Description
Six Minute Caramels are a quick and easy homemade treat that combines rich, buttery flavor with a smooth texture. Made in just six minutes in the microwave, these caramels are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Whether plain or topped with sea salt, they’re an irresistible, customizable treat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick, 8 tbsp), melted in a large mug or microwave-safe bowl
1/2 cup light corn syrup (Karo works great)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large glass bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.
- Add all other ingredients (except vanilla) and stir to combine. If you’re not using sea salt as a topping, add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to the mixture.
- Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. Microwave times may vary, so check the consistency towards the end.
- Carefully remove the bowl (use heating pads) and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish. Let it sit for a bit, then sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Allow the caramel to cool completely before slicing. For easier slicing, refrigerate the caramel until cold.
- Optionally, wrap the caramel pieces in wax paper for storage.
Notes
- For chocolate caramels, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture.
- For nutty caramels, stir in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds before cooling.
- For a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Caramels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerated for up to a month.
- If you want to enjoy them warm, microwave a few pieces for 10-15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes 30 seconds
- Category: Candy
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg