Vanilla Cream Caramels
Soft and Chewy Vanilla Cream Caramels are a delightful treat that can elevate any occasion. With a luscious vanilla cream center surrounded by rich caramel, these candies are perfect for holidays, parties, or as a homemade gift. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them stand out from ordinary caramels, ensuring they will impress everyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and vanilla creates a deep, satisfying flavor that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for gifting during holidays or special occasions, these caramels can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
- Impressive Presentation: Homemade Vanilla Cream Caramels look stunning when wrapped in decorative paper, making them an excellent choice for sharing.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment by adding different flavors or toppings to personalize your caramels.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Vanilla Cream Caramels successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Candy thermometer
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Candy thermometer: Ensures you cook the caramel to the right temperature for the perfect texture.
- Saucepan: A good quality saucepan distributes heat evenly, preventing burning.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping down the sides of the pan without damaging it.
Ingredients
Soft and chewy caramels with a vanilla cream center
Main 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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 Pan
- Before starting, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the caramels from sticking and make removal easier once they are set.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large saucepan, combine:
1. Melt unsalted butter, then stir in brown sugar, salt, and corn syrup.
2. Gradually add in the evaporated milk, mixing well until combined.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Attach your candy thermometer and continue boiling until it reaches 120°C (248°F).
Step 4: Add Cream and Sugar
- Remove from heat once it reaches temperature.
- Carefully stir in the heavy cream, followed by the powdered sugar, stirring until smooth.
Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla
- Add in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Pour into Pan
- Pour the caramel mixture into your prepared pan. Let it sit at room temperature until completely cooled and set.
Step 7: Cut & Serve
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment for easy serving! Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Cream Caramels!
How to Serve Vanilla Cream Caramels
Serving Vanilla Cream Caramels can elevate any dessert spread or special occasion. These soft and chewy treats are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
Gift Ideas
- Wrapped Treats: Individually wrap the caramels in wax paper for a charming homemade gift.
- Gift Baskets: Include them in a holiday gift basket alongside other sweets.
Party Platters
- Dessert Table: Arrange your Vanilla Cream Caramels on a dessert table for guests to enjoy at parties.
- Chocolate Pairing: Serve with dark chocolate for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Coffee Pairing
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with coffee or tea as a sweet afternoon treat.
- Flavor Enhancement: The vanilla cream complements the rich flavors of various brews, enhancing your drinking experience.
Ice Cream Topping
- Gourmet Sundae: Chop the caramels and use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes.
- Blended Treats: Blend into milkshakes for an extra creamy texture.
Special Occasions
- Wedding Favors: Use them as unique wedding favors for guests to take home.
- Holiday Celebrations: Perfect for Christmas or birthdays, bringing sweetness to any celebration.
How to Perfect Vanilla Cream Caramels
Perfecting Vanilla Cream Caramels requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. With these strategies, you can achieve that soft, chewy texture everyone loves.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh butter and cream to enhance flavor.
- Monitor Temperature Carefully: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the right temperature for the perfect consistency.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Prevent sticking by greasing your pan thoroughly before pouring in the caramel mixture.
- Stir Constantly: Stirring helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking for a smooth texture.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the caramels to cool completely before cutting into pieces for clean edges.
- Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cream Caramels
While Vanilla Cream Caramels are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great side dish ideas.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich caramels.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a sweet and savory balance.
- Chocolate Brownies: Rich brownies provide an indulgent combination with creamy caramels.
- Ice Cream Floats: Combine soda and ice cream with chopped caramels for a fun float treat.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies offer nutty flavors that complement the sweetness of the caramels.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake pairs well with the soft texture of Vanilla Cream Caramels.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor contrast to your dessert plate.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and chopped caramels for a delicious parfait.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vanilla Cream Caramels can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the Measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Always use a kitchen scale for the best results.
- Not Using a Candy Thermometer: Relying on timing alone can lead to inconsistencies. Use a thermometer to ensure you reach the right temperature.
- Ignoring the Cooling Process: Allowing caramels to cool completely is important. Cutting them too early can result in a mess.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your caramels relies on quality ingredients. Invest in good butter and vanilla for the best taste.
- Failing to Grease Your Pan: Not greasing your pan can lead to sticking. Ensure your pan is well-greased or lined with parchment paper.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Vanilla Cream Caramels will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vanilla Cream Caramels
- Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper.
- Store in an airtight container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Vanilla Cream Caramels
- Oven: Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Place caramels on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10 seconds until soft. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place caramels in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Vanilla Cream Caramels.
Can I use different flavors instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like almond or hazelnut for unique flavors.
How do I know when my caramels are done cooking?
Check with a candy thermometer; they should reach 245°F (118°C) for soft caramels.
What if my caramels turn out too hard?
If they’re too hard, they may have been cooked too long. Try adjusting the cooking time next time.
Can I make these caramels dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
These Vanilla Cream Caramels are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or dipping them in chocolate. Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for sharing during holidays or as gifts. Try making them today!
Vanilla Cream Caramels
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Vanilla Cream Caramels, where a luscious vanilla cream center meets a rich, chewy caramel exterior. These homemade treats are perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to thoughtful gifts. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. This simple recipe uses straightforward ingredients and techniques, ensuring that anyone can whip up these delightful candies in no time.
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 extract
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter, then stir in brown sugar, salt, and corn syrup. Gradually mix in evaporated milk until well combined.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until boiling. Attach a candy thermometer and boil until it reaches 120°C (248°F).
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Once set, cut into squares and wrap individually for serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel (25g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
