Homemade Sea Salt Caramels – Soft, Chewy, and Absolutely Divine!
Before we dive into this buttery dream of a recipe, let me take a moment to say thank you. Whether you’re a long-time reader or stumbled here in your hunt for the perfect sweet treat, I’m so glad you’re here! This little caramel square of joy is one of my absolute favorite homemade confections, and I can’t wait to walk you through every sticky, scrumptious step.
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The Sweet Scoop on Sea Salt Caramels
These Homemade Sea Salt Caramels are everything a caramel lover dreams of: buttery, rich, perfectly chewy, and finished with a kiss of flaky sea salt. They strike a beautiful balance between sweet and salty, soft and firm — anything but boring!!
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! These make show-stopping holiday gifts, dinner party favors, or an indulgent snack tucked into your desk drawer (no judgment here!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right chew.
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No candy thermometer? No problem! I’ve included visual cues and tips.
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Make ahead and gift-ready – they store beautifully.
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That salted finish? Chef’s kiss.
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine buttery richness with deep caramel notes, like toffee’s softer, silkier cousin. The finishing touch of flaky sea salt enhances all that warm, roasted sugar flavor and adds a satisfying contrast with each bite. These are caramels that taste crafted, not factory-made.
Why Homemade Caramels are Worth It
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No preservatives or corn syrup overload.
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You control the texture, sweetness, and salt.
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They’re surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.
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Friends and family will think you’re a candy wizard!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
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2 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
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1 cup light corn syrup
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ tsp fine sea salt (for the caramel)
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Flaky sea salt, for topping
Tools for Caramel Success
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Heavy-bottomed saucepan (a must!)
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Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
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9x9-inch pan, lined with parchment
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Sharp knife or kitchen shears
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Candy thermometer (optional, but helpful!)
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Patience and a good playlist 😄
Add-Ins & Substitutions
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Flavor twist: Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon or espresso powder for depth.
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Dairy-free: Use coconut milk and vegan butter (texture will vary slightly).
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Nutty: Stir in finely chopped pecans or toasted almonds before pouring.
How to Make Sea Salt Caramels
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep your pan: Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
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Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
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Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and condensed milk. Mix until smooth.
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Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
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Let it bubble until it reaches 245°F–250°F (firm ball stage). This takes about 10–15 minutes. (Or drop a bit into cold water — if it forms a firm but pliable ball, it's ready!)
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Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and sea salt.
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Pour into the prepared pan. Let cool for at least 2 hours.
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Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into squares.
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Wrap individually in wax paper, if desired.
What to Serve With Caramels
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A cozy latte or espresso (yes, dip it!)
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As a topping for ice cream or brownies
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Crumbled over apple pie
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Alongside cheese boards – seriously, try it with aged cheddar!
Tips for Caramel Perfection
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Don’t stop stirring! Burnt sugar happens fast.
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Use a large enough saucepan — caramel bubbles up.
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Let them cool completely before cutting for clean squares.
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Store between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking.
How to Store
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Room temperature: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
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Refrigerator: 3–4 weeks. Let them soften before eating.
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Freezer: Yes! Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9x13-inch pan and increase the cooking time slightly.
My caramels are too soft – what happened?
You likely didn’t cook them to a high enough temperature. No worries, use them as a drizzle for desserts!
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes – it will give a deeper molasses flavor and slightly darker color.
What’s the best way to cut them?
A sharp, lightly greased knife or kitchen shears. Chill slightly if they’re too sticky.
In Conclusion
These Homemade Sea Salt Caramels are more than just candy — they’re a small act of love, wrapped in wax paper. They're as perfect for a quiet indulgent moment as they are for gifting, and once you taste one, you'll see why they’ve become a go-to in my holiday tin.
✨ If you make these, I would LOVE to see! Tag your photos on Pinterest and drop a review below!
Try These Other Sweet Recipes Next
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Peach Cobbler Bars
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Brown Butter Peach Cookies
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Roasted Peach & Honey Ice Cream
Nutritional Information (Per Piece – approx. 1” square)
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Calories: 85
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Fat: 5g
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Carbs: 10g
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Sugar: 9g
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Protein: 0.5g