Easy Homemade Salted Caramels are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a sprinkle of sea salt on top — all made with a simple stovetop method that skips the stress of traditional candy making. This beginner-friendly recipe delivers classic caramel flavor without needing a candy thermometer, making it perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime you want homemade candy without the hassle.
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 36caramels
Ingredients
Ingredients
½cupunsalted butter
1cuppacked brown sugar
½cuplight corn syrup
½cupheavy whipping cream
¼teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Coarse sea salt, for topping
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly spray with nonstick spray and set aside.
Melt and combine
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Cook the caramel
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color.
Tip: The caramel is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and slowly drips off.
Finish the caramel
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour and cool
Carefully pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Sprinkle evenly with coarse sea salt.
Set
Let the caramel cool at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and serve
Lift the caramel out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or roll into longer candies - Enjoy!