1. Prepare Your Dish:
Grease an 8×8 inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing and cutting the caramels much easier once they’re set.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Pro Tip: Use a large enough bowl to allow the mixture to bubble up as it cooks. You don’t want it overflowing in the microwave!
3. Microwave the Mixture:
Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 6 minutes. Stop and stir halfway through at the 3-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
Important: Microwave times may vary depending on the power of your microwave, so keep an eye on the mixture. It should bubble and thicken during cooking.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt:
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts (it will be very hot!). Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using. The caramel will be smooth and have a beautiful golden-brown color.
5. Pour and Set:
Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’d like to add a touch of fancy, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top for a sweet-salty contrast.
Let the caramels sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they have fully set. You can also speed this up by placing the dish in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
6. Slice and Enjoy:
Once the caramel is firm, lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper (if you lined the dish) and place it on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, slice the caramel into squares or rectangles.
For a fun twist, you can drizzle the caramels with melted chocolate or wrap each piece in wax paper for easy gifting.
Why You’ll Love These Caramels:
These caramels have the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, with a texture that’s soft but still holds its shape. The microwave method is quick and fuss-free, making it an easy way to whip up a batch of delicious caramels in no time.
These caramels are perfect for:
Homemade gifts during the holidays
A quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth
Topping ice cream or adding to dessert platters
Tips for Success:
Use a large bowl: The caramel mixture bubbles up quite a bit, so ensure your bowl is large enough to prevent overflowing.
Stir halfway through: This ensures even cooking, helping the caramel develop its silky texture.
Cutting the caramel: Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to slice the caramel. If the caramel sticks to your knife, lightly coat the knife with butter.
Enjoy your 6-minute caramels—they’re so delicious, you’ll want to make them again and again!
