Caramel, a divine confection made from sugar, butter, and cream, has captivated sweet lovers for centuries. Its golden-brown hue and rich, velvety texture are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the world of desserts, mastering the art of making basic caramel is a culinary skill that will elevate your culinary repertoire. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create the perfect caramel, providing tips and tricks to ensure success. With a little practice and careful attention to detail, you'll soon be able to whip up this delectable treat like a pro, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance to your favorite desserts and beverages.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BASIC CARAMEL
Keep an eye on your pan; the best indicator of doneness is appearance, not time. Just before the syrup reaches the shade you desire, remove it from the heat; the caramel will continue to cook for a few more seconds.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 1
Steps:
- Pour 1/2 cup water into a medium (2- to 3-quart) heavy-bottom saucepan. Add sugar. Cook over medium heat, gently stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and syrup is clear.
- Continue to cook, without stirring, until the syrup comes to a boil, washing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush two or three times to prevent crystals from forming. Let syrup boil, gently swirling pan occasionally, until medium amber. Remove from heat.
EASY CARAMEL SAUCE
For an easy go-to caramel sauce, try Ree Drummond's recipe, perfect over ice cream or pie, from The Pioneer Woman on Food Network.
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 30m
Yield 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Mix the brown sugar, half-and-half, butter and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until it gets thicker. Add the vanilla and cook another minute to thicken further. Turn off the heat, cool slightly and pour the sauce into a jar. Refrigerate until cold.
CARAMELS
I have used this recipe for almost 41 years, and have yet to have any bad batches. My grandson loves 'em!
Provided by Barbara
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Grease a 12x15 inch pan.
- In a medium-size pot, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream, and butter. Monitor the heat of the mixture with a candy thermometer while stirring. When the thermometer reaches 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and let the mixture cool completely. When cooled cut the Carmel into small squares and wrap them in wax paper for storage.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.6 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 20.2 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 30.4 mg, Sugar 10.7 g
OH-SO-EASY CARAMEL SAUCE
This is a rich, sweet caramel sauce that can be made at the last minute that is great on bread pudding, gingerbread, apple pie, chopped apples, ice cream, and anything else you want to put it on.
Provided by BARB MAXWELL
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Dessert Sauce Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring brown sugar, butter, and milk to a gentle boil and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla extract.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.4 g, Cholesterol 31.1 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 92.6 mg, Sugar 27.1 g
EASY CREME CARAMEL
Easier because its made in a pan and not individual. This creme caramel can be refrigerated overnight as well.
Provided by kleigh83
Categories Dessert
Time 5h20m
Yield 1 loaf, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a medium skillet, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the water and cook over high heat until deep a deep amber color (about 4 min), swirling the pan occasionally.
- Immediately pour the caramel into an 8-by-4 1/2-by-3in metal loaf pan.
- Make sure you evenly coat the bottom.
- Let caramel harden.
- In a bowl, whisk the remaining (1/2 c.) of sugar, the milk, cream, eggs, and egg yolks.
- Pour custard into the pan with hardened caramel.
- Set this pan in a small baking dish and add enough water in baking dish to reach halfway up the side of the pan.
- Bake for 50 min (or until set around the edges but slightly soft in center).
- Remove pan of custard from baking dish and let cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate until chilled (at least 4 hours).
- Remove from pan by running a thin knife around the custard and flipping it onto a plate.
- Cut into slices and serve.
EASY CARAMEL
I got this recipe from a friend in college. It was super easy to make and my husband ate the entire pan of it within a few days.
Provided by Stephyloulou
Categories Candy
Time 35m
Yield 75 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large pot on medium heat.
- Stir in sugar and corn syrup, mix well.
- Add about 1/5 of the can of evaporated milk, stir until it blends in with the mixture. Keep adding just 1/5 of the can at a time until it's all mixed. Continually stir the mixture making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Heat the caramel until 230-240°F while continuously stirring.
- Pour onto a greased cookie sheet with sides.
- Let it cool completely. Once fully cooled cut and wrap with wax paper.
CLASSIC CARAMEL CANDIES
For this recipe, you will need an accurate candy thermometer. You'll also need to cut three-inch square pieces of waxed paper or cellophane in which to wrap the caramels.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Time 8h30m
Yield Makes approximately 120
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Lightly brush bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with oil. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides; lightly brush parchment with oil.
- Bring cream, sugar, butter, and corn syrup to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramel reaches 248 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes.
- Immediately remove caramel from heat, and stir in salt and vanilla. Pour caramel onto baking sheet, and let stand, uncovered, at room temperature at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
- Lifting by parchment overhang, transfer caramel to a large cutting board. Cut into 3/4-by-1 1/4-inch pieces; wrap each piece in waxed paper or cellophane.
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning.
- Use a candy thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the sugar reaches the correct temperature.
- Be patient: Making caramel takes time. Don't rush the process or you will end up with burnt sugar.
- Don't stir the sugar while it is melting: This will cause the sugar to crystallize.
- Once the sugar has melted, swirl the pan: This will help to evenly distribute the heat.
- Be careful when adding the cream: The cream will cause the caramel to bubble up. Stand back to avoid getting burned.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before using it: This will help to prevent it from being too runny.
Conclusion:
Caramel is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts. With a little patience and practice, you can easily make caramel at home. Just follow these tips and you'll be a caramel-making pro in no time!
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