Microwave Caramels

This easy recipe for Microwave Caramels is simple to make, just takes 6 ingredients and makes the most delicious buttery caramels. Homemade Caramels are a delicious treat to make during the holiday season, they are one of our favorite treats to share.

Looking for other simple treats? Check out my recipes for Toffee Bars, Double Chocolate Cookies or Rolo Pretzel Turtles.

Soft Caramel Candies

I have been making this chewy caramel recipe for almost 10 years. Caramels are our go to holiday gift. I got this recipe from my aunt, who makes the most incredible caramels!! This simple recipe is a family tradition that we will keep going every year. The original recipe, I got from my aunt who has definitely perfected it.

How to Make Microwave Caramels

There are just a few steps to make this simple caramel recipe, this recipe is so easy, you will have a hard time messing it up!

First, combine the sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup and butter in a large microwave safe bowl. I like to use a large glass mixing bowl.

Place the bowl into the microwave and cook for 5 minutes.

After the 5 minutes, carefully (it will be hot) remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the butter and sugars together until well combined.

Add in the can of sweetened condensed milk and stir. The caramels will go back into the microwave and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, depending on your microwave.

I like to cook the caramels in 3 minute increments, removing the bowl from the microwave and stirring in between cooking times.

When you get to about 9 minutes in your cooking time, it is time to start testing to see if the caramels are done. You will start to notice that the color will change to be a little darker and the liquid is getting thicker. At this point, you can start cooking the caramels in 30 second increments until done.

Testing Caramel for Doneness

A simple test to make sure your caramels are the texture you want is to do a cold water test. Simply fill a bowl with ice water and drop in a few drops off the hot caramel mixture. If it easily forms a ball, then you are done. If it falls to pieces, then it still needs to cook for longer. 

If you have an instant read thermometer, then go ahead and test it that way. You will want a temperature around 235ºF. 

Making Homemade Caramels

The last few steps are so simple. Add in the vanilla when you have reached that soft ball stage. Now, the caramel goes into a greased 8 x 11 or 8 x 8 inch pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in fridge overnight or freezer for and hour, until caramel is hardened. 

I like to keep my caramels cold when cutting and wrapping, it makes the process a lot easier. Remove the whole pan of caramel with a spatula onto a clean surface, cutting board or large piece of parchment paper and cut into bite size pieces with a sharp knife. Wrap the caramels in small pieces of parchment twisted on each side. 

Microwave Caramels Recipe

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⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Tried it and just loved it? Leave me a rating! I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Or even snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @feedingyourfam or #feedingyourfam so I can see what you made!

Post updated with images 11/11/2022, the recipe was not changed.

This easy recipe for Microwave Caramels is simple to make, just takes 6 ingredients and makes the most delicious buttery caramels. Homemade Caramels are a delicious treat to make during the holiday season, they are one of our favorite treats to share.