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If you’ve never made homemade caramels before, this easy microwave recipe is the perfect place to start! These easy homemade caramels are soft, chewy, buttery caramels come together in just a few minutes with simple pantry staples. No candy thermometer is required (although you can use one if you want), and the microwave does all the heavy lifting. With a sprinkle of sea salt on top, each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and salty goodness.

Easy Homemade Caramels

Looking for more easy homemade treats? You’ll love my Easter Bark for a festive and colorful chocolate treat, or try my Jelly Bean Fudge for a fun and fruity twist on classic fudge. If you’re a fan of soft, chewy desserts, don’t miss my Lemon Crinkle Cookies—they’re just as easy to make as these caramels! Whether you’re making these homemade caramels for gifting, holiday treats, or just a sweet indulgence, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is! Want a deeper caramel flavor? Let it cook a little longer. Prefer a salty-sweet combo? Sprinkle a bit more sea salt on top. Wrap them up in parchment paper, and they make the perfect homemade gift for the holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to share a little sweetness.

 What You Will Love About This Recipe

Customizable – Add nuts, dip in chocolate, or adjust the salt level to your taste!

Super Easy – Made in the microwave with just a few simple steps!

Soft & Chewy – The perfect texture with a rich, buttery caramel flavor.

Great for Gifting – Wrap them in parchment paper for homemade holiday or party favors.

How to make homemade Caramels in the Microwave

• Spray a 8 x 8 baking pan with canola spray or line with parchment paper.
• Place butter, corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, & salt into a large glass bowl.  
• Place in the microwave and cook on HIGH power for a total of 7 minutes, remove after 1 minute to stir.  

• Place back in the microwave and allow to cook for a few minutes before removing once again to stir.  

• Place back in the microwave for the remainder of the cooking time.
• Remove from the microwave.  Be very careful the caramel mixture will be very hot and could splatter.
• If you have a candy thermometer you can double check and make sure your mixture is 240-245 degrees.

• Add in vanilla extract.  Stir to combine. 
• Carefully pour caramel mixture into your prepared baking pan.  

• Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or sea salt.

• Put in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to allow the caramels to firm up. 
• Cut into small rectangles,  Wrap individually in parchment paper.  

Tips & Tricks

• Use a Large Bowl – Caramel expands while cooking, so make sure your bowl is big enough.
• Stir Well – Mixing between cooking intervals helps prevent burning.
• Let It Set – Don’t rush cutting; allow the caramels to firm up for at least 20 minutes.
• Wrap Individually – Parchment paper or wax paper works best for storing and gifting.

FAQ’s

Can I make these without a microwave?
Yes! You can cook the mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches 240-245°F on a candy thermometer.

How long do homemade caramels last?
They stay fresh for 2-3 weeks when wrapped individually and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze homemade caramels?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them come to room temperature before eating.

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