Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (2024)

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Perfect Microwave Caramel is the softest, creamiest, and easiest caramels you will ever make! No constant stirring, no candy thermometer, no-fuss recipe. And they are soft, chewy, buttery, and they absolutely melt in your mouth!

This recipe can be made in about 15 minutes!

Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (1)

When I was a little girl I always wanted to try making homemade caramel candy on the stovetop. Do you know the kind where you boil ingredients until they hit a certain temperature on a candy thermometer? My mom wouldn’t ever let me try it. She said it was too much work.

Well, I’ve lived on my own for quite a while now and I still haven’t tried it because I found this MICROWAVE caramel recipe and it’s so EASY and turns out perfectly every single time…no candy thermometer needed!

What? Caramel from condensed milk in the microwave! It sounds too good to be true, but I promise it works! I think it’s actually better than the old-fashioned recipes! I love caramel, but not when it’s so hard I have to chew it forever. This is soft and perfect!

Why This Recipe Works:

  • Quick and Easy! I’m in love with microwave recipes! This is a perfect recipe to let the kids help with! They are going to need a little supervision because the bowl gets really hot!
  • Simple ingredients! You probably already have everything on hand already.
  • No special equipment! If you’ve got a microwave, bowl, spatula, whisk, and pan you’re set!
  • Fool-proof! This no fuss recipe always turns out perfect!
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Ingredients Needed:

  • Butter: Unsalted is recommended because it won’t splatter in the microwave. However, I always buy salted and use it for this recipe too. It will still work great. I cover my bowl with wax paper to contain the splatters.
  • Brown Sugar
  • Light Corn Syrup
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk -this is not the same as evaporated milk. It’s thicker and sweeter.
  • Vanilla

HOW TO MAKE CARAMELS FROM CONDENSED MILK:

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STEP 1: Melt butter in the microwave. Cover the bowl with wax paper to keep it from splattering.

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STEP 2: Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter. Stir. Microwave on full power for 4 minutes. Using hot pads, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir. I like using a wooden spoon or spatula. Be sure to scrape the edges and the bottom of the bowl.

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STEP 3: Cook the caramel mixture in the microwave (this is the 2nd cooking time) on full power for 4 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir again.

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STEP 4: Cook the caramel (this is the 3rd cooking time) on full power for 4 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir.

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STEP 5: Add vanilla and stir again. NOTE: If you think your microwave is cooking too hot, too quickly, shorten the cooking time by a minute and move to step 7.

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STEP 6: Check for doneness by dropping a spoonful of caramel sauce into a cup of ice water.

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STEP 7: After a few seconds, roll the caramel in a ball. It should be soft and pliable. OR, you can use a candy thermometer to check for doneness. The candy should be between 238-242 degrees. If the caramel isn’t quite firm enough return to the microwave and cook in 1-minute intervals until it’s done.

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STEP 8: Pour caramel into a parchment-lined or buttered baking dish. For thinner caramels pour into a 9″ x 12″ pan. For thicker caramel pour into a 9″ x 9″ pan. Let sit at room temperature to cool for several hours, or in the fridge for 2 hours. Cut into pieces and wrap in candy wrappers.

This really is an easy recipe and really quite foolproof! But there are a few things that will make it easier and perfect every single time.

  • The pan – Butter the pan before starting. Once the caramel has finished cooking it will start to set up quickly. You can also line the dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Microwave This recipe is made using an 1100 wattage microwave. Wattages vary and that means cook times vary too. You might need to adjust the cooking time depending on your microwave. Older microwaves tend to cook slower and lower than newer models. If you think the caramel is getting to done, back of the cooking time by a minute or two, test for doneness. If it’s not quite done cook at 1 minute intervals until it’s done.
  • How do I know if my caramel is done? You want to cook it to the soft-ball stage. How do I know when the caramel is at the softball stage? Do a softball test by dropping a small ball of caramel into a glass of water. Check to see how soft the caramel. is. The caramel should hold together in a ball and be pretty soft. Determine if the caramel is the consistency you would like. If caramel is a little too soft still microwave for another 1-2 minutes. I microwaved mine for 1 more minute and it still produced a very soft caramel.

Recipe FAQ’s:

How should I store caramels?

Wrap caramels in individual wrappers then store them in an airtight bag or container to keep them from moisture. They can be stored at room temperature, preferably in a cool, dark, dry place. Although they don’t need to be stored in the fridge, you can store them there.

How long will homemade caramel candy last?

It will last 2-3 weeks. Be sure to follow the storage tips above.

Can I add other flavors to a caramel recipe?

Yes! Add extracts and flavorings after cooking. Chopped nuts or dried fruits may be added after cooking. You can also drizzle with chocolate or dip in chocolate. Coarse sea salt is also delicious sprinkled on top before the caramel cools.

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Other Microwave Candy Recipes:

It doesn’t get any easier than making candy in the microwave! These recipes are quick and easy!

I love it when you make my recipes and give me feedback! If you have a minute please comment below and leave a star ranking! Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (12)

Perfect Microwave Caramels

4.56 from 38 votes

Author Amy

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 60 Caramels

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

These Caramels are perfect because they are soft, and creamy, and dreamy and the are made in the microwave. No scorching, no constant stirring, no candy thermometer. Just a microwave and a spoon, that’s about all you need!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • dash sea salt

Instructions

  • Line a pan with parchment paper and spray paper with baking spray. If you want taller caramels use a 9 x 9 pan. If you want short caramels use a 9 x 13 pan. If you want medium sized caramels use an in between sized pan. That’s what I did.

  • Use a large microwave safe bowl for this recipe. Make sure your bowl is pretty big or the caramel will boil over.

  • Melt butter in bowl.

  • Add brown sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk to butter. Stir to combine.

  • Microwave on full power 4 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir.

  • Microwave another 4 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir.

  • Microwave another 4 minutes. Remover from the microwave and stir.

  • Do a soft ball test by dropping a small ball of caramel into a glass of water. Check to see how soft the caramel. is. The caramel should hold together in a ball and be pretty soft. Determine if caramel is the consistency you would like. If caramel is a little to soft still microwave for another 1-2 minutes. I microwaved mine for 1 more minute and it still produced a very soft caramel.

  • Once you’ve reached desired consistency remove caramel from microwave and stir. Add vanilla. Add a dash of seas salt if desired.

  • Pour caramel mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

  • Let caramel sit until completely cooled.

  • Remove from pan and cut into squares. Wrap in small squares of wax paper or store in an air tight container.

  • Store in refrigerator.

Notes

How to store caramels:

Wrap each piece of caramel in candy wrappers or wax paper. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. Homemade caramel will last up to 3 weeks.

Sea Salt Caramels:

After pouring caramel in the pan sprinkle with coarse sea salt if you want.

Chocolate Caramels:

Drizzle individual caramels with melted dark or milk chocolate if you want.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 38mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (13)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Amy Engberson says

      These caramels are really soft and could be a tiny bit sticky, although I haven’t ever had them stick to the paper before. Maybe it needed to cook in the microwave for a little bit longer.

      Reply

  1. Ginger says

    Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (14)
    Carmamels are delicious and easy.

    My beef … you have way too many pop up ads, I couldn’t get to the recipe. I understand you need to make money, but this is obnoxious, not worth the hassle.

    Reply

  2. Emmajean Hicks says

    Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (15)
    I have come back looking for this recipe for 5 yrs now it is by far the best ever.. I know it is you by the green and white checked wrappers… Thank you so much my coworkers always ask if I am making this for the holidays.

    Reply

    • Amy Engberson says

      Since I live on a dairy farm and we milk cows for a living we don’t buy margarine! I did that once and my husband wasn’t thrilled! Ha! I’ve never tried making this recipe with margarine. I imagine it would turn out fine, but the flavor wouldn’t be as good. There’s nothing quite like real butter!

      Reply

  3. Deb G says

    Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (16)
    I’ve never made caramel before. These were insanely quick, easy and delicious! And no big mess to clean up. I didn’t quite get the hardness that I “thought” I wanted and that was actually a really good thing. I did try adding a couple extra minutes. I found them much easier to handle, cut and wrap when I put them in the fridge for a bit. I’ll be making more of these! Thank you so much for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Amy Engberson says

      Oh my goodness! I love how easy this recipe is to make! Yes, these caramels are very soft, which I happen to love! Refrigerating them to firm them up a little is a great idea! Merry Christmas!

      Reply

  4. Sarah says

    Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (17)
    These are my go to caramels for coworkers Christmas gifts. They love them and would be disappointed if I didn’t make them each year

    Reply

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Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms (2024)

FAQs

Perfect Microwave Caramel Recipe - Pitchfork Foodie Farms? ›

To melt caramels using a microwave, open up a bag of soft caramels, unwrap the individual candies, and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Next, add milk to the bowl, or if you'd like a richer treat, add heavy cream instead. Then, place the bowl in the microwave and heat the caramels on HIGH for 1 minute.

How long does it take to melt caramel in the microwave? ›

To melt caramels using a microwave, open up a bag of soft caramels, unwrap the individual candies, and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Next, add milk to the bowl, or if you'd like a richer treat, add heavy cream instead. Then, place the bowl in the microwave and heat the caramels on HIGH for 1 minute.

How do you keep melted caramel from hardening? ›

Just keep the flame low to keep it from going too far. If the temperature gets too hot and the caramel becomes too hard as it cools, you can put it back in the pan with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to try and save it.

Can I substitute caramel sauce for caramels? ›

Caramel sauce results either from cooking sugar until it browns or by thinning melted caramel candies. When a recipe calls for melting caramel candies, you can use a homemade caramel sauce to replace the melted caramels.

Which method is quickest in caramel making? ›

Dry caramel is quicker to make than wet caramel, but it's also trickier: Without additional liquid, the sugar can caramelize very quickly, burning before you realize it. Using moderate heat, as Mel suggests, can help safeguard against burning, as can vigilance: Don't walk away from the pan once you've started.

What happens when you microwave sweetened condensed milk? ›

After the first two stirs, you'll notice that the milk bubbles and foams up as it expels moisture. Then, with each stirring, the milk will be thicker and more caramel colored. If after the 10 minutes, you like the color and consistency, stop!

Is it safe to melt caramel in the microwave? ›

The easiest way to melt caramel is in the microwave using a plastic or glass bowl - one with a handle is best. You can also use a water bath, electric or gas melter, or larger machines depending on your preference and the amount of caramel you are looking to melt.

Why is my caramel not melting? ›

Make absolutely certain the pan is clean AND your sugar is clean and free from impurities like dirt or residue. Sugar crystals can hook up with those impurities causing your caramel to seize and crystallize.

Why won't my caramel get hard? ›

If caramels are too soft, that means the temperature didn't get high enough.

How do you melt caramel and keep it soft? ›

How to Melt Caramels in the Microwave
  1. Unwrap the individual caramel candies. Place in a microwave safe bowl along with 1 tablespoon of water.
  2. Microwave on high for about 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then heat longer if needed.
Sep 11, 2023

How do you melt caramels in the microwave? ›

Melting caramel in the microwave is a quick, easy and convenient way to get the job done. All it takes is 5 minutes to unwrap the caramels, drop them in the bowl and heat them up. These simple steps result in a creamy, smooth caramel sauce ready for dipping and rolling some apples.

What thickens homemade caramel? ›

To thicken a caramel sauce, use one tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch (sometimes known as tapioca flour) and one tablespoon of water per cup of caramel. Then simmer the caramel, stirring it constantly with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick.

Why is my homemade caramel hard? ›

The water evaporates, leaving sugar crystals behind. If even one sugar crystal falls back into the pan of cooking caramel, it starts a chain reaction of sugar crystals and the entire pan will harden. The result? Gross, grainy caramel that is unusable in most recipes.

How do you caramelize condensed milk quickly? ›

Remove label from the unopened can of 1 x 395g tin NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk. Fill a deep medium saucepan with water. Bring to the boil. Carefully place the can in the saucepan, ensuring there's enough water to completely cover the can at all times, topping up water frequently throughout the cooking process.

Can you heat condensed milk in microwave? ›

Pour sweetened condensed milk into a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM for two minutes. CAREFULLY remove from microwave and whisk.

How to make caramel from condensed milk without boiling? ›

Heating in a Slow Cooker

Fill the slow cooker with enough water to fully immerse the can and cover it with an extra two inches (five cm) of water. Heat on low for eight to 10 hours. For a lighter dulce de leche, cook for eight hours; for a thicker and darker sauce, heat for ten hours.

Can you microwave caramels to melt them? ›

To melt caramels using a microwave, open up a bag of soft caramels, unwrap the individual candies, and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Next, add milk to the bowl, or if you'd like a richer treat, add heavy cream instead. Then, place the bowl in the microwave and heat the caramels on HIGH for 1 minute.

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