Old Fashioned Caramels Recipe 🍬
Overview:
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Old Fashioned Caramels with this delightful recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, these caramels are quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. With a luscious texture and irresistible flavor, they are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 3/4 lb.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 1/2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 4 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Light molasses | 1 cup |
| Evaporated milk | 2 cups |
| Chopped nuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe.
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Combine Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, mix together the butter, brown sugar, light molasses, and evaporated milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
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Add Chocolate (Optional): For an extra decadent touch, you can add chocolate to the mixture. Stir in the chocolate until it is fully melted and incorporated into the caramel mixture.
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Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches the soft ball stage, which is between 234 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit (112 to 116 degrees Celsius). To test if it has reached the soft ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water. It should form a soft ball that holds its shape but is still pliable.
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Add Vanilla Extract and Nuts: Once the caramel mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Pour and Cool: Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture into a greased 8x8x2-inch pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Allow the caramels to cool at room temperature until they are firm enough to handle but still slightly warm.
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Cut into Squares: Once the caramels have cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles of your desired size. If the caramels are too hard to cut, you can warm the knife slightly under hot water to make cutting easier.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Old Fashioned Caramels as a delightful treat for yourself or share them with friends and family. These caramels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, although they are so delicious, they likely won’t last that long!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2052.7
- Total Fat: 96.1g
- Saturated Fat: 40.1g
- Cholesterol: 64.5mg
- Sodium: 839.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 308.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 17.8g
- Sugar: 259.1g
- Protein: 27g
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the caramel from scorching during cooking.
- Be careful when working with hot caramel as it can cause burns. Handle with caution and keep children away from the cooking area.
- Customize the recipe by adding different nuts such as chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- For a festive touch, wrap individual caramels in wax paper or parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for gift-giving or special occasions.
Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of these Old Fashioned Caramels, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings any time of day!
