Homemade Microwave Caramels

If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade caramels but thought they were too tricky or time-consuming, you’re going to love these easy microwave caramels! They’re soft, chewy, buttery, and full of that rich caramel flavor we all love, without standing over the stove. They’re perfect for Christmas treats, neighbor gifts, or whenever you’re craving a little homemade sweetness!

Microwave Caramels Recipe

My grandma’s caramels were legendary. They still are to this day. She taught my mom how to make them, and they will forever be the best caramels around. However, they are a process! I wanted to make caramels that were simple and literally everyone could make them without hours of labor, special candy making equipment or stress. Although my grandma’s caramels will always be the best, these microwave caramels are a very close second!

The Cowboys’ Rating: 10/10

Every time I make a new recipe, I have my family rate the recipe out of 10. By the time, these recipes make the blog, they’ve been tried and tested by some of my hardest tiny critics!

Helpful Ingredient Tips

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – A lot of caramel recipes have brown sugar in them, which is fine, however, Grandma’s caramels always had sweetened condensed milk so they weren’t gritty when you bite into them. I stayed with sweetened condensed milk to make sure the caramels were smooth.
• Butter – I used salted butter.
• Light Corn Syrup
• White Sugar
• Vanilla – Use pure vanilla for this recipe rather than the extract.

Tools You’ll Need

• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Parchment Paper
• 8×8″ Baking Dish
• Food Thermometer
• Glass Bowl

Recipe for Microwave Caramels

1. Prepare the baking dish. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly butter the parchment paper to help the caramels release easily.
2. Melt the butter. Place the butter in a large, microwave-safe glass bowl and microwave until melted.
3. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir the other ingredients into the melted butter until well combined.
4. Microwave the caramels. Microwave for 3 minutes, then carefully remove the bowl and stir. Return to the microwave for another 3 minutes.
5. Check the temperature. Carefully use a candy thermometer to check the caramel temperature. It needs to reach 240°F for the right consistency. If it hasn’t reached 240°F, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring and checking the temperature between each interval.
6. Pour and cool. Carefully pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking dish. Let it sit at room temperature until completely cooled and hardened.
7. Cut and wrap. Once the caramel has hardened, cut it into small pieces. If desired, wrap each piece individually in small squares of parchment paper.

*Tips and tricks*

Get the parchment paper slightly wet, then ring it out completely. Unfold it and place it in the baking dish. This makes it easier to work with and molds to whatever dish you are working with.

How to Get the Perfect Chewy Microwave Caramels

The secret to soft, chewy homemade caramels is getting the temperature just right. Use a candy thermometer and heat the caramel to 240°F. This gives the caramels that classic chewy texture without making them too hard to bite into or too soft to hold their shape.

How to Tell When Caramels Are Done

A candy thermometer is the most reliable way to tell when your microwave caramels are ready. The caramel needs to reach 240°F, also known as the soft-ball stage. If it hasn’t reached that temperature after the initial 6 minutes, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring and checking the temperature each time.

How to Keep Caramels From Being Too Hard or Too Soft

• For soft, chewy caramels: Heat the mixture to 240°F and remove it from the microwave once it reaches that temperature.
• If your caramels turn out too hard: The mixture may have gotten too hot. Even a few extra degrees can make a difference in the final texture.
• If your caramels turn out too soft: The mixture may not have reached 240°F. You can also allow the caramels to cool completely before judging their texture, since they need time to set.

Microwaves vary in power, so cooking time can differ from one kitchen to another. For the most consistent results, rely on the temperature rather than the time alone.

How to Store Microwave Caramels

At room temperature: Store the caramels in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. If you’ve wrapped them individually in parchment paper, make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.

In the refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, you can store the caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying them so they soften slightly.

In the freezer: For longer storage, place the caramels in a freezer-safe airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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