The BEST Homemade Caramel

For my husband and I, caramel is an absolute favorite.  We had an idea to make some and once we tasted what we made, there was no going back to store bought caramel.  I will warn you however, this caramel is highly addicting!  Yes, it's that good!  But you don't have to take my word for it.  With this recipe, it is so easy to make.  Perfect for gift-giving also.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1-14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
(We usually double the recipe.)

You will need a candy thermometer and a heavy duty stock pot.  When done cooking, we pour ours into a 13 x 9 pan (or two) lined with parchment paper.  You will want to prepare this before starting the cooking process.  If you plan on dipping apples, prepare those in advance as well.

Cut butter into smaller pieces and melt over low heat.  Carefully add brown sugar to the center of the pan, stirring constantly until combined with butter.  Add light corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk.  Increase to medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Then increase to medium-high heat until boiling.  Once boiling, clip on candy thermometer making sure it is not touching the bottom of your pan.  Reduce heat to medium, keeping a steady boil and stirring constantly.  Watch candy thermometer closely.  We take ours off the heat when it reaches 235-240 degrees.  This makes a nice soft, chewy caramel.  Add vanilla.  If dipping, start immediately.  Otherwise pour into prepared pan and allow to set.  Be careful though because this is HOT!

We let ours set overnight, then cut and wrap in waxed paper.

 
Are you ready to go make some now?

~Nicole~