Nut-Free Classic Chewy Caramels
Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these Nut-Free Classic Chewy Caramels are an irresistible homemade treat that’s as simple to make as they are satisfying to eat. Crafted with pantry staples like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, these caramels achieve a rich, creamy texture without the addition of nuts—making them a safe and delicious option for those with nut allergies. The recipe offers a beautiful balance of flavors, enhanced by hints of vanilla and a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast. With just 10 minutes of prep time and straightforward instructions, these caramels set perfectly in just a few hours, making them ideal for holiday gifting or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether wrapped for sharing or savored straight from the parchment, these nut-free caramels deliver classic, melt-in-your-mouth perfection in every bite.
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Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon (optional) sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
Step 1
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later, and lightly grease the paper with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan, and stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil.
Step 4
Once boiling, clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom, and keep stirring gently.
Step 5
Continue cooking and stirring until the caramel reaches the firm ball stage (245°F or 118°C). Be patient and adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning, ensuring an even color and consistency.
Step 6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and promptly stir in the vanilla extract and 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt until fully incorporated.
Step 7
Pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly, if needed.
Step 8
Let the caramel sit at room temperature until completely set, about 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting.
Step 9
Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the caramel slab out of the dish.
Step 10
Cut the caramel into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife or a well-oiled pizza cutter.
Step 11
If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on each caramel square for an extra salty-sweet flavor contrast.
Step 12
Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or cellophane for easy storing or gifting, and enjoy your nut-free chewy treats!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (901.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3142.7 |
| Total Fat 82.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 49.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 259.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2259.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 594.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 594.1g | |
| Protein 31.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 31.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1140.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 0.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1493.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories