of a Black Cows. Not a bad think .
    I used the candy temp 238 , don’t know why it over cooked…
    I will do make this again and use the water test before it reaches the 238….
    Thank You…. Will repost when I make them .

    1. I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but it may have come out a little firmer than you wanted because your candy thermometer might be off. It’s good to test it to make sure you know if it’s high, low, or correct.
      Also, I usually heat the milk & butter together separately. Then, in a separate pot, I’ll heat the sugar, corn syrup & water. Basically the “wet method”. I caramelize it, take it off the heat, THEN add the milk/cream & butter mixture & then bring the temp back up to 238F.
      I’m not sure why they mix the butter in first in this recipe. I’ve always been told not to mix the sugar while it’s melting while doing the wet method, otherwise it may get to stiff or start to re-crystalize. The sugar has such a high melting & caramelizing point & adding any other ingredients to it will change the boiling temperature & at what temp it burns. So I just stick to what I know works for me.

  5. 5 stars
    Made this the first time yesterday for my husband for Valentine’s Day— he said they are just like Amish caramels (the BEST compliment he could give). Can’t wait to try them myself!

  6. 5 stars
    First time trying this recipe and omg it’s so so good!! Will keep this recipe. I only had one can of evaporated milk so used that and then used heavy whipping cream. Turned out amazing. Thank you for sharing

  7. 5 stars
    I use this recipe every year it is always fantastic, I do heat up the evaporated milk in the microwave so that it doesn’t have to be added so slowly. Temperature is key!

  8. 5 stars
    I made these again tonight bcz the 1st time, although delicious did not give me firm enough caramels to leave at room temperature. This time I cooked till 250 degrees (after looking up how to achieve the firm ball stage) and the caramels are still too soft. They’ve been at room temperature for a few hrs now but they’re still too soft to cut. Not sure why they didn’t firm up enough to cut. I’ll have to put them in the fridge or freezer to firm up more before cutting.

  9. Just wondering how long these caramels would keep after being made and also what is the best way to store them? Thank you.
    Leanne P.

  10. 5 stars
    I made these and they are beyond delicious. My entire family can’t believe how good they taste. I had to store mine in the freezer though. Although I cooked them to 238 degrees they didn’t set up solid enough. Not sure why. Maybe my candy thermometer is off. I plan on making again and cooking a bit longer. I halved the recipe and it was plenty.

    1. 5 stars
      These are without a doubt the BEST caramels I have ever made. I have made 2 batches and both have turned out perfectly. This recipe is going in the family favourites cookbook and will be made for years to come I am sure

  11. Can you make the caramel with just the sugar and corn syrup, salt and a bit of water to cover and heat to the 238F mark, remove from heat, add butter first and when melted and evaporated milk, stir and then pour into parchment lined pan? This way you may not have to stir at all?? Just asking…I have made caramel for a tart using this method and not sure why it wouldn’t work for making candy too???

    1. Hi, Janet…I am going to try this method…I will write again after I do. It sounds like it would be so much easier…less stirring, and all. lol Rose in Georgia

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating