The Easiest Homemade Caramels (Made in the Microwave!)

  I like to share this recipe every year because it’s just that good — simple, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting. These homemade caramels are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the best part? They’re made right in the microwave. No candy stove stress required.

If you’ve never made candy before, don’t worry. This is one of those recipes that feels impressive but is actually very approachable. Perfect for holiday tins, neighbor gifts, or a little sweet treat to keep in the fridge all season long.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan

   Grease an 8×8 or 8×11 pan (depending on how thick you want your caramels). I like using butter for extra flavor.

2. Combine the base ingredients

   In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine:

   • Butter

   • White sugar

   • Brown sugar

   • Light corn syrup

3. Microwave

   Microwave the mixture for 5 minutes.

4. Stir & add condensed milk

   Carefully remove and stir until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well.

5. Continue microwaving

   Return the bowl to the microwave and cook in 3-minute intervals, stirring each time.

   This usually takes 9–12 minutes total.

6. Check temperature

   The caramel is ready when it reaches 235°F–240°F.

   • Use a candy thermometer or

   • Drop a small amount into ice water — it should form a soft ball.

7. Finish & pour

   Stir in the vanilla, then carefully pour the hot caramel into your prepared pan.

8. Cool & slice

   Let the caramels cool completely, then slice into your desired size.

For Gifting

Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper — they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or adding to holiday treat boxes.

Helpful Tips

• Too soft or grainy?

  The caramel didn’t cook long enough.

• Too hard?

  It was overheated.

• Candy making is all about temperature — once you nail that, you’re golden.