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).
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated 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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Do you have a microwave receipe for solid chocolate caramels…not simply dipped in chocolate…or how to modify this receipe. I have a receipe but its old fashioned “stir til your hands fall off” and I can’t grip a spoon or whisk that long. thanks for sharing.
can you modify this receipe to make chocolate caramels..not just dipped in chocolate
I don’t have a chocolate caramel recipe. I’ve only made this recipe as written so can’t say for sure how to modify it. If you do try it, please let us know how it works out for you!
Soooooo much easier than the stove top version. I ended up microwaving mine for a total of 7 minutes and they were awesome! I sprinkled sea salt on some and others I dipped in melted dark chocolate (also microwaved) and then sprinkled sea salt after they cooled so the salt doesn’t melt. Thank you for this recipe. I know what I’m giving for Christmas this year.
So glad you loved it Michelle!
Hi Holly,
I’ve just made these and waiting for them to cool. Can I freeze these till the holidays?
As it’s close to the holidays, they should keep well wrapped in the refrigerator.
I have light corn syrup…. will that be ok???
Yes, that will work fine.
Do you think it would hurt the quality if I added 1tsp. of vanilla flavoring at the start? I just finished a batch and they are yummy but I do love vanilla caramels! Great recipe
I haven’t tried it with vanilla, if you do try it, please let us know how it works out for you!
What can I use when I don’t have corn syrup?
I have only made the recipe as written. You can try golden syrup but I can’t say for sure how it would work out for you.
How long can you store these
They will last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
I’ll be trying this recipe of the Carmel as I love caramel is their enemy recipe’s for to make toffee pleaze
All divine – have a very sweet tooth! Looking forward to trying the caramels
Did this last night, can’t believe how easy and great it tastes! Definitely a keeper that I’ll be sharing with my friends. I added 1/4 tsp vanilla to mine for flavor and it also turned it a little darker caramel color – delicious!!!
So glad you loved them!
Tracle or Golden syrup is no where near karo. I found karo at an Asian store and at a health food store when i was living in Australia.
Can I double this recipe?
I would suggest making two separate batches instead of doubling them.
Mary L. — In Australia they call it Treacle so that may be the same in England. It’s very similar to corn syrup.
I just have one problem , it is very hard to cut .
we loved it ! tased just like thee old fashioned sugar daddy on a stick
easy peasie !!!! ,will make agian .
I am so glad you enjoyed the caramels!!
IT IS EXCELLANT , TASTE JUST LIKE THE OLD SUGAR DADDY’S
EASY PEASIE !
I believe my microwave is 1100 or 1200 watts. How long should l should cook them? Will it affect the rresults if I interrupt the cooking to check them? How can I tell when they are properly cooked, not too soft and not hard? THANKS
You should be able to find the wattage on the sticker near the door. Here is an online microwave conversion calculator here. If your microwave is 1100 you might need to cook for 30 seconds less.
Can I use mapel syrup ?
I haven’t tried these with maple syrup however I don’t think it has the consistency you would need to make these set.
I’m in uk and never seen corn syrup in shops is it under another name
My understanding is that it is similar to golden syrup although I haven’t tried it.
I didn’t have corn syrup so tried making them with the golden syrup that I brought back from the UK and they came out fabulously! My family is already asking me to make more. They are on the softer side but I’m not sure if that’s due to cook time or the golden syrup. Either way they are delicious!
I’m so glad your family loved them! Thank you for letting us know how the Golden Syrup worked out!
Franchement please