Why You’ll Love Six Minute Caramels Recipe

Because you’ll enjoy:

A super quick dessert — only 6 minutes of cook time and 10 minutes of prep.
Simple, everyday ingredients like butter, sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
Delicious results: rich, chewy caramels that taste just like the ones from a candy shop.
Versatility — sprinkle with sea salt, drizzle with chocolate, wrap as gifts, or enjoy as a bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Caramel Base:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt

Optional additions:

Flaky sea salt for topping
Chopped nuts
Chocolate drizzle

Directions

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir well until smooth.
Microwave the mixture on high for 6 minutes, pausing every 2 minutes to stir thoroughly.
Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the hot caramel into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Add toppings like flaky salt, chopped nuts, or a chocolate drizzle, if desired.
Let the caramel cool at room temperature for about 2 hours (or in the fridge for about 1 hour) until set.
Once firm, lift the caramel slab from the dish and cut it into 24–36 pieces using a sharp knife.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 to 36 caramels
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6 minutes
Cooling time: 1 to 2 hours depending on method

Variations

Salted caramel: Sprinkle sea salt over the surface right after pouring the caramel.
Nutty caramel: Stir in chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts, or sprinkle them on top.
Chocolate-drizzled caramel: Once set, drizzle melted chocolate over the cut pieces.
Flavor twist: Use almond or maple extract in place of vanilla for a unique taste.
Mini caramels: Use smaller molds or dishes for bite-sized caramel squares.

Storage/Reheating

Wrap each caramel individually in wax paper or cellophane to prevent sticking.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
In warmer environments, refrigerate the caramels and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
To soften cold caramels, leave them out at room temperature for 10 minutes or warm them gently in a low oven — but avoid overheating or melting.

FAQs

What type of corn syrup should I use?

Use light (clear) corn syrup for the best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is key for the correct texture and flavor in this recipe.

What happens if I microwave for too long or not long enough?

Microwaving too long can make the caramels hard or burnt. Too short, and they may be too soft. Stirring every 2 minutes helps avoid issues.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, but it will create a deeper flavor and darker color in the finished caramel.

How do I know when the caramel is set?

The caramel should be firm to the touch and easy to cut cleanly when it’s properly set.

Can I use a different-sized dish?

Yes, but the thickness of the caramels will change. Larger dishes create thinner caramels and vice versa.

Can I flavor these caramels other ways?

Yes — experiment with different extracts or mix-ins like nuts and spices.

How should I cut the caramels neatly?

Use a sharp knife, warmed slightly, and wipe it clean between cuts to get even pieces.

Are these caramels okay in warm climates?

Yes, but they’re best stored in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm or humid.

Can I freeze these caramels?

Yes. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Six-minute caramels are the perfect quick-fix for your sweet cravings. With minimal effort and just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up a batch of chewy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth caramels right in your microwave. Whether you keep them simple or dress them up with toppings, these caramels are sure to become a go-to favorite for gifting, snacking, or holiday treats.