Caramel candy is a timeless treat — rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy. Once you master a simple stovetop base recipe, you can transform it into countless flavor variations. Whether you enjoy classic salted caramel or adventurous spiced versions, this guide will help you create irresistible handcrafted candy at home.

---

🎯 The Perfect Soft & Chewy Caramel – Base Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup light corn syrup (or liquid glucose)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Heat the sugar
   In a heavy-bottom saucepan, add sugar and corn syrup. Cook on medium heat, stirring until sugar melts and turns deep golden.
2. Add butter
   Add butter and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
3. Pour in cream carefully
   Slowly add heavy cream while whisking — the mixture will bubble rapidly.
4. Cook to the right stage
   Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 118–120°C / 240–245°F (soft ball stage).
5. Finish & set
   Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt. Pour into a parchment-lined, greased tray. Cool for 2 hours, then cut into squares and wrap individually.

---

🌈 10 Flavor Variations to Try

1. Salted Caramel

Sprinkle ½–1 tsp flaky sea salt on top before cooling.

2. Chocolate Caramel

Stir in ½ cup melted dark chocolate before pouring into the tray.

3. Coffee Caramel

Add 1 tbsp espresso powder dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water to the cream.

4. Peanut Butter Caramel

Mix in ¼ cup creamy peanut butter after cooking.

5. Coconut Caramel (Dairy-Free)

Replace cream with ½ cup coconut cream and butter with ½ cup coconut oil. Add ½ tsp coconut extract.

6. Almond Crunch Caramel

Stir in ½ cup toasted chopped almonds before setting.

7. Cinnamon Chai Caramel

Add ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cardamom + a pinch nutmeg.

8. Ginger Honey Caramel

Swap 2 tbsp sugar for honey, add ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh ginger juice.

9. Maple Caramel

Use ¾ cup maple syrup + ¼ cup brown sugar instead of white sugar.

10. Bourbon Caramel

Stir in 1 tbsp bourbon right after removing from heat.

---

🎁 Packaging & Serving Ideas

• Dip caramel squares in melted chocolate and top with nuts or sea salt.
• Roll into bite-size logs and dust with cocoa powder.
• Wrap individually in wax-paper twists for gifting.
• Add edible gold dust or sesame seeds for festive styling.

---

💡 Tips for Perfect Caramel Every Time

• Use a candy thermometer for accurate texture.
• Do not stir after caramelizing sugar until adding cream.
• Cool completely before cutting for clean edges.