How to Make Caramel at Home: 5 Best Recipes + Video

Due to numerous stereotypes, some cooks believe that making caramel is a complex and time-consuming process, suitable only for experienced cooks. In reality, it's much simpler, and there's no need to shy away from delicious desserts containing this topping. This sugar syrup can easily be made at home, with just a little caution and care.

Today we'll tell you how to make caramel at home, ensuring it turns out just as good as what you'd find in trendy coffee shops and restaurants. We've compiled a variety of recipes, so you're sure to find your perfect formula. Don't be afraid to try something new and surprise your guests with delicious treats.

Rules and nuances of making caramel

Any dish can be significantly improved by knowing a few tricks. These tips will help you achieve the perfect caramel.

• You can make caramel in either a frying pan or a saucepan. The key is to use a large-diameter pan with a thick bottom and thick walls. This will ensure the sugar melts evenly. Ideally, cast iron is the best choice.
• Melting sugar in a frying pan for caramel also requires proper technique. To do this, pour the sugar into the already heated pan and do not stir it while melting to prevent the caramel from crystallizing.
• What heat should I cook caramel at? It's best to cook it at low heat to ensure even melting. High heat can cause some of the sugar to burn while leaving some crystals.
• If you've chosen a caramel recipe that calls for butter, make sure it's at room temperature. Refrigerated butter will cause the caramel to bubble, making the cooking process uncomfortable.
• The cream should be heated to 80-90 degrees Celsius before adding it to the caramel. This can be done either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• A thermometer isn't the only way to tell if the caramel is ready. You can also test the syrup's readiness using the hard ball method. To do this, drop the caramel into very cold water. If it hardens and becomes solid, the syrup is ready to remove from the heat.
• To avoid burning the caramel, don't leave it on the stove after turning off the heat. Place the saucepan in a container of cold water. This will also allow the caramel to cool faster.

Thick, sticky caramel

Caramel made according to this recipe doesn't crystallize or form lumps. It's very easy and quick to make; the key is to not overcook the sugar. The result is a caramel sauce with a mild flavor. You can vary it slightly by adding salt. This caramel is perfect as a filling not only for Snickers cake but also for other desserts.

Ingredients

• Sugar – 120 g
• Milk – 120 g
• Water – 30 g
• Starch – 1 heaped teaspoon
• Butter – 30 g

 Cooking time: 25 minutes

Number of servings: 300 g

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1

Pour sugar into a saucepan.

Step 2

Add starch to the sugar and mix everything together. Flour can be substituted for starch in this recipe.

Step 3

Pour water into a saucepan with sugar, it should completely cover the water.

Step 4

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Bring everything to a boil, stirring constantly.

Step 5

Boil the sugar syrup until it turns caramel-colored.

Step 6

Pour the warmed milk into the caramel syrup and stir, bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, remove from the stove.

Step 7

Add butter to the caramel and mix everything thoroughly.

Step 8

The result should be a liquid mass of a beautiful caramel color.

Step 9

To quickly cool the resulting mixture, lower the saucepan into cold water and stir the caramel constantly.

Step 10

Then pour the treat into a jar or any other airtight container.

Sugar-free date caramel

If you don't want to make caramel from sugar and prefer healthier alternatives in desserts, check out this recipe. It uses ingredients that will allow you to maintain a healthy diet while still indulging in a sweet treat. This caramel is versatile and can be added to any dessert without sacrificing its flavor.

Ingredients

• Coconut milk – 1 glass
• Pitted dates – 200 g
• Vanilla - a pinch (optional)
• Salt – 0.3 tsp (optional)

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Number of servings: 350 g

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1

We prepare the necessary ingredients.

Step 2

We wash the dates and pour boiling water over them.

Step 3

Place the saucepan with dates on the heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

We peel the dates, we only need the pulp.

Step 5

Pour coconut milk into a container. It should be thick.

Step 6

Add dates to coconut milk.

Step 7

Blend everything together.

Step 8

The result is a homogeneous mass with a creamy texture.

Step 9

Add vanilla and salt if desired, mix everything.

Step 10

We pour the caramel into jars. We can use it right away, or we can put it in the refrigerator, after which it will become thicker.

Salted caramel with milk

Caramel is typically made with cream. But substituting milk for this ingredient produces a just as good result. The syrup retains its smooth, creamy flavor. Just pay attention to the proportions and stick to them. This recipe will produce caramel right the first time and makes a wonderful addition to pancakes, crepes, syrniki, ice cream, and other dishes.

Ingredients

• Sugar – 300 g
• Butter – 100 g
• Milk (from 2.5%) – 150 ml
• Salt – to taste

 Cooking time: 30 minutes

Number of servings: 400 g

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1

Pour sugar into a saucepan with a thick bottom.

Step 2

Place this pan on medium heat and do not stir the sugar.

Step 3

Once all the sugar has dissolved, add the butter and mix until smooth.

Step 4

Preheat the milk, but don't let it boil. Gradually pour the milk into the caramel in a thin stream and mix thoroughly.

Step 5

Cook the caramel for about 5 more minutes.

Step 6

Then add salt and mix again.

Step 7

Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool at room temperature.

Step 8

After cooling, pour the caramel sauce into another container.

Step 9

Place the caramel in the refrigerator, after which it will thicken and become more viscous.

Caramel without butter

If you have fatty acid intolerances or special allergies, you should reduce your butter consumption. Although this ingredient is found in many desserts, it can be easily substituted or omitted altogether. To make butter-free caramel, try this recipe. The sugar sauce will be just as smooth and delicious thanks to a few tricks.

Ingredients

• Sugar – 300 g
• Cream (33%) – 300 g
• Salt – 5 g
• Water – 60 g

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Number of servings: 500 g

Step-by-step recipe

Step 1

Pour sugar into a saucepan with a thick bottom.

Step 2

Add water to the sugar and put on the fire.

Step 3

At the same time, put the cream on the fire and stir occasionally.

Step 4

Add salt to sugar, do not stir anything.

Step 5

You should get a light amber colored sugar syrup.

Step 6

Pour hot cream into the caramel and stir.

Remove the syrup from the heat.

Step 7

Pour the caramel into a wide container.

Step 8

Blend the caramel for 1 minute.

Step 9

The caramel will lighten in color and become smoother.

Step 10

Pour the finished caramel into a jar and place it in the refrigerator so that it becomes thicker.

Video: Caramel That's Sure to Work

This video recipe is one of the most detailed instructions on making caramel. The owners of their own pastry shop share their experience and knowledge, which helps them create perfect desserts.

In the video, you'll find not only every step demonstrated in detail but also a wealth of tips and tricks. Furthermore, you'll learn nuances that can significantly impact the final result.

Caramel and what to eat it with

Caramel is a truly versatile topping. If you have a jar of the ready-made treat, you can make one of the following:

• Topping to pancakes, syrniki and pancakesThis addition will make an ordinary breakfast more festive and sophisticated. Moreover, children will be more willing to eat pancakes drizzled with caramel.

• Addition to ice creamCaramel goes well with almost any type of ice cream, adding a richer flavor.

• Cake filling. Many cakes contain caramel filling. This filling pairs well with almost any type of sponge cake, but avoid pairing it with berries. One of the most striking examples of a caramel cake is the popular "Snickers".

• Cake decorations. They have become especially popular recently. caramel decorationsYou can decorate the cake with drips or make figures of various shapes, let them harden, and insert them into the cake.

• Macarons. This popular French dessert remains popular. Fillings can vary widely, but caramel is a classic. For the sugar sauce, consider recipes with gelatin.

• Nut praline. The combination of various favorite nuts with caramel is a favorite among people around the world. What's more, this dessert is quite easy to make.

• Caramel popcorn. Now you can not only buy this treat, but also make it yourself at home. It's the perfect snack to accompany your favorite movie.