Did you know you can actually make gourmet caramels in SIX minutes? I mean it! You will love these easy pumpkin spice caramels to share with those you love this autumn season.
I love making caramels so much! I used to have a yearly tradition with my mom and we would make them to give out on our Christmas goodie plates. Making stovetop caramels is a lot of work! We would stand over the stove for what felt like 45 minutes stirring and stirring and trying not to scorch the boiling caramel on the bottom of the pan.
Stovetop caramels always required a candy thermometer and I will tell you, we had many failed batches that were either too tough or too soft. After one too many negative outcomes, we decided there had to be a better way.
After hearing about microwave caramels, I have to admit my first reaction was that there was no way you could make a quality candy in the microwave. However, I was totally intrigued and wanted to give this experiment a try!
It only took one quick 6 minute and 30 second experiment to totally change my candy-making holiday tradition. And let me tell you, I AM HOOKED! Did you know you can actually make delicious, chewy and soft, creamy caramels in just over 6 MINUTES? I wouldn’t lie to you!
Tips for easy pumpkin spice caramels:
- Use a bowl that is at least 2 quarts or larger so the caramel doesn’t boil over in the microwave.
- Use parchment paper to line your pan, not wax paper.
- Allow caramels to fully cool and set, then refrigerate for about 20 minutes before slicing.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice caramels into squares.
- Wrap in wax paper.
- Use this caramel for dipping apples if you’d like! We absolutely love it on honeycrisp apples!
You have got to give these a try. I’ve already shared the original recipe HERE, and I have also created a recipe for dipping caramel apples which turn out just like the fancy gourmet ones you see in candy stores. The difference? This recipe is the easy way!
Today I am putting a fall twist on my caramels by adding a magical little fall flavor called pumpkin spice. I know, I know. Pumpkin spice is everywhere right now. But trust me, these are SO much fun to make and to share with your friends and neighbors! I cannot wait for you to try them.
Loving all things Autumn? Check out these other posts!
Free Halloween Printable Décor
How to make your home cozy for fall
Easy Pumpkin Spice Caramels
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (one stick) salted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup karo works great
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Butter or pam spray an 8×8 baking dish. Line pan with a parchment sheet. In a 2 quart bowl or larger, melt butter.Add remaining ingredients and return to the microwave for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. Remove using hot pads (the bowl will be super hot!)Pour caramel into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt if desired. Allow to fully cool and set before cutting. Refrigerate before slicing (it will make the process easier!)Remove sheet of caramel and slice with a pizza cutter into small squares. I like to wrap the caramels in wax paper. Caramels do not require refrigeration.
Notes
Breaking NEWS!
After asking my husband to taste-test these caramels for me, he grabbed a honeycrisp apple out of the fridge and took a bite of each. All I can say to you is my man is some sort of a foodie genius. This combo is absolutely DELISH!
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These look so amazing! I love chewy caramels.