Name: Homemade Sea Salt Soft Caramels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-490357H35M9S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup heavy cream (divided); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1–2 tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)

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Homemade sea salt soft caramels are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. These chewy candies have just the right balance of sweetness and salt, making them an irresistible treat. Whether I’m gifting them or keeping a stash in my pantry, these soft caramels never last long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how making caramels at home feels like a little kitchen magic. The ingredients are simple, but the result is a luxurious candy with a deep caramel flavor and a silky texture. The sea salt on top adds a beautiful contrast that makes each bite pop. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, party favors, or just indulging my sweet tooth. Homemade Sea Salt Soft Caramels

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup
Heavy cream
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt

Directions

I prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, I combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and half of the cream.
I heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts.
Once it starts to boil, I slowly add the rest of the cream, stirring continuously.
I attach a candy thermometer to the pan and cook the caramel without stirring until it reaches 245°F (118°C), the firm ball stage.
I remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
I pour the caramel into the prepared pan and let it cool slightly.
While still warm, I sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
I let the caramels cool completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
Once set, I lift the caramel out using the parchment and cut it into squares with a sharp knife.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 60 small caramels.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2–4 hours (or overnight for best results)
Total time: Approximately 3–5 hours

Variations

Sometimes I stir in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for a flavor twist. I’ve also dipped half of each caramel in dark chocolate and sprinkled a bit more sea salt on top for a fancier finish. For a smoky note, I use smoked sea salt instead of regular flaky salt.

Storage/Reheating

I wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or parchment and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If the room is warm, I keep them in the fridge but let them come to room temperature before eating so they stay soft and chewy. I don’t reheat them, but if I ever need to remelt the caramel (before cutting), I place the whole slab in a slightly warmed oven to soften. Homemade Sea Salt Soft Caramels

FAQs

Why did my caramels turn out too hard?

Caramels become too hard if the temperature gets too high. I make sure to remove the caramel from heat right at 245°F for soft results.

Can I make these without a candy thermometer?

It’s possible, but I find using a thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect texture. Without one, I drop a small amount into cold water to test for the firm ball stage.

Can I use heavy cream alternatives?

Heavy cream gives the best results, but I’ve tried using coconut cream for a dairy-free version, and it worked well—just slightly different in flavor.

How do I cut the caramels cleanly?

I use a very sharp knife and lightly oil it, wiping clean between cuts. If the caramels are sticky, chilling them briefly helps make cutting easier.

Can I freeze soft caramels?

Yes, I wrap them tightly and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. I let them thaw at room temperature before eating.

Conclusion

These homemade sea salt soft caramels are one of my favorite treats to make from scratch. They’re simple, satisfying, and full of rich flavor with that perfect chewy texture. Whether I’m gifting them during the holidays or enjoying them one by one from my kitchen counter, they always bring a moment of pure sweetness.