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6-minute Microwave Caramels

Handmade Farmhouse
With this fast and easy technique, you can cut out all of the fears and worries that come with candy making, no more worrying over the stovetop!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 40 pieces

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 extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt Use this in the mix if you do not want to add sea salt as a garnish on your caramels
  • SEA SALT GARNISH If you would like to add sea salts to your caramels, omit the 1/4 teaspoon salt in the regular mix.

Instructions
 

  • Butter an 8x8 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. (Decide if you want to add sea salt as a garnish, if not, then add 1/4 teaspoon table salt to the mix).
    Return to microwave for 6 minutes 30 seconds. All microwaves are different, but this time works perfect for me. For some, 6 minutes is perfect. You can know by doing an ice water test.
    Add some ice cubes to a glass of cold water. Drop a small spoonful of caramel into the ice water and test the consistency. If it is too soft, allow it to cook 30 seconds longer. If it seems just right, 6 minutes is enough!
    Carefully (using hot pads) remove bowl stir. Add vanilla.
    Carefully pour caramel into prepared baking dish. Allow to set on top slightly, then sprinkle with sea salt if you didn't add salt to the mix. 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! If the caramels are set but room temp, you can spray a pizza cutter with pam spray and easily slice them that way, too!
    Caramels do not require refrigeration. I like to slice and wrap in wax paper (see post for my favorite holiday wax).