Homemade Vanilla Cream Caramels bring a burst of sweet nostalgia and delightful flavors to your kitchen. These creamy, chewy confections are perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy afternoon treat. My memories of making caramels date back to childhood, where the kitchen filled with sweet scents that celebrated togetherness and love. This recipe brings those moments back, creating not just candies but lasting memories.
Why Make This Recipe
Vanilla Cream Caramels are a true delight for the taste buds and the heart. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the rich flavor make them the perfect homemade candy, and they’re incredibly satisfying to make. This recipe allows for a fun family project, where everyone can join in and create something delicious together. Plus, they make thoughtful gifts for friends and loved ones, neatly wrapped to show you care.
"These caramels are the best! They melt in your mouth and disappeared quickly at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.
How to Make Vanilla Cream Caramels
The process of making these Vanilla Cream Caramels is a delightful adventure that begins by preparing a luscious caramel mixture. You’ll gently heat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and heavy cream in a pot, stirring until everything is melted and combined. As you watch the mixture transform into a glossy caramel, anticipation builds for the sweet treat ahead.
Once your caramel reaches the perfect consistency, let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, you’ll whip up a smooth and creamy vanilla filling that will perfectly complement the caramel. Once both components are ready, it’s time to layer them together and set them in a lined dish. The waiting game is the hardest part, but the end result is so worth it!
Ingredients
Gather these items to make your delicious Vanilla Cream Caramels:
113 grams unsalted butter
340 grams brown sugar
4 grams salt
340 grams evaporated milk (1 can)
170 grams heavy cream
285 grams corn syrup
475 grams powdered sugar
90 grams vegetable shortening
75 grams corn syrup
2 grams vanilla
For a richer flavor, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted, and for a twist, try adding a hint of sea salt to the caramel mixture.
Directions
Make Caramel, Vanilla Cream, Assembling Caramels
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
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Continue boiling while stirring for about 10 minutes or until the caramel reaches a soft-ball stage (about 118°C/245°F). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vegetable shortening, additional corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth to create the vanilla cream filling.
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Once the caramel mixture is ready, pour half into a parchment-lined dish. Let it set for about 10-15 minutes, then spread the vanilla cream layer on top. Pour the remaining caramel over the vanilla cream.
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Allow the completed layers to cool completely before cutting into squares or rectangles.
How to Serve Vanilla Cream Caramels
These delightful Vanilla Cream Caramels can be served in a variety of ways. They can be enjoyed as a sweet treat on their own or wrapped in charming packaging for a homemade gift. For a family gathering, plate them on a decorative platter with festive napkins to impress your guests. You could even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent twist.
For a kid-friendly option, consider pairing them with a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert experience.
How to Store
Keeping your homemade Vanilla Cream Caramels fresh is simple. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you have extras (which is uncommon) or just want to prepare in advance, they can also be frozen. Simply layer the caramels between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Tips to Make
Here are some practical tips to ensure your Vanilla Cream Caramels turn out perfectly:
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings. This is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; letting the caramels cool completely will help set the layers.
- If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the finished caramels in the refrigerator to help them firm up faster.
- Take your time pouring the layers to create distinct layers; it adds to the visual appeal.
Variations
There are many creative ways to switch up your Vanilla Cream Caramels if you want to experiment. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that delightful saltiness that pairs well with the sweetness. You could also incorporate nut flavors like hazelnut or almond by adding extracts to the caramel or cream layers.
If you’re looking for a fun seasonal twist, consider adding a hint of pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint extract during the holidays. These variations will ensure you always have a new treat to share.
FAQs
What should I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramel is too hard, it might have cooked too long. Next time, reduce the cooking time and check the temperature earlier.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can substitute regular sugar, brown sugar gives the caramels a deeper flavor and that classic caramel color.
How do I know when my caramel is done?
Using a candy thermometer, the caramel should reach the soft-ball stage at around 118°C/245°F for the perfect chewy consistency.
Can these caramels be made ahead of time?
Yes! These caramels can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you enjoyed making Vanilla Cream Caramels, you might want to try some of our other delightful recipes. Consider checking out our Protein Muffins for a healthy snack or dive into the fun of making a Smash Cake that’s perfect for celebrations. Don’t forget our Mini Bento Cake Recipe for another sweet twist!
You can also discover more delightful recipes and inspiration by visiting our Pinterest page:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
Vanilla Cream Caramels
Ingredients
Method
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Continue boiling while stirring for about 10 minutes or until the caramel reaches a soft-ball stage (about 118°C/245°F). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vegetable shortening, additional corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth to create the vanilla cream filling.
- Once the caramel mixture is ready, pour half into a parchment-lined dish. Let it set for about 10-15 minutes, then spread the vanilla cream layer on top. Pour the remaining caramel over the vanilla cream.
- Allow the completed layers to cool completely before cutting into squares or rectangles.