This homemade caramel recipe is easy to make in a snap! Use it to make caramel popcorn, caramel apples, or just a delicious bowl of caramel for dipping. It's sure to be a new fall favorite!
Today, I've got an amazing homemade caramel recipe that I've been making for years! It's perfect for caramel apples, caramel popcorn, dipping sauce, bathing in, the norm. It's not only a cost-effective way to enjoy caramel, but it's homemade so it's healthier for you. You're welcome. This is a perfect example of a recipe for shelf cooking since you probably have all the ingredients on hand.
*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bubba's mom has always made this recipe for caramel popcorn (check out how to make it below!), but I prefer it for making caramel apples. However you choose to use it, enjoy it! It's crazy easy to make and it will have you enjoying your fall season (or pretending that it's fall while you eat it!). Alright, so let's get on to the…
WORLD'S BEST HOMEMADE CARAMEL
This recipe is originally from the Page Family recipe book (from my recipe book Christmas gift I mentioned HERE). I love using recipes that have been passed down from generations before, it just makes them extra special that way!
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CARAMEL
The key to making homemade caramel is to continue whisking over medium to medium-low heat (so that it doesn't burn) until it gets to the desired thickness for you. I prefer to pull mine off the heat right before it reaches the soft-ball stage. If you were to drop some into a glass of water, you should be able to smush the caramel into a little ball without it dissolving in the water. At this point, it's easy to drizzle over popcorn or make caramel apples with.
If you want a thicker caramel for dipping, or if you want to make it into candies, then continue heating it until you can form a ball with your fingers once it's out of the cold water. You can also use a candy thermometer if you know what temperature you want your caramel to reach. Once it's done cooking, you can use it right away or store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Another way to know when caramel is the right consistency? Dip a clean, dry metal spoon into the heated mixture. When much of the caramel adheres to the spoon (instead of dripping right off), it's exactly how my family prefers it!
HOW TO REHEAT CARAMEL
To reheat, simply microwave for 20 seconds at a time (stirring in between) until melted, or heat on very low heat on the stove or in a small slow cooker. For our caramel apple bars, we keep it in our small slow cooker on the lowest setting. Works like a champ!
HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL POPCORN
If you're a popcorn fan, then you HAVE to make your own caramel popcorn with your delicious homemade caramel! Put some plain popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the caramel over the top and mix it up well. Put in a large baking dish and bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces and completely devouring (you don't wanna burn your tongue!). 😉
HOMEMADE CARAMEL RECIPE
Enjoy this over apples, popcorn, dipped pretzel rods, or any other decadent treat you can imagine. You can also make your own caramel candies with this recipe!
Homemade Caramel
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup Karo syrup, or any kind of light syrup
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat.
- Whisk in sugar, then add syrup and milk.
- Whisk on medium to medium-low heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Keep it lightly boiling and continue whisking on medium to medium-low until it comes to a soft-ball stage (*see notes), or until it reaches the desired thickness for you.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Doesn't that sound so easy? Give it a try and I can promise that you won't be sorry!
Since I like to stock up in October (#Stocktober), now is a great time to stock up on the ingredients to make this delicious and easy caramel. It makes a great gift, and provides a great snack for the upcoming holidays!
Have you checked out ShelfCooking.com yet? Our brand new site is dedicated to helping you cook delicious, homemade, down-home-cooked meals for your family without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Basically every parent's dream, right? Join our Shelf Cooking Community today!
Check out these posts while you're snacking on your caramel 😉
- Now that you're in the mood for all things fall, check out our Fall Bucket List and start checking 'em off!
- Come see how easy the simplest budgeting method really is!
- Check out the products that our whole family (including kids!) uses to clean the house and just how we do that.
Happy dipping!
I was just wondering how many small apples this would cover. We are going to use your recipe for a school sale.
Thanks!
Oh boy…I have no idea!! Haha! So sorry! It makes a large pot full though that’s not very helpful, again sorry!
mine covered 1 dozen
What size can of condensed milk?
Could you reheat by using a crock pot on the warm setting?