Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
– 4 cups sugar
– 2 cups light corn syrup
– 24 ounces (2 cans) evaporated milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1-First, prepare a 9ร13 inch or jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper or buttering it generously to prevent sticking.
2-In a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, and light corn syrup, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to boil, which takes about 5-10 minutes.
3-Gradually add the evaporated milk one can at a time, taking 12-15 minutes per can; keep stirring constantly to maintain a steady boil and avoid curdling.
4-Continue cooking the mixture, stirring often and scraping the sides, until it reaches the firm ball stage; test by dropping a spoonful into ice water to form a firm but pliable ball.
5-Once done, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, then pour the caramel into your prepared pan and refrigerate until it’s cooled and hardened, ideally for several hours or overnight.
6-Finally, cut the hardened caramel into small pieces and wrap them in wax paper if you like, adjusting for any dietary needs by swapping ingredients as mentioned earlier.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ฐ Add evaporated milk slowly to maintain constant boil; warming milk beforehand helps.
๐ฅ Use medium heat to avoid temperature fluctuations during cooking.
โ Test doneness using the ice water method rather than relying solely on thermometer readings.
๐ฌ Refrigerate for 24 hours before cutting for best texture and easier handling.
๐ซ Adjust cooking time if caramels are too soft or too hard after setting.
๐ฅถ Store homemade caramels in the refrigerator for several weeks; softens at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Candy
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
