Recipe: Homemade Caramels for Candy Apples
Description:
These homemade caramels are perfect for making delicious candy apples that will be the star of your Halloween spread! While the exact cooking time to reach the ideal temperature of 244°F may vary, I’ll guide you through the process step by step to ensure you achieve that perfect caramel consistency. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these decadent treats!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 72.4
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 12.7mg
- Sodium: 20.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6.2g
- Protein: 0.1g
Servings: 90 pieces
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 3/4 cups white corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large kettle, combine the granulated sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, white corn syrup, butter, and margarine. Stir well to combine. |
| 2 | Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, continue to cook for approximately 20 minutes, maintaining a steady boil. |
| 3 | After 20 minutes, gradually add the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream to the mixture, ensuring that the boil is maintained throughout. Do not allow the mixture to stop boiling. |
| 4 | Continue cooking the caramel mixture until it reaches a temperature of 244°F on a candy thermometer. Alternatively, you can test the caramel by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a firm ball when ready. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect caramel consistency. |
| 5 | Once the caramel reaches the desired temperature and consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. |
| 6 | Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray. Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. |
| 7 | Allow the caramel to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into individual pieces. |
| 8 | Wrap each caramel piece in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Enjoy your homemade caramels as a delightful treat on their own or use them to make irresistible candy apples! |
These homemade caramels are not only perfect for Halloween but also for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a sweet and decadent treat. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be whipping up batches of these delicious caramels in no time. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of homemade caramel! 🎃🍬
