Six Minute Caramels are the perfect treat for caramel lovers who want a quick and easy recipe without compromising on taste. This microwave-friendly recipe delivers rich, buttery, and chewy caramels with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gift, a party treat, or just a sweet indulgence, these homemade caramels will satisfy your cravings.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of soft, melt-in-your-mouth caramels in no time. No candy thermometer is required, and the entire process takes only six minutes, making it an ideal recipe for busy individuals who want delicious results with minimal work.
Ingredients
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for a slight salty balance)
Instructions
• Prepare a small baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.
• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine unsalted butter, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
• Place the bowl in the microwave and heat the mixture on high power for six minutes, stopping every two minutes to stir. This ensures the ingredients melt evenly and prevents burning.
• After six minutes, remove the bowl carefully (it will be extremely hot). Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
• Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes, or until fully set.
• Once the caramel has cooled and firmed up, use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or rectangles. If the caramel sticks, lightly grease the knife with butter.
• Wrap individual caramel pieces in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and for easy storage.
• Store the caramels at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
Tips for Perfect Caramels
• Use a large microwave-safe bowl, as the caramel mixture will bubble up during heating.
• For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
• If you prefer softer caramels, reduce the microwave time by 30 seconds. If you want firmer caramels, increase the time by 30 seconds.
• Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before the caramel sets enhances the flavor and creates a gourmet touch.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the set caramel for a delicious chocolate-caramel combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick and easy—ready in just six minutes.
• No special equipment needed—just a microwave and a bowl.
• Perfect for gifting, snacking, or special occasions.
• Customizable with different flavors like sea salt, chocolate drizzle, or nuts.
These Six Minute Caramels are the ultimate go-to recipe when you need a quick, sweet fix. Whether you enjoy them plain, wrapped as gifts, or incorporated into desserts, their smooth and creamy texture will make them an instant favorite. Enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade caramels in just a few minutes!