Oh, the magic of making holiday caramel! There’s just something so delightful about stirring that bubbling mixture on the stovetop, the rich, buttery scent filling the kitchen. It instantly brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, where we’d share stories and laughter while indulging in this sweet treat. Trust me, there’s a unique charm to holiday caramel—it’s not just a dessert; it’s a little piece of joy wrapped in a square. Whether you’re gifting it to a neighbor or enjoying it as a late-night snack with a warm cup of cocoa, this holiday caramel recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your festive traditions. Get ready to make some delicious memories!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Holiday Caramel
Making holiday caramel is a fun and straightforward process, and trust me, the result is absolutely worth it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of creamy, rich caramel ready to enjoy in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan and melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure it’s completely melted before moving on to the next step—this is key!
- Next, add in 2 cups of packed brown sugar and 1 cup of light corn syrup. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. You want to keep an eye on it to prevent any burnt bits. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will create that luscious, creamy texture we all love!
- Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously. You’ll notice it thickening up beautifully. Keep stirring to avoid any sticking or burning!
- After it’s thickened, pour the caramel into a greased pan. I usually use an 8×8-inch square pan, but you can adjust based on how thick you want your squares to be.
- Let the caramel cool at room temperature for a couple of hours until it’s set. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge for about 30-40 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
- Finally, once it’s firm enough, cut it into squares and enjoy! These little bites of joy are perfect for sharing or savoring on your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple to make—perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks!
- The rich, buttery flavor is absolutely irresistible and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- These caramels make fantastic homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate!
- They can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy stress-free holiday entertaining.
- With just a few ingredients, you get a decadent treat that feels luxurious.
Tips for Success
To make sure your holiday caramel turns out perfect every time, I’ve got a few pro tips that I swear by! First off, make sure your butter is fully melted before adding any other ingredients—this helps create a smooth and even mixture. And trust me, don’t rush the cooking time! Keep stirring and watch the temperature closely; caramel can go from delicious to burnt in a flash. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for around 240°F (115°C) for that ideal soft-ball stage. Also, be patient when cooling! Let it set at room temperature for the best texture—if you chill it too quickly, it can become too hard. Enjoy the process, and you’ll be rewarded with the most scrumptious holiday caramel!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s an estimated breakdown for each piece of this delightful holiday caramel:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
These little squares of happiness are a sweet treat to enjoy, especially during the festive season! Just remember to indulge in moderation, and you’ll be all set for a delightful holiday season!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making holiday caramel? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear, along with my answers to help you through the process and ensure your caramel turns out perfectly.
Common Questions About Holiday Caramel
- How do I store leftover caramel? Store your holiday caramel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it’s really warm where you are, you might want to keep it in the fridge to prevent it from getting too soft.
- What if my caramel doesn’t set? If your caramel is too runny, it might not have cooked long enough. Try returning it to the heat and cooking for a few more minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens up.
- Can I add flavor variations? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a bit of sea salt for salted caramel, or even a splash of maple syrup for a twist. Just keep the base ingredients the same!
- Is it possible to make caramel in advance? Yes! You can make it up to a week ahead of time. Just keep it stored properly, and it’ll be ready when you are!
- Can I freeze holiday caramel? Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap the pieces in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container. They should last for about 2 months.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your holiday caramel is super easy! Just place the cut squares in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, consider keeping them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too soft. If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can freeze the caramel as well. Just wrap each piece in parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the caramels thaw at room temperature—no reheating necessary! They’re delicious chilled or at room temp!
For more tips on caramel making, you can check out Serious Eats for a detailed guide.
Print
Holiday Caramel: 7 Steps to Sweet Joyful Treats
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday caramel treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Pour into a greased pan and let cool.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made a week in advance.
- Best served at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: holiday caramel, caramel recipe, dessert