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Microwave Caramels Recipe

4.9 from 127 reviews

This easy Microwave Caramels recipe delivers rich, buttery, and creamy caramel squares with minimal effort. Using the microwave allows you to make delicious homemade caramels quickly without needing a candy thermometer or stovetop cooking. Perfectly soft, sweet, and chewy, these caramels are ideal for gifting or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 ½ cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep: Generously butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan and set it aside to ensure the caramel doesn’t stick after cooking.
  2. Mix: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of butter. Once fully melted, add 2 ½ cups packed brown sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, and the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
  3. Heat: Microwave the mixture on full power for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove carefully and stir thoroughly to blend the mixture properly.
  4. Continue Heating: Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on full power. Remove again and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse flavor evenly.
  5. Cool: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the buttered pan. Allow it to cool completely for 1 to 2 hours until it firms up enough to cut.
  6. Serve: Once cooled, cut the caramel into squares with a knife. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper for easy handling and store refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Use a microwave-safe bowl large enough to avoid spillover during cooking.
  • Be cautious when removing the bowl, as the mixture will be very hot.
  • Wrapping caramels individually helps prevent them from sticking together.
  • If the caramel is too firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before cutting.

Keywords: microwave caramels, easy caramel recipe, homemade caramel, quick candy, no stovetop caramel