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August 19, 2013 (updated Dec 26, 2016) — by Lindsay Landis
I call this one “conquering your culinary fears” (aka I made caramels and didn’t die.)
You see, I’ve had this irrational fear of cooked sugar for years now. No idea where it came from, because as a child I boiled my way through my mom’s candy cookbook without a second thought. Perhaps I ruined a pan or two at some point in my life, unable to scrape the rock-hard mass out of the (supposedly) non-stick surface. Whatever the reason, I’ve been scared to attempt any sort of cooked-sugar confection, let alone caramels, for quite some time.
But to be honest it really wasn’t that hard, and I even made it complicated by adding peach puree to the recipe (disclaimer: you can’t even taste the peach).
I kept the candy fairly light in a (failed) attempt to keep the peach flavor front-and-center, but if you prefer a darker, more robust caramel flavor you can cook the sugar slightly longer. This will produce a firmer caramel, so you may want to increase the cream as well.
The peach is practically invisible in the final product, unfortunately. If you concentrate really hard you may be able to discern a slight fruity finish, but without knowing that there is basically an entire peach’s worth of fruit in there, you’d think they were just regular vanilla caramels.
I think some other kind of fruit might be more effective at flavoring the candies, and in fact I might try the same process with the blackberries I have stashed in the freezer or the exotic lychees I found at the Asian market last week.
My only other qualm with the final product, other than the lack of peach flavor, was that the candies felt slightly greasy. I don’t know if it was the butter or the non-stick spray or something I did wrong in the process, but I’d like to find out how to make them less greasy in the future.
But look! Real, honest to goodness caramels!
Go me.
Yield: about 50 caramels
Peach Caramels
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peach purée (from 1 large peach, peeled, pitted, and puréed)
- 1 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on two sides. Lightly butter or spray the parchment and the sides of the pan with nonstick spray.
- In a small 2-quart saucepan, warm the cream, butter, and salt over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in peach puree.
- Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a large, 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan (do not use a smaller pan here as the sugar mixture will bubble and eventually triple in volume). Stir until the sugar is evenly moistened and forms a thick grainy paste. Brush the sides of the pan with a damp pastry brush to remove any stray sugar crystals. Clip an instant-read thermometer to the side of the pan so the tip is completely immersed in the sugar.
- Cook sugar mixture over medium to medium-high heat, resisting the urge to stir, until the mixture boils and reaches 250°F. If you want firmer caramels, continue to cook the mixture up until 320°F. You may need to tilt the pan to get an accurate temperature reading, depending on your thermometer.
- When the mixture reaches 250°F or desired temperature, remove from heat and carefully whisk the warm cream mixture into the sugar syrup. The sugar syrup will bubble violently. Stop whisking once all the milk and butter mixture has been added.
- Return the pan to medium to medium-high heat and bring to a boil, again without stirring. Remove from heat when the caramel reaches 245°F to 250°F and darkens to a light golden color, about 15 to 20 minutes. Quickly whisk in the vanilla.
- Immediately pour the caramels into prepared pan, without scraping the bottom of the pan (there are sometimes hard burnt bits on the bottom). Knock the pan against the counter a few times to help air bubbles work their way out.
- Let sit, uncovered at room temperature for at least two hours or overnight. The pan can be covered only when the caramels have cooled to room temperature.
- To cut, lift the caramel block out of the pan with the parchment paper flaps and transfer to a cutting board. Cut the caramels into candies with a very sharp knife or a rotary cutter sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Wrap each caramel in a piece of waxed paper cut slightly longer than the length of your caramels, and twist the ends closed. Caramels will keep at room temperature for about two weeks.
Adapted from The Kitchn.
All images and text ©Lindsay Landis / Love & Olive Oil
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Candy Desserts Summer
posted August 19, 2013 (last updated Dec 26, 2016)
52 Comments »
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52 Comments
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Nancy — February 25, 2024 at 9:45 am Reply
Ok, my Givaudan thought when I saw this recipe pop up and before I even opened it to read I thought peach oil maybe LorAnn, Olive Nation (which I think is the best, and to second would be Hawaii Pharm. LorAnn is good in a pinch but I consider Olive Nation superior, there flavors taste close to real so does Hawaii Pharm, they are pricey but worth it. Olive Nation has many hundreds of everything you can think of in your head as a flavoring! It’s amazing. Anyway sorry for the long winded (typed) comment. I hope this helps your “peach dilemma.” 🍑 😉. Oh P.S. there are many more flavor companies Google and you’ll be amazed.
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Patricia Whetham — August 25, 2022 at 9:03 pm Reply
I know it’s long past publication date of this but found it on pinterest.
Flavor of some fruits, notably peaches & berries, can be enhanced with almond extract in addition to vanilla.
Also dried peaches, cooked & pureed combined with fresh pureed will intensify the flavor. -
Pia — August 2, 2022 at 4:48 am Reply
I cooked caramels on cream and they came out dripping with butter in the end when they were cold, this doesn’t happen with condensed milk so somewhere in between the two will be taste of cream and no dripping fat I imagine
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Jackie H — June 15, 2020 at 8:21 am Reply
If you want to increase the peach flavor, use 3-4 very ripe peaches, pureed, and reduce by half in a pot over low-med heat. Takes a bit longer but should concentrate the fruity flavor.
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Sarah Y — May 27, 2019 at 9:16 pm Reply
Definitely spraying the pan and then wiping the excess off with a piece of paper towel helps. You only need them to not stick while they set up. I think your ratio of heavy cream to butter is off though, which may have caused your caramels to be greasier. If only 1 cup of cream, then maybe 2 Tblsp of butter?
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Anita — August 26, 2017 at 10:09 am Reply
Hi I liked the recipe- I tried it without spraying the parchment paper it worked out fine came off without sticking so that may stop them from getting greasy!
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Francisca — April 12, 2016 at 1:47 pm Reply
Amazing! From she re is your cutting board? Thanks!
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Lisa Cabral — August 18, 2015 at 1:58 pm Reply
Can you use carnation milk instead of whipping cream?
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Jason — August 6, 2014 at 1:07 pm Reply
Maybe replace the peach puree with a more concentrated flavor like a peach butter?
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dobby — October 6, 2013 at 3:29 am Reply
Looks really easy and yummy.
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Sasha — September 3, 2013 at 1:29 pm Reply
Hiya!
I made these last week and threw in sage from the garden ( skipped the peach puree) and those beehbies brought on the flavor -nom! Thanks for sharing the recipe :) -
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper — August 27, 2013 at 7:29 pm Reply
These sound so tasty! I don’t like cooking with hot sugar because I am afraid of burning myself.
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Catherine — August 25, 2013 at 4:50 pm Reply
OMG! Yum! Pictures are fantastic.
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Vicki @ WITK — August 23, 2013 at 9:11 pm Reply
I had problems with greasy caramels until I decided to wipe out excess cooking spray from the pan. So spray with cooking spray, wipe off most of it with a napkin. Should be mostly non-greasy!
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Rochelle Hutchinson — August 23, 2013 at 3:24 am Reply
Ooh peach caramels. That’s a first. Maybe if you use more peaches is your peach puree but reduce it down so you have more of a concentrated peach puree, it might help with the lack of peach flavour
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Annalise — August 22, 2013 at 1:05 am Reply
I love everything about this post, but mostly how they didn’t turn out exactly as you thought they would, but still posted the recipe anyway. It’s too bad the peach flavor didn’t come through more, because that sounds like such a great caramel candy flavor. They still sound great and look beautiful though!
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Celina Benavidez — April 27, 2023 at 7:06 pm Reply
This exactly. Imperfection is perfect sometimes.
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Vic Blu — August 21, 2013 at 9:28 am Reply
Do you make any caramels that don’t use corn syrup?
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Diane Mendenhall — September 2, 2013 at 8:57 pm Reply
See AlsoMocha Coconut Fudge.http://www.joyofbaking.com/candy/Caramels.html#ixzz29m7RxvH3
Here is one my husband used. The carmels turned out wonderfully.
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Alexis @ deliciousfoodideas.net — August 21, 2013 at 5:16 am Reply
This post made me laugh, a lot. Good job on facing your fear. I have serious caramel anxiety. I always stress when making it.
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Gerry @ Foodness Gracious — August 20, 2013 at 7:31 pm Reply
It took me a while to master caramel and I still make the odd mistake but ive learned a lot. I would say add in any extra flavors at the very end right before you pour into the mold. Any earlier and the extreme heat just boils out all of the taste. I rub the mold lightly with butter and then press in the parchment, no need to grease the the paper. Congrats as it’s all too easy to throw a crystallized mess into the trash :)
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Christina @ The Beautiful Balance — August 20, 2013 at 6:31 pm Reply
Oh, I can’t even handle the thought of peaches and caramel together without drooling! Seriously, these look incredible and I’m so happy you conquered your fear to make these!
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Kelly — August 20, 2013 at 2:43 pm Reply
I made some apple cider caramels last year that were fantastic! The apple flavor really came through because the recipe reduced 4 cups of cider to between 1/3 and 1/2 cup, making it a thick syrup. I wonder if straining the peach puree with cheese cloth and reducing the juice in a similar manner would result in a stronger peach flavor for these caramels. I plan on experimenting with peaches and other fruits this year!
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Joshua Hampton (Cooking Classes San Diego) — August 20, 2013 at 1:55 pm Reply
Great for you! I’ve never made caramels – cooking sugar is both intimidating and bothersome for me. But it’s always awesome to conquer your culinary fears, so yay for you!
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Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) — August 20, 2013 at 12:27 pm Reply
Every time I try to make caramels, it ends up like caramel sauce. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. But if this ended up like sauce, I might be kinda okay with it ;)
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Angelyn @ Everyday Desserts — August 20, 2013 at 9:05 am Reply
I LOVE your pictures. Also: homemade caramels!? So impressive!
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Tracy — August 20, 2013 at 7:58 am Reply
Yay for you! I have yet to attempt candy.
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Jamie @lifelovelemons — August 20, 2013 at 5:41 am Reply
What a unique idea! getting out of your comfort zone in the kitchen is definitely scare, but these are beautiful!
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Irena S. — August 20, 2013 at 3:40 am Reply
They are looking sooo attractive! Making candy seems fun I’d love to try it with ur recipe :) Thank you!
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Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking — August 19, 2013 at 10:31 pm Reply
Caramels are scary but yours are lovely! I’ve made some good ones followed by some really terrible, oh, god is that pot salvagable ones! I’m really bummed that you can’t taste the peach. Maybe some peach extract. Do they even make that?
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Monica — August 19, 2013 at 9:49 pm Reply
The name sounds so enticing…It’s too bad the peach flavor didn’t shine through as you would’ve liked! Still, your photos are so beautiful (:
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Tieghan — August 19, 2013 at 9:21 pm Reply
So impressive! These are incredible!
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Alexa Rae @ KEEN Digital Summit — August 19, 2013 at 6:39 pm Reply
Holy peaches! I feel as if I were born to eat these! Must make them before all the peaches are gone…
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liz — August 19, 2013 at 6:37 pm Reply
when i make apple cider caramels I start with like a cup and a half of cider and reduce it down to 1/2 cup. This might work to increase the peachiness of these. I am definitely going to try this!!
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Traci — August 19, 2013 at 4:04 pm Reply
These are amazingly gorgeous! I love peaches and would love to try this unique spin on them. Absolutely delicious!
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Niki — August 19, 2013 at 3:54 pm Reply
Oh wow… these sound amazing! I’ve never thought to infuse fruit flavor into caramels. Thanks so much for sharing! Consider this pinned!
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Laura (Tutti Dolci) — August 19, 2013 at 3:29 pm Reply
Gorgeous caramels!
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Averie @ Averie Cooks — August 19, 2013 at 2:44 pm Reply
Stunning. Pinned.
I got over my caramel fears about a year ago…but only after ruining tons and tons of batches and candy thermometers. So I tried some microwave caramel recipes and am hooked and sold. Never, ever thought it could work but it does. I am so impressed by your peach caramels. I wish I had them right now!
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Melissa @ Treats With a Twist — August 19, 2013 at 1:41 pm Reply
I have an irrational fear of melting sugar these days too. Yet, when I was younger, I used to make all sorts of treats with melted sugar. Something about being in your parents’ house and knowing if there’s ever a problem, mom will fix it…
I’ll give it a go again soon, promise. -
Emily — August 19, 2013 at 12:31 pm Reply
I agree with your caramel fear, mine extends to macaroons as well, or pretty much anything I’ve messed up in the past. Thanks for sharing it is giving me motivation to try something I’m scared of. What’s the worst that can happen?
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Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste — August 19, 2013 at 10:59 am Reply
Woohoo! Go Linds! These look absolutely perfect and I bet they taste amazing :)
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Tiffany K. — August 19, 2013 at 10:40 am Reply
Wow, peach caramel sounds tasty! I wonder if adding more peach purée would increase the peach flavor? I really want peach caramels now!!!!
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Nutmeg Nanny — August 19, 2013 at 9:59 am Reply
Oh yum! These look incredible :) definitely saving this recipe
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Ruthy @ Omeletta — August 19, 2013 at 9:45 am Reply
Woohoo! Cooked sugar IS a little scary, you are totally justified in feeling that way. But way to go! These look delicious, and I think the little hint of peachiness might be a good thing in a yummy caramel.
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Alison @ ingredients, Inc. — August 19, 2013 at 9:35 am Reply
love these! I just shared on my Facebook fan page!
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ErinsFoodFiles — August 19, 2013 at 9:34 am Reply
These were delish, thanks for sharing!
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kelly @ kellybakes — August 19, 2013 at 9:25 am Reply
Woohoo! Congrats on conquering your fears! I have never tried to make fruit caramels; I make a mean salted caramel, but haven’t ventured outside of that. After going to the Summer Fancy Food Show, I tasted an unbelievable variety of caramels and realized that I need to expand my caramel repertoire. I may need to add these to the list!
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Mari @ Oh, Sweet & Savory — August 19, 2013 at 9:11 am Reply
Congrats in facing your fear & finally making that caramel! Looks lovely!
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mimi — August 19, 2013 at 9:08 am Reply
Go you is right! Those are beautiful!
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Lori @ RecipeGirl — August 19, 2013 at 8:37 am Reply
Wow, that’s impressive!
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Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar — August 19, 2013 at 8:12 am Reply
I love a good caramel, and this recipe is fabulous! LOVE this!
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JulieD — August 19, 2013 at 8:12 am Reply
Yay!!!!!!! These are on my scared to make list too. They are so pretty!!
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