Microwave Caramels Recipe
This quick and easy Microwave Caramels recipe delivers rich, creamy homemade caramels with minimal effort. Using simple pantry ingredients and a microwave, you can enjoy soft and chewy caramels perfect for gifting or snacking. The process involves melting butter, mixing in brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, then heating and cooling to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 64 (1-inch) caramel pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Generously butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan and set it aside. This will prevent the caramel from sticking and make it easier to remove after cooling.
- Melt the butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave 1 cup of butter until fully melted. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave.
- Add dry ingredients and mix: To the melted butter, add 2 ½ cups packed brown sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, and 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a smooth mixture.
- Microwave the mixture first time: Microwave the caramel mixture on full power for 4 to 5 minutes. This initial heating starts the cooking process to thicken the caramel.
- Stir and microwave again: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture carefully to ensure everything is evenly heated. Return it to the microwave and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add vanilla: Take the caramel out again, stir once more, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This enhances the flavor and aroma of the caramel.
- Pour and cool: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared buttered pan. Let it cool completely at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to cut.
- Cut and wrap: Once cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into desired pieces. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper to prevent sticking and store them refrigerated for freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl to prevent any damage or accidents during cooking.
- If your microwave runs hot, check at the 3-minute mark during microwaving to avoid burning the caramel.
- The cooling time may vary depending on room temperature; chilling in the refrigerator may speed up setting if needed.
- Wrapped caramels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For softer caramels, reduce the total cooking time slightly; for firmer caramels, increase it by a minute or two carefully.
Keywords: microwave caramels, homemade caramels, easy candy recipe, microwave candy, brown sugar caramels, sweetened condensed milk caramel
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/microwave-caramels-recipe/
