Vanilla Cream Caramels
Indulge in the delightful world of Vanilla Cream Caramels! These soft and chewy treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a sweet homemade gift. With their rich vanilla flavor and creamy center, these caramels stand out from the crowd. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dessert without hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of vanilla and caramel creates a sweet experience that pleases everyone.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up nicely, and you have an excellent homemade gift for friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, use them in desserts, or simply savor them on their own.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, you likely have most of them on hand.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate for a personal touch!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Vanilla Cream Caramels, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Candy thermometer
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Candy thermometer: Ensures the caramel reaches the perfect temperature for that ideal chewy texture.
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Distributes heat evenly, preventing burning during cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring; it won’t scratch your pan and provides good grip while mixing.
Ingredients
Soft and chewy caramels with a vanilla cream center
For the Caramel Base
- 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
For the Cream Filling
- 475 grams powdered sugar
- 90 grams vegetable shortening
- 75 grams corn syrup
- 2 grams vanilla
How to Make Vanilla Cream Caramels
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish
- Grease a baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to remove the caramels once they set.
Step 2: Cook the Caramel Base
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and corn syrup.
- Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Continue cooking until it reaches 120°C (248°F). Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar, vegetable shortening, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once mixed well, set aside until the caramel base is done cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Caramels
- Pour half of the caramel mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Allow it to cool slightly before spreading the cream filling evenly over it.
- Carefully pour the remaining caramel mixture over the filling layer.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
- Let everything cool completely at room temperature. Once set, remove from the dish using parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares or desired shapes.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Vanilla Cream Caramels!
How to Serve Vanilla Cream Caramels
Vanilla Cream Caramels are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to share them at a gathering or give them as gifts, these caramels are sure to please everyone.
As a Sweet Snack
- Perfect for afternoon cravings, serve them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful pairing.
Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Package your caramels in decorative boxes or jars, and tie with a ribbon for an elegant homemade gift.
Dessert Platter Addition
- Arrange the caramels on a dessert platter with fruits and nuts to create a beautiful spread for parties.
Kids’ Party Treats
- Cut the caramels into fun shapes or stick them on lollipop sticks for a fun treat at children’s parties.
Movie Night Snack
- Pair with popcorn for a sweet and salty combination while enjoying your favorite movie.
How to Perfect Vanilla Cream Caramels
To achieve the best results when making Vanilla Cream Caramels, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially dairy products, are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
- Be Precise with Measurements: Accurate measurements of ingredients can make or break your caramel’s consistency and taste.
- Monitor Temperature Carefully: Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of your mixture for perfect caramel texture.
- Stir Consistently: Stir the mixture regularly while cooking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Grease Your Pan: Lightly grease your pan before pouring in the caramel mixture to make removal easier later on.
Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cream Caramels
Vanilla Cream Caramels are versatile and can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to pair with them:
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie for a savory balance.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the caramels.
- Nuts Variety: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts provides crunch and richness alongside the soft caramels.
- Popcorn: Sweet or salted popcorn creates an enjoyable texture contrast when paired with creamy caramels.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The saltiness of pretzels combined with chocolate complements the sweetness of Vanilla Cream Caramels beautifully.
- Fruit Skewers: Thread pieces of pineapple, melon, and grapes onto skewers for a colorful and light side dish option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vanilla Cream Caramels can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the temperature: Not using a candy thermometer can lead to either too soft or too hard caramels. Always check the temperature for perfect results.
- Skipping the greasing step: Failing to grease your pan properly may cause the caramels to stick. Use vegetable shortening or butter for easy removal.
- Underestimating cooking time: Rushing the cooking process results in less flavor. Allow enough time to achieve that rich caramel color and taste.
- Neglecting cooling time: Cutting the caramels too soon will make them misshapen and messy. Let them cool completely before cutting into pieces.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap ingredients can compromise flavor. Choose high-quality butter, cream, and vanilla for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vanilla Cream Caramels
- Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Vanilla Cream Caramels
- Oven: Preheat to 200°F and place caramels on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until slightly soft.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting completely.
- Stovetop: Place caramels in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warm and pliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Vanilla Cream Caramels.
Can I use a different flavor instead of vanilla?
You can absolutely experiment with different flavors! Try adding almond extract or even chocolate for a fun twist.
How do I prevent my caramels from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, wrap each caramel in wax paper or dust lightly with powdered sugar before storing.
What is the best way to cut caramel?
Use a sharp knife coated with vegetable oil. This will help you get clean cuts without sticking.
How long do Vanilla Cream Caramels last?
When stored properly, these delicious treats can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Vanilla Cream Caramels are not only incredibly tasty but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different extracts. They’re perfect for gifting or enjoying during special occasions. Don’t hesitate—try making this delightful treat today!
Vanilla Cream Caramels
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 caramels 1x
Description
Indulge in the blissful taste of Vanilla Cream Caramels, a delightful homemade treat that perfectly balances rich vanilla flavor with a creamy center. These soft, chewy caramels are ideal for any occasion, from festive gatherings to thoughtful gifts. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet luxurious recipe that requires everyday ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with coffee, these caramels are sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until boiling.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 120°C (248°F).
- In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar, shortening, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth; set aside.
- Pour half of the caramel mixture into the dish. After cooling slightly, spread the cream filling evenly over it and top with remaining caramel.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
