Description
These Salted Caramel Bites are rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sea salt. Made by cooking a creamy caramel mixture on the stovetop until thick and golden, then cooled and cut into bite-sized squares, they offer a delightful sweet and salty treat thatโs perfect for sharing or indulging in small portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Flavoring & Topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8ร8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, cubed unsalted butter, and heavy cream to create the caramel mixture.
- Initial Cooking: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and the butter has fully melted, ensuring an even texture.
- Thicken the Caramel: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring continuously for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches a deep golden color. If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should be around 240ยฐF (115ยฐC).
- Flavor the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with 1 teaspoon of sea salt to infuse flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Set the Caramel: Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours to set properly.
- Finish and Cut: Once set, sprinkle the caramel surface with flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor. Carefully lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into small bite-sized squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the caramel.
- If you prefer a softer bite, reduce cooking time slightly and monitor the temperature carefully.
- Store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before cutting to preserve the crunch and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean edges.
