If you love that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, then this Raspberry Caramels Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Soft, buttery caramels are infused with vibrant raspberry puree, creating a luscious bite that melts in your mouth with a delightful twist. These caramels are simple to make yet offer an elegant combination of flavors that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to friends, this recipe brings a burst of joy with every piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these raspberry-infused delights. Each component plays a crucial role: from the rich texture provided by butter and cream to the bright color and flavor of fresh raspberry puree, every element enhances the final result in its own way.
- Granulated sugar: The main sweetener that caramelizes beautifully to give those classic caramel notes and texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smoothness to make your caramels tender and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
- Unsalted butter: Provides buttery richness and a silky finish without overpowering the raspberry flavor.
- Raspberry puree: This fresh and vibrant puree brings a lovely tartness and a pop of color that makes these caramels extra special.
- Light corn syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring your caramels remain chewy and smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the fruity notes with a familiar aroma.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors and highlight the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
How to Make Raspberry Caramels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it allows you to easily lift out the caramel once it’s set. Plus, it makes cutting and wrapping your caramels a breeze later on.
Step 2: Dissolve the Sugar
Combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves. This ensures your caramel will have a smooth texture without any gritty sugar crystals.
Step 3: Add Cream and Butter
Pour in the heavy cream and add the butter to the saucepan. Continue stirring as the mixture warms and begins to boil. These ingredients bring luscious creaminess and a rich, buttery taste to your candy.
Step 4: Cook to the Perfect Temperature
Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches 240°F, known as the soft ball stage. This precise temperature ensures your caramels will have the ideal chewy yet soft texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Raspberry and Vanilla
Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly stir in the raspberry puree and vanilla extract. By adding these last, you preserve the bright raspberry flavor and inviting aroma of vanilla, creating that trademark deliciousness of this Raspberry Caramels Recipe.
Step 6: Set the Caramels
Pour the hot caramel mixture into your prepared baking dish. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Patience here will reward you with caramels that cut cleanly and hold their shape perfectly.
Step 7: Cut and Wrap
Once cooled, lift the parchment from the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into small squares and wrap each piece carefully in wax paper. This helps keep your caramels fresh and makes them easy to share or gift.
How to Serve Raspberry Caramels Recipe
Garnishes
While these caramels are stunning on their own, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for an elevated flavor contrast. A few fresh raspberry seeds or a light dusting of edible gold dust can add a fancy touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Raspberry caramels pair wonderfully with hot beverages—think rich coffee, a creamy latte, or even a robust black tea. They also complement cheese boards nicely, especially alongside mild goat cheese or creamy brie, providing an indulgent sweet finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, arrange the caramels in a pretty box lined with parchment or tissue paper. Tie it with a raspberry-colored ribbon for a personal touch. At parties, display them on a decorative plate or in small paper cupcake liners, turning these treats into an irresistible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Raspberry Caramels Recipe fresh by storing leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to two weeks, perfect for nibbling anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to prepare caramels ahead of time or save extras, freeze them by wrapping each piece in wax paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months frozen, so you can enjoy that raspberry richness well beyond caramel season.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen caramels, simply let them thaw at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture. Patience preserves their ideal chewiness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for the puree?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work well—just thaw them completely and strain out the seeds if you prefer a smoother texture. They bring the same vibrant flavor to your Raspberry Caramels Recipe.
What is the best way to measure caramel temperature?
Using a reliable candy thermometer is key to hitting the 240°F soft ball stage. This ensures your caramels set perfectly, with the right chewy consistency instead of being too hard or too sticky.
How do I prevent caramels from sticking together?
Wrapping each caramel individually in wax paper is the best way to keep them from sticking. Also, storing them in a cool, dry place helps maintain their texture and prevents excess moisture.
Can I substitute corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps caramels smooth. If you don’t have it, a light honey or golden syrup can be a substitute, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How long do Raspberry Caramels keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these caramels remain deliciously fresh for up to two weeks. Beyond that, freezing is a great option to maintain flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making your own Raspberry Caramels Recipe—the way the rich caramel meets the fresh, tangy raspberry is pure comfort and delight. I encourage you to try this recipe soon; it’s simple, rewarding, and sure to become a beloved treat to share with friends and family.
Print
Raspberry Caramels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 caramels
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Raspberry Caramels combine the rich, creamy sweetness of traditional caramel with a vibrant burst of raspberry flavor, resulting in chewy, fruity candies perfect for gifting or indulging yourself. Made with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, this recipe yields 36 delectable caramels that balance buttery caramel notes with fresh raspberry puree.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 1/2 cup raspberry puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the caramel once set.
- Combine sugar mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt until the sugar fully dissolves, ensuring a smooth caramel base.
- Add cream and butter: Carefully add the heavy cream and unsalted butter to the saucepan and continue stirring until the mixture begins to boil, integrating all ingredients evenly.
- Cook to temperature: Stop stirring once the mixture reaches a boil and let it cook undisturbed until it reaches 240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer, which ensures the perfect caramel consistency.
- Incorporate raspberry and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the raspberry puree and vanilla extract, blending the fruity flavor smoothly into the caramel.
- Pour and cool: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and allow it to cool completely at room temperature until fully set.
- Cut and wrap: Once cooled and firm, cut the caramel into 36 squares and individually wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature to reach the perfect soft ball stage.
- Ensure the raspberry puree is strained to remove seeds for a smoother caramel.
- If you prefer a stronger raspberry flavor, increase the puree slightly but be cautious of altering caramel texture.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For easier cutting, chill the caramel in the refrigerator until firm before slicing.
