In this post, you’ll learn to make one of my favorite recipes, delicious 6-minute microwave caramels! With this fast and easy technique, you can cut out all of the fears and worries that come with stovetop candy making. These are one of our very favorite holiday treats to share and enjoy!
If you’ve ever attempted candy making, you know it can take a lot of work, time, and often end in failure if things aren’t exact. I’ve had to toss many batches of caramels due to them being too soft, too hard, or scorching on the bottom! Using a candy thermometer can be tricky and time consuming.
Today I am thrilled to share with you a little tried-and-true, hidden treasure of a recipe! These 6-minute microwave caramels are so fast, and fuss free! DID YOU HEAR ME!? 6 minutes people! It may seem too good to be true, so you better just try them for yourself!
Last year I tested these clear wrappers on the caramels and I really like them! They worked great, they’re pre-cut to size and they make the caramels look beautiful. I will be using these when I make them for the holidays. I also used them for Teacher gifts with an apple, in this post.
After you sink your teeth into this batch of buttery sweet, with a touch of sea salty goodness, let me know what you think, and who you’re going to share them with next! I think these have earned a front row seat on my holiday neighbor goodie plates.
To salt or not to salt
If you are not a fan of sea salt on top of your caramels, simply omit that step! They are delicious with or without it. I personally prefer just a tiny bit on top so it’s just a hint to balance the sweetness. You could choose to wrap the caramels in two different wax papers if you were sharing salted and unsalted.
6-minute Microwave Caramels
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter (one stick, 8 Tablespoons) melted in a large glass or microwave-safe bowl
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup (Karo works great)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (Costco's Nielsen Massey or Amoretti are both great!) vanilla extract is fine, too
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- SEA SALT GARNISH If you would like to add finishing salt to your caramels, just add little sprinkle on top just before they are fully set.
Instructions
- Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or line with parchment paper (this is my preferred method!) Melt butter in a large glass bowl in microwave. Add all other ingredients (EXCEPT VANILLA) and stir until combined. Return to microwave for 6 minutes 30 seconds. All microwaves are different, but this time works perfect for me, 7 might work for you. If you want to test to make sure, you can add a spoonful to a cup of ice water and see if you can form a ball of caramel. Add some ice cubes to a glass of cold water. Drop a small spoonful of caramel into the ice water and test the consistency. Try and form a pliable ball. If it is too soft and doesn't hold its shape, allow it to cook 30 seconds longer. You can also test the mixture with a candy thermometer (should hit firm ball stage about 245°). Carefully (using hot pads) remove bowl stir. Add vanilla. Carefully pour caramel into prepared baking dish. Allow to mostly set, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt if desired. Allow to fully cool before you slice them. I always place my pan in the fridge and slice the caramels when they are cold. It helps so much! I always add a little butter to my sharp knife with a paper towel for easy slicing! Caramels do not require refrigeration but we usually store them in the fridge!
What is the easiest way to cut and wrap the caramels?
I love to line my dish with a these parchment sheets so that once the caramel is chilled, I can lift the caramel out of the pan. Cooling the pan in the refrigerator helps a lot! Then I use a large, sharp knife to make long slices in the caramel. You can use a pizza cutter (sprayed with pam spray) or that same knife to then cut the caramels into small squares. Roll the caramel into wax paper and twist the ends. The caramels do not require refrigeration.
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I need to try these.
I make them from scratch every Christmas and it takes forever to reach the right temp.
Thank you!!
I love the ideas and content that you post! So much fun, and they’re easy for me to do with my girls. Thank you!
This is so easy and I’m going to gift them at the holiday
Delicious, wonderful!
This recipe was super easy and no fail! So delicious!