Homemade Salted Caramels Recipe | Moms Need To Know ™ (2024)

FAQs

What is the shelf life of homemade caramels? ›

Homemade caramel candies don't need to be stored in the fridge, as long as they're wrapped well to be kept free of moisture. You can leave the caramels out at room temperature, tucked away from heat or light, and they'll stay fresh for six to nine months.

Alternatively, if you make caramels enough, I would recommend using silicone molds (shown at the bottom of the page). If using a 9x13 inch pan, lightly oil the parchment paper and sides of the pan. If using molds, lightly spray with cooking oil.

While the butter is melting, combine brown sugar, sea salt, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup in a medium bowl. Once the butter has fully melted- add the rest of the ingredients all at once from the medium mixing bowl. Turn heat to medium and stir mixture frequently until it comes to a rolling boil.

Homemade Caramel Sauce can be kept at room temperature for 3 days or for a longer shelf life, in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or frozen for up to three months (see below).

However, factors such as ingredients used, storage methods, and additional additives can affect its shelf life. Signs of expired caramel include changes in color or texture, and it is not recommended to consume it past its expiration date as it can lead to food poisoning.

NEVER use nonstick spray of any kind on your silicone molds or Silpats. The propellants in the spray will leave a residue that will build up over time and leave a sticky residue that will have the opposite effect and everything will stick.

Caramel sauce isn't necessarily dangerous if it's been kept for a few days too long, but it certainly won't taste as nice. The absolute exception to that rule is the presence of mold. If you notice mold, toss the sauce immediately.

Salt, on the other hand, stimulates the taste buds responsible for detecting sour and umami flavors, which can enhance the perception of sweetness. The addition of salt to caramel not only enhances the sweetness, but also adds a savory element to the flavor profile.

The primary difference between salted caramel and normal (or unsalted) caramel lies in salt in the former, which significantly impacts both the flavour profile and the overall taste experience.

Generally, “caramel” is defined as a chewy, light-brown candy made from butter, sugar, and milk or cream. For example: I love eating caramels because they are soft and chewy. In contrast, “Carmel,” is used as a proper noun, and it is a popular beach town in California, known as Carmel-by-the-Sea.

What is the best thing to wrap homemade caramels in? ›

Most caramels will need a little time at room temperature in order to cut more easily. Cut in squares and wrap in waxed paper or parchment paper. Wrapped caramels can also be frozen.

Cut waxed paper for caramel wrappers -

In general the paper sold for home use is too light weight, the grain of the paper isn't made to withstand twisting (it tears), and the wax coating is too light to prevent the moisture from the candy from seaping into the paper and weakening it thus causing it to tear and stick.

Allow the sauce to cool for a bit in the pot, then pour into a glass jar or other airtight container and cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. You can gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat before using it again.

Technically caramels don't need to be refrigerated; but for ease of cutting and longest shelf life I always refrigerate. You'll get a bit of sweating when you take them in and out of the refrigerator, but that's OK. I like to place a layer of waxed paper, and then a layer of foil over the caramels before refrigerating.

For longer storage, freezing is suitable, allowing the caramel to last several months. Ensure caramel is cooled completely before storing and gently warm it if necessary to restore its smooth texture before use.

Sweetened condensed milk caramel tips

Store your condensed milk caramel in the fridge. It should keep for a couple of weeks, although it never lasts more than a few days at my house.

Start by wrapping them individually in wax paper, twisting the ends to close, then storing them on their own in an airtight container in a cool, dry area of your kitchen. This will create a waterproof seal around the candies. At room temperature, soft caramel candies will last for as long as nine months.