Old Fashioned Evaporated Milk Caramels

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Old Fashioned Evaporated Milk Caramels, a classic homemade candy recipe that offers the perfect balance of buttery richness and chewy decadence. Made with pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and evaporated milk, these small-batch caramels are slowly cooked to perfection, using a candy thermometer to achieve the soft-ball stage for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. A hint of pure vanilla extract elevates their flavor, making them a nostalgic treat anyone will adore. Perfect for gifting, holiday celebrations, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these caramels are easy to prepare and store, wrapped in wax paper for freshness. Whether you're a seasoned candy maker or a curious beginner, this recipe is a delightful way to create homemade confections that taste like they came straight from a vintage sweet shop.

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 36

Ingredients

• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Light corn syrup
• 1 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 can (12 ounces) Evaporated milk
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish generously with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the caramels later.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and salt.

Step 3

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined.

Step 4

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring that the tip does not touch the bottom of the pan.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook until the thermometer reads 240°F (soft-ball stage). This can take 40-50 minutes, so be patient and keep an eye on the temperature.

Step 6

Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7

Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula if needed.

Step 8

Let the caramel cool at room temperature for about 2 hours or until it is firm enough to cut.

Step 9

Once cooled, transfer the caramel onto a cutting board and use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut it into bite-sized squares or rectangles.

Step 10

Wrap each caramel individually in squares of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1113.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3314.7

Total Fat 96.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 262.2mg	0%
Sodium 1637.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 618.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 618.0g
Protein 27.5g	0%

Vitamin D 283.2IU	0%
Calcium 1050.6mg	0%
Iron 1.0mg	0%
Potassium 1201.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.2%

Protein: 3.2%

Carbs: 71.6%