Caramel candy is a delicious treat at any time of the day. These microwave caramels can be made in the microwave in just minutes. No thermometer is needed.
These caramels are sweet, sticky, and buttery, and they taste amazing. This recipe is a great last-minute food or homemade gift suggestion for you. The recipe was adapted from the cooking classy website, and I was hooked. You can also try this caramel candy, and you will be hooked.
Why You Will Like these Caramels
I’m used to making condensed milk candy which is usually hard candy, but this is soft and chewy candy. You don’t need to babysit the mixture; all you do is set the microwave to 1-minute and 30-second intervals and stir when needed. Most condensed milk candy can not be melted down once made, but this melts easily and can be used for other recipes such as chocolate caramel apple slices.
My caramels were poured into a silicone mold to create unique and fun shapes to be used as gifts. You can use any container or baking pan for the same purpose.
Ingredients Needed for Caramel Candy
Butter– I used unsalted butter in this recipe.
Sugar: the recipe used both brown sugar and white granulated sugar to help give the caramel brown rich color.
Corn syrup: light corn syrup was used to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing in the caramels.
Condensed milk: sweetened condensed milk was used to help thicken the caramel.
Salt and vanilla extract for flavor and taste.
How to Make the Microwave caramel
- The first step is to place all the ingredients into a microwave-safe bowl and stir them together.
- Place the bowl into the microwave and heat the mixture at 90 seconds interval for a total of 6 to 7 minutes.
- Use a hot pad holder or oven gloves to remove the caramel from the microwave and stir between the cooking time.
- Take the bowl out of the microwave after 6 minutes, and then stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel into a prepared silicone mold or container.
- Allow the caramel to set in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Cut and wrap them in wax paper or a pretty candy wrapper.
Can You Make Caramel in a Microwave?
The answer is Yes! It is very easy to make caramel in the microwave then you think. Microwave caramel is quick and delicious, they taste better than store-bought caramel. The recipe requires only 6-7 minutes time in the microwave, and the caramel candy is ready.
Do You need Candy Thermometer for the Caramel Candy?
No! Unlike most candy recipes which require a candy thermometer and a long time to make, these caramels don’t need a candy thermometer. I encourage you to follow the recipe and ensure not to use the full 7 minutes. When you use 7 minutes, you will end up with hard caramel candy, which will taste good.
Helpful Tips for Making the Caramel
- use a microwave-safe glass bowl, not a plastic one, since the mixture becomes very hot.
- I recommend you use a large glass bowl.
- Don’t use the full 7 minutes, especially when your microwave works at full power of 100%.
- Test the caramel after 6 minutes using the ice water test. Drop a small amount of the caramel into ice-cold water; when it is pliable and chewy, the caramel is ready.
- Take caution when taking the caramel out of the microwave, since it can be hot.
- Don’t use salted butter because it will splatter a lot.
- Avoid placing the glass bowl on a cold surface after removing it from the microwave.
Variations
These microwave caramels can be dipped in melted chocolate or drizzled with melted chocolate.
To make it salted caramel, sprinkle the top with a little sea salt before it is set in the refrigerator.
If you prefer nuts in yours, add chopped nuts and stir them with vanilla and salt before pouring them into the mold.
How to Store Caramels
Place the caramels in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, which will keep for about 3 days. For a longer period, store them in the refrigerator.
You can make them more than a week in advance, put them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge until they are ready to use.
Other Recipes
Starbucks Blueberry Scones(copycat recipe)
Panera Pumpkin Muffins Recipe Copycat
If you have any questions about this recipe, I would love to hear them in the comment section below. Did you make this recipe? Let me know by leaving a review and rating below. Tag me @ #theduchezkitchen- on Instagram and Facebook. Find me at @theduchezkitchen.
Thanks for reading. As always, know that God loves you, and stay blessed!
Happy baking!!
Linda!!!
Simple Microwave Caramels
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light-brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish or silicone mold and set aside.
- Mix all ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl (the mixture will bubble up so make sure there is lots of room in the bowl).
- Microwave on high for 6-7 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds.
- Using hot pads, carefully remove bowl from microwave. Add in salt, vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour into a small, buttered dish or a silicone mold and allow to cool completely. You can allow the caramel to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Cut into small squares or desired shape. When using silicone mold, you unmold and wrap them up.
Notes
Helpful Tips for Making the Caramel
- use a microwave-safe glass bowl, not a plastic one, since the mixture becomes very hot.
- I recommend you use a large glass bowl.
- Don’t use the full 7 minutes, mainly when your microwave works at full power of 100%.
- Test the caramel after 6 minutes using the ice water test. Drop a small amount of the caramel into ice-cold water; when it is pliable and chewy, the caramel is ready.
- Please take caution when taking the caramel out of the microwave since it can be hot.
- Don’t use salted butter because it will splatter a lot.
- Avoid placing the glass bowl on a cold surface after removing it from the microwave.
I made these yesterday and they are amazing. I added a little kosher salt on top, thanks for sharing.