Nut-Free Classic Chewy Caramels
Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of Nut-Free Classic Chewy Caramels, the perfect homemade treat for candy lovers. This nut-free twist on the classic caramel recipe delivers rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a luscious balance of sweetness, thanks to the golden blend of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. With a silky-smooth consistency achieved by slow cooking to the firm ball stage, these dreamy caramels are easy to customize with a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet finish. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as an anytime indulgence, this simple recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time and is made with basic pantry staples—no nuts needed! Whether you're wrapping them up for loved ones or savoring every chewy bite yourself, this classic caramel recipe is sure to become a staple in your homemade confection repertoire. Perfect for nut-free kitchens!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan, and stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil.
Once boiling, clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom, and keep stirring gently.
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.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and promptly stir in the vanilla extract and 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt until fully incorporated.
Pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly, if needed.
Let the caramel sit at room temperature until completely set, about 2 hours, or refrigerate for faster setting.
Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the caramel slab out of the dish.
Cut the caramel into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife or a well-oiled pizza cutter.
If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on each caramel square for an extra salty-sweet flavor contrast.
Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or cellophane for easy storing or gifting, and enjoy your nut-free chewy treats!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.5 g | 106% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.8 g | 249% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 259 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 2259 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 594.1 g | 216% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 594.1 g | ||
| Protein | 31.8 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1140 mg | 88% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 1494 mg | 32% | |
*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.
