Hard Caramel Candy Recipe Without Corn Syrup
Hard caramel candy is a classic sweet treat that many people enjoy. It's perfect for parties, holidays, or as a special treat for yourself. However, many recipes for hard caramel candy call for corn syrup, which can be a concern for those who want to avoid it. The good news is that you can make delicious hard caramel candy without corn syrup with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
- Continue boiling until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble and steam, so be careful.
- Stir in the butter and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the candy has cooled, use a sharp knife to break it into small pieces.
- Store the hard caramel candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
Tips:
- Be very careful when working with hot sugar. It can cause serious burns.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
- Stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a hard ball, it's ready.
- If the candy is too hard, try adding a bit more cream or butter to the mixture next time.
Conclusion:
Making hard caramel candy without corn syrup is easy and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet treat that everyone will love. Use this recipe to create your own batch of hard caramel candy, and enjoy the delicious taste without any worries about corn syrup.