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There’s something truly magical about creating homemade treats, and Amish Caramels are no exception. These delightful confections are perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. With their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these caramels are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade Amish Caramels are incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. The combination of creamy textures and sweet, buttery flavors makes them irresistible. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with creating your own candies from scratch.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large, heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Butter or butter-greased parchment paper for greasing
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
- 1 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place a candy thermometer in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or butter-greased parchment paper.
- Combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and 1/4 cup of the cream in the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until it comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, slowly pour in the remaining heavy cream while continuing to stir.
- Monitor the thermometer and keep stirring until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (236-240º F).
- For an optional test, have a glass of cold water nearby. When the caramel approaches the soft-ball stage, drop a small spoonful into the water. After a few seconds, the caramel should form a firm but soft ball that is still malleable.
- At this stage, the caramel will become transparent. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the caramel into the prepared dish, let it cool, and then cut into squares or rectangles. Optionally, wrap each piece in parchment paper.
Tips for Success
- Ensure you continuously stir the mixture to prevent burning.
- Be patient and watch the thermometer closely to reach the perfect soft-ball stage.
Additional Tips or Variations
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle some crushed nuts over the caramel before it cools.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for salted caramels.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Information not available, but please enjoy in moderation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if I forget to add an ingredient on the specified day?
A: It’s best to stick to the recipe, but if you miss a step, try to incorporate the ingredient as soon as possible to maintain the texture and flavor.
Q: What if my caramel mixture isn’t bubbling?
A: Ensure your heat is at medium-high and that you’re stirring continuously to help it reach the right temperature.
Conclusion
Homemade Amish Caramels are a treat worth trying! Their delectable taste and the joy of making them from scratch make them perfect for any occasion. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments. Enjoy!
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