Description
This quick and easy Ten Minute Microwave Caramels recipe delivers rich, buttery, and chewy caramels you can make in just minutes using your microwave. Perfectly sweetened with brown and white sugars, smoothened with sweetened condensed milk, and infused with vanilla, these homemade caramels set beautifully at room temperature and are ideal for gift-giving or sweet treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Butter an 8-inch square pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan for thicker caramels. For easy removal, you can optionally line the pan with foil and butter the foil.
- Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by microwaving it for about 1 minute.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, white sugar, and sweetened condensed milk with the melted butter until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is combined.
- First Microwave Session: Microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes and 5 to 15 seconds. Then, stir well, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even cooking.
- Second Microwave Session & Add Vanilla: Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for another 3 minutes and 5 to 15 seconds. After microwaving, stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Pour and Set: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Cool and Cut: Let the caramel cool and set at room temperature for several hours until firm. Once set, cut into squares and wrap each piece in waxed paper.
Notes
- Using foil in the pan makes removing the caramels easier.
- Microwave power varies; adjust cooking time slightly as needed to avoid burning.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For thicker caramels, use a 9×5-inch loaf pan; for thinner, use an 8-inch square pan.
