Description
Homemade sea salted caramels melt with luxurious richness, revealing complex layers of sweet and salty perfection. Creamy, golden confections promise pure indulgence that will delight your senses with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (354 ml) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
Finishing Ingredients:
- Flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon or Fleur de Sel) for sprinkling
Preparation Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- Wax paper for wrapping
Instructions
- Prepare a culinary workspace by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
- In a sturdy medium saucepan, blend sugar, corn syrup, and water until uniformly mixed, avoiding excessive stirring. Securely attach a precise candy thermometer to monitor temperature changes.
- Gradually heat the sugar mixture over medium-high flame, allowing the liquid to transform into a rich golden hue without disturbing its natural caramelization process. Periodically rotate the pan to ensure even coloration.
- When the syrup reaches a deep golden shade and precisely hits 300°F, carefully reduce heat and introduce heavy cream and butter. Anticipate an intense bubbling reaction as ingredients merge.
- Continue cooking the caramel mixture at medium-high temperature, vigilantly tracking its progression until the thermometer registers 250°F, indicating the hardball stage of caramelization.
- Gently transfer the molten caramel into the prepared pan, using a silicone spatula to spread evenly and eliminate air pockets.
- Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt across the surface, creating a delicate balance of sweet and salty flavors. Allow the caramel to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once fully set, lift the caramel slab from the pan using parchment edges and slice into uniform rectangular pieces using a sharp knife.
- Optional: Dust additional sea salt crystals over cut caramels for enhanced flavor intensity. Wrap individual pieces in wax paper for elegant presentation and preservation.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Monitor the temperature closely with a reliable candy thermometer for precise caramel consistency.
- Avoid stirring the sugar syrup after initial mixing to prevent crystallization and ensure smooth caramel.
- Allow caramels to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, neat edges.
- For a gluten-free version, double-check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Experiment with different salt varieties like Maldon or Himalayan pink salt for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg