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
- 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. - Add butter
Add butter and whisk until fully melted and smooth. - Pour in cream carefully
Slowly add heavy cream while whisking — the mixture will bubble rapidly. - Cook to the right stage
Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 118–120°C / 240–245°F (soft ball stage). - 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.