Texas-Style Homemade Caramel Candy: Sweet, Buttery Delight!

Photo byall recipes fun

Homemade Caramel Candy: A Rich, Buttery Delight for Texas Kitchens

In the heart of Texas, where the heat of the day gives way to cool evenings spent with family, there’s always a little room for something sweet. And nothing satisfies that craving like homemade caramel candy. Rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy, these treats are the ultimate indulgence, blending the perfect amount of sweetness with a touch of salt to create a candy that's as big in flavor as the Lone Star State itself.

Texas kitchens are known for their hospitality, and homemade caramel is the perfect way to show a little extra love. Whether you’re making a batch for the holidays, to share with friends, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these caramels will make you a star in the kitchen.

Why Homemade Caramel Is Special in Texas

There’s something extra comforting about making caramel from scratch. Maybe it’s the scent of the butter and sugar melting together, or the satisfaction of cutting through a batch of perfectly set caramels. In Texas, where everything feels a bit bigger, even the flavor of this homemade candy carries that signature warmth and richness that makes it hard to stop at just one piece. It’s a treat that reminds you of simpler times, shared around the table with friends and family, much like the great traditions of the state.

Recipe: Homemade Caramel Candy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Equipment:

• Candy thermometer
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• 8x8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of overhang for easy removal.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt.
3. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until it reaches 245°F (firm-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.
6. Once the caramel is set, sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Lift the caramel out using the parchment paper and cut it into small squares.
7. Wrap each caramel square in parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, and enjoy!

The Perfect Finish to a Texas Treat

There’s a reason caramel candy has stood the test of time—it’s simple, satisfying, and full of warmth, much like the state of Texas itself. Homemade caramel might take a little extra patience, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Whether you prefer your caramels soft and chewy or with a hint of crunch from sea salt, these candies are a perfect way to bring a little sweetness into any occasion. The rich buttery flavor combined with the right balance of sweetness and a touch of salt makes this homemade treat hard to resist.

So the next time you’re craving something special or need a homemade gift for a neighbor or friend, reach for this Texas-style homemade caramel candy recipe. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite!

Here's a delicious and easy recipe for Homemade Caramel Candy perfect for any kitchen. The combination of buttery richness and the right amount of sweetness makes this a favorite treat, whether you're making it for the holidays or just craving a sweet, chewy snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Heat to Firm Ball Stage: Cook the mixture while stirring frequently. Attach a candy thermometer and continue heating until the caramel reaches 240-245°F (firm-ball stage). This should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Add Vanilla: Once at the right temperature, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Cool and Set: Pour the caramel mixture into your prepared pan and let it cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature.
6. Cut and Serve: Once fully set, lift the caramel out using the parchment paper and cut it into bite-sized squares. Sprinkle sea salt on top if desired, and enjoy!

Storing and Tips:

• Store the caramels wrapped in parchment paper or in an airtight container. They should last for several weeks at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
• If you don't have a candy thermometer, use the ice water method to check for firmness​(Taste of Home)​(Tastes Better From Scratch)​(Sugar Spun Run).

Enjoy your caramel-making adventure! These little treats are perfect for gifts or just a satisfying snack.