Date Caramels: Homemade Soft and Chewy Caramel Candy with Toasted Nuts Recipe

Introduction

These homemade date caramels offer a rich, buttery treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, this candy is a delightful indulgence that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and water. Use a pan large enough to prevent boil-overs.
3. Step 3: Over medium heat, stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely; take your time with this step.
4. Step 4: Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring. Allow the mixture to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color resembling dark honey—this should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Watch closely as caramel can burn quickly.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat carefully. Slowly pour in the heavy cream; the mixture will bubble vigorously, so keep a safe distance.
6. Step 6: Stir vigorously until the caramel is smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and nuts if using.
8. Step 8: Immediately pour the caramel onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to about ½ inch thickness.
9. Step 9: Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 to 3 hours or longer. Avoid refrigerating while hot to prevent condensation.
10. Step 10: Once fully set, use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into squares or desired shapes.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if you like a salty contrast to the sweet caramel.
12. Step 12: Store the caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
13. Step 13: For longer storage, refrigerate the caramels. They may soften slightly, so bring them to room temperature before serving.
14. Step 14: Enjoy your homemade caramels as a treat or use them as a delicious topping for ice cream and other desserts.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer to monitor the caramel’s temperature and ensure perfect doneness, aiming for about 245°F (118°C).
• Try adding a splash of bourbon or espresso for a flavorful twist.
• Substitute walnuts or pecans with toasted almonds or macadamia nuts for a different crunch.
• If you prefer softer caramels, reduce cooking time slightly, but be careful not to undercook.

Storage

Store cooled caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and chewy. For longer storage, refrigerate; caramels may soften and become stickier but will firm up again when brought back to room temperature. Avoid freezing as it can affect texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your caramels, especially if you want to sprinkle sea salt on top. Using salted butter may make the candy saltier than intended.

How do I know when the caramel is done?

The caramel is ready when it turns a deep amber color and reaches about 245°F (118°C) if using a candy thermometer. It should have a rich aroma and smooth texture when stirred after adding cream.

Date Caramels: Homemade Soft and Chewy Caramel Candy with Toasted Nuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: About 36 small caramel squares 1x

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Description

Date Caramels are a rich, homemade candy featuring buttery caramel infused with vanilla and a hint of salt, optionally enhanced with crunchy pecans or walnuts. This recipe guides you through creating smooth, creamy caramel squares perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat or dessert topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Base

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Additions

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the sides to make removal of the caramel easier later.
2. Combine Initial Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan large enough to prevent boil-overs, combine butter, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water.
3. Melt Butter and Dissolve Sugar: Over medium heat, stir constantly until the butter is fully melted and the sugar has dissolved completely. Be patient, as rushing can cause crystallization.
4. Cook Caramel Mixture: Once sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to cook, swirling the pan occasionally. Continue cooking until it reaches a deep amber color resembling dark honey, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Monitor carefully to avoid burning.
5. Add Heavy Cream Carefully: Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so maintain a safe distance and pour slowly to avoid splashing.
6. Stir Until Smooth: Stir vigorously to combine the cream fully, resulting in a smooth and creamy caramel sauce.
7. Incorporate Flavorings and Nuts: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and chopped nuts if using.
8. Pour and Spread Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to about ½ inch thickness.
9. Cool the Caramel: Allow the caramel to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours or longer. Avoid refrigerating while still hot.
10. Cut into Pieces: Once set and firm, use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into squares or desired shapes.
11. Optional Salt Sprinkle: Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the cut caramel pieces for added flavor if desired.
12. Store Properly: Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
13. Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, refrigerate the caramels. Note that refrigeration may soften them slightly; bring them back to room temperature before serving.
14. Enjoy: Serve as a delicious treat on their own or use as a decadent topping for desserts.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Stirring should be constant at first to dissolve sugar, then stopped to prevent crystallization during caramelization.
• Be cautious when adding cream as the mixture bubbles intensely and can splatter.
• Do not refrigerate hot caramel; it needs to set completely at room temperature for proper texture.
• Chopped nuts add texture and flavor but are optional.
• Sea salt flakes enhance the caramel’s sweetness through contrast but can be omitted.
• Store caramels in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Date Caramels, Homemade Candy, Caramel Recipe, Sweet Treat, Dessert Topping