Best 6 Basic Caramel Recipes

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Indulge in the Sweet Symphony of Caramel: A Journey Through Classic and Creative Caramel Recipes

Caramel, a culinary masterpiece, captivates taste buds with its rich, buttery flavor and mesmerizing golden hue. This versatile ingredient has earned a prominent place in kitchens worldwide, inspiring countless recipes that range from classic desserts to innovative savory dishes. Embark on a delectable journey as we unveil a collection of caramel recipes that cater to every palate and occasion.

For those seeking a timeless classic, our basic caramel recipe provides a solid foundation. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be able to create a luscious caramel sauce that elevates everything from ice cream to pancakes. For a touch of elegance, try our salted caramel sauce, where a hint of sea salt enhances the caramel's inherent sweetness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

If you're craving a decadent dessert, our caramel cheesecake is an absolute must-try. Layers of creamy cheesecake, velvety caramel, and a graham cracker crust come together in perfect harmony, resulting in a symphony of textures and flavors. For a lighter indulgence, our caramel mousse offers a cloud-like texture and a burst of caramel flavor that will leave you craving more.

For those with a penchant for savory dishes, our recipes for caramel-glazed salmon and caramelized onion dip are sure to impress. The salmon, brushed with a tantalizing caramel glaze, takes on a caramelized crust while remaining moist and flaky on the inside. The caramelized onion dip, a delightful party appetizer, boasts a rich and flavorful blend of caramelized onions, cream cheese, and spices.

And because caramel's allure extends beyond desserts and savory dishes, we've included recipes for a refreshing caramel iced coffee and a warming caramel apple cider. These beverages, infused with the essence of caramel, provide a delightful pick-me-up any time of day.

So, whether you're a seasoned baker, an adventurous home cook, or simply a caramel enthusiast, this collection of recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings and inspire your culinary creativity. Dive in, explore the diverse world of caramel, and indulge in the sweet symphony of flavors that await you.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

EASY CARAMEL SAUCE



Easy Caramel Sauce image

For an easy go-to caramel sauce, try Ree Drummond's recipe, perfect over ice cream or pie, from The Pioneer Woman on Food Network.

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 30m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 packed cup brown sugar
1/2 cup half-and-half
4 tablespoons butter
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Mix the brown sugar, half-and-half, butter and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until it gets thicker. Add the vanilla and cook another minute to thicken further. Turn off the heat, cool slightly and pour the sauce into a jar. Refrigerate until cold.

OH-SO-EASY CARAMEL SAUCE



Oh-So-Easy Caramel Sauce image

This is a rich, sweet caramel sauce that can be made at the last minute that is great on bread pudding, gingerbread, apple pie, chopped apples, ice cream, and anything else you want to put it on.

Provided by BARB MAXWELL

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Dessert Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Bring brown sugar, butter, and milk to a gentle boil and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla extract.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.4 g, Cholesterol 31.1 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 92.6 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

CARAMELS



Caramels image

I have used this recipe for almost 41 years, and have yet to have any bad batches. My grandson loves 'em!

Provided by Barbara

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup evaporated milk
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 cup butter
1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Grease a 12x15 inch pan.
  • In a medium-size pot, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream, and butter. Monitor the heat of the mixture with a candy thermometer while stirring. When the thermometer reaches 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) remove the pot from the heat.
  • Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and let the mixture cool completely. When cooled cut the Carmel into small squares and wrap them in wax paper for storage.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.6 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 20.2 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 30.4 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

EASY CARAMEL



Easy Caramel image

I got this recipe from a friend in college. It was super easy to make and my husband ate the entire pan of it within a few days.

Provided by Stephyloulou

Categories     Candy

Time 35m

Yield 75 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 cups sugar
2 cups corn syrup
1 cup butter
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large pot on medium heat.
  • Stir in sugar and corn syrup, mix well.
  • Add about 1/5 of the can of evaporated milk, stir until it blends in with the mixture. Keep adding just 1/5 of the can at a time until it's all mixed. Continually stir the mixture making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot.
  • Heat the caramel until 230-240°F while continuously stirring.
  • Pour onto a greased cookie sheet with sides.
  • Let it cool completely. Once fully cooled cut and wrap with wax paper.

EASY CARAMEL APPLES



Easy Caramel Apples image

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 4

6 small Gala apples
6 wooden pop sticks
1 package (14 ounces) caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • Remove stems and thoroughly wash and dry apples; insert pop sticks into tops. Line a baking sheet with parchment and grease the parchment; set aside., Place caramels and water in a small saucepan; cook and stir over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes or until smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Dip each apple in caramel mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Place on prepared pan. Refrigerate until set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 163mg sodium, Carbohydrate 65g carbohydrate (54g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

EASY CREME CARAMEL



Easy Creme Caramel image

Easier because its made in a pan and not individual. This creme caramel can be refrigerated overnight as well.

Provided by kleigh83

Categories     Dessert

Time 5h20m

Yield 1 loaf, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 eggs
4 egg yolks

Steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F.
  • In a medium skillet, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the water and cook over high heat until deep a deep amber color (about 4 min), swirling the pan occasionally.
  • Immediately pour the caramel into an 8-by-4 1/2-by-3in metal loaf pan.
  • Make sure you evenly coat the bottom.
  • Let caramel harden.
  • In a bowl, whisk the remaining (1/2 c.) of sugar, the milk, cream, eggs, and egg yolks.
  • Pour custard into the pan with hardened caramel.
  • Set this pan in a small baking dish and add enough water in baking dish to reach halfway up the side of the pan.
  • Bake for 50 min (or until set around the edges but slightly soft in center).
  • Remove pan of custard from baking dish and let cool to room temperature.
  • Refrigerate until chilled (at least 4 hours).
  • Remove from pan by running a thin knife around the custard and flipping it onto a plate.
  • Cut into slices and serve.

Tips for Making Perfect Caramel:

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the caramel from burning.
  • Use a candy thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
  • Be patient: Making caramel takes time. Don't rush the process or you'll end up with burnt caramel.
  • Stir constantly: This will help prevent the caramel from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
  • Remove the caramel from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired color: If you leave it on the heat for too long, it will continue to darken and become bitter.
  • Let the caramel cool slightly before using: This will help prevent it from hardening too quickly.

Conclusion:

Caramel is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts, from cakes and pies to ice cream and candy. It's also a great way to add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes. With a little practice, you can easily make perfect caramel at home. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try!

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