Simple and easy caramels made in the microwave with just one bowl and no candy thermometer! Sprinkle them with salt, dip or drizzle them with chocolate or wrap them in waxed paper to give as gifts!
I’ve been making these for as long as I can remember!
These are delicious chewy little caramels that are very simple to make and no candy thermometer is required!! They can be used in any recipe that requires you to purchase and unwrap little caramels and are just perfect enjoyed on their own.
The smaller the dish you use, the thicker the caramels will be, I like to make them in an 8×8 pan. A larger dish will just mean a thinner caramel.
You can cut them into squares or into longer sticks. If you’re giving them as a gift, it’s nice to cut them into sticks and wrap each one in a small piece of waxed paper or pretty candy wrappers.
Once they are cut into squares, they are still quite pliable so we store them in the fridge until about an hour before serving! They are perfect dipped or drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with a little sea salt (or skip the chocolate for a salted caramel).
Easy Microwave Caramels
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup (Karo Syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Optional Toppings
- Salt
- Chocolate
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl (the mixture will bubble up so make sure there is lots of room in the bowl).
- Microwave on high for 6-7 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds.
- Pour into a small buttered dish and allow to cool completely. Cut into small squares.
- If desired, drizzle with chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Note: This mixture gets VERY hot. Ensure there are no children underfoot when you make this.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Candy, Dessert
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I followed the directions exactly and while the flavor was great and the texture smooth, the caramel cooled and was like hard candy, not the soft caramels I was expecting.
Hi Hickory, if your microwave wattage is too high it can affect the cooking time and cause them to become harder than expected. We heat the caramel mixture for 6-7 minutes in a 1000W microwave, stirring every 90 seconds. Hope that helps!
I didn’t have any sweetened condensed milk, but made my own with sugar and evaporated milk, that I cooked according to an online recipe.
After making and cooling that, I followed the caramel recipe as written. NEVER in my 75 years on this earth, have I had such wonderful, soft, buttery and chewy caramels. I will never buy caramels again!!!!
This is a fabulously easy and addictive recipe THANK YOU!
Hi, I normally use werthers soft caramel, add a little cream and melt it down to pour into a hole in brownies after they are done baking.
How would I adjust the recipe to get pourable caramel that still oozes when you bite in?
I cannot find caramels in any store near me right now.
You can try the caramel in our Chocolate Caramel Cups, it s a bit oozy!
Can these be made on top of the stove? I have a gas range……….
Hi Virginia, sorry, we don’t have a stovetop version of this recipe. But if you try it on the stovetop we would love to hear how it turns out!
I’m making Easter suckers and want to put caramel in Center. Can I use the caramel candy you unwrap and what do I add to make it work?
Hi Karen, I’m not sure if they’d work as I’m not sure what type of suckers you mean.
Substituted Honey for Karo, since I had it on hand. Used 950 Watt microwave & cooked about an additional minute to get Temp showing about 240øF & poured in lined buttered pan! Awesome taste, silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Gonna be some really good toasted pecan Turtles…
Careful with pets underfoot, as well. My little dog loves to hang out at my feet while I cook…