Indulge in the delightful blend of soft, chewy caramel squares with a luscious vanilla cream center. These treats marry the rich, buttery depth of homemade caramel with a smooth, airy filling that melts in your mouth, making every bite a perfect little moment of joy. Whether served as an elegant dessert or packaged as thoughtful gifts, these caramel delights are sure to impress.
The contrast between the warm amber caramel and the chilled vanilla cream creates a harmony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these treats bring gourmet quality into your kitchen with ease.
- Soft and chewy caramel layers deliver a perfect rich texture and buttery flavor.
- Vanilla cream filling adds a smooth, refreshing contrast that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Optional coatings let you customize each piece with sea salt or decadent chocolate.
Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar (1½ cups): Provides the essential sweetness and caramelizes to create the rich base of the treat.
- Light Corn Syrup (1 cup): Helps prevent crystallization ensuring smooth, chewy caramel texture.
- Water (½ cup): Dissolves the sugar evenly and controls the cooking temperature for perfect caramel.
- Heavy Cream, warmed (¾ cup): Adds creaminess and richness, contributing to the soft texture of the caramel layers.
- Unsalted Butter, cubed (½ cup ≈ 115 g): Enhances the buttery flavor and creates a velvety consistency in the caramel.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, plus ½ teaspoon for filling): Infuses aromatic, sweet warmth enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the caramel’s taste notes.
- Heavy Cream for Filling (½ cup): Whipped to soft peaks with sugar for a light, luxurious vanilla cream center.
- Powdered Sugar (2 teaspoons): Sweetens and stabilizes the vanilla cream filling for a smooth texture.
- Optional Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top for a sophisticated sweet-salty twist.
- Optional Melted Chocolate: Adds richness and elegance when used as a dipping coating.
Instructions
- Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling
-
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This light and sweet filling adds a creamy, cool contrast that complements the warm caramel perfectly. Refrigerate it to keep it firm and easy to pipe later.
- Cook the Caramel Base
-
Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring to allow the mixture to simmer undisturbed. Cook until it reaches a deep amber color, roughly 8-10 minutes, which develops that classic rich caramel flavor.
- Add Warmed Cream and Butter
-
Carefully pour the warmed heavy cream into the hot caramel mixture—it will bubble vigorously, so take care. Add cubed butter and salt, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Then remove from heat, stirring in vanilla extract to infuse aromatic sweetness.
- Layer the First Caramel Layer
-
Pour a thin, even layer of the caramel into a parchment-lined square pan to create the base. Let it set until slightly firm, about 5-7 minutes, to support the subsequent layers without mixing together.
- Add the Vanilla Cream Filling Layer
-
Pipe or dollop the chilled vanilla cream over the slightly set caramel layer. This creates a distinct middle layer with a smooth, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich caramel.
- Pour the Final Caramel Layer
-
Gently pour the remaining caramel over the vanilla cream layer, spreading it evenly to cover completely. Smooth it out with a spatula and allow to cool to room temperature, or refrigerate to set faster. This seals the creamy center between two luscious caramel layers.
- Cut and Serve the Treats
-
Once fully set, lift the block from the pan using the parchment. Cut into about 24 squares with a sharp knife. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt or dip edges in melted chocolate for added elegance and flavor. These treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying anytime.
- Caramel can reach very high temperatures; use caution to avoid burns during cooking and pouring.
- For firmer texture, cook caramel to a slightly higher temperature before adding cream.
- You can enhance flavor depth by adding a pinch of sea salt or espresso powder to the caramel.
Storage Tips
Store your caramel treats in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to keep their chewy texture intact. Avoid refrigeration, which can harden the caramel, unless preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vanilla cream-filled caramel treats alongside coffee or tea for an indulgent snack. They also make charming homemade gifts when wrapped in parchment paper with a ribbon.
- Warm the heavy cream in advance to prevent sudden cooling and splattering when added to hot caramel.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor caramel temperature for precision and perfect texture.
- Pipe the vanilla cream with a star tip for decorative, evenly distributed centers.
FAQs
- Can I make these caramel treats ahead of time?
-
Yes, these treats hold well for several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them great for prepping in advance.
- What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
-
You can substitute with an equal amount of golden syrup or a homemade glucose syrup to prevent crystallization in the caramel.
- Can I use flavored extracts instead of vanilla?
-
Absolutely! Almond or bourbon extracts can add unique twists, but vanilla offers a classic, complementary flavor for the caramel.
- How do I prevent caramel from crystallizing?
-
Avoid stirring once sugar dissolves and let the mixture simmer undisturbed. Corn syrup also helps inhibit crystallization.
- Can I double the recipe?
-
Yes, but use a larger pan and adjust cooking times slightly to ensure even cooking and proper set of layers.
- Is refrigeration necessary for the vanilla cream filling?
-
It’s best to refrigerate the whipped cream filling until use to maintain firmness and ease of piping.
- What’s the best way to cut the caramel squares?
-
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly with hot water and wiped dry to slice cleanly without cracking the caramel.
Vanilla Cream Caramel Treats
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 square pan lined with parchment paper
- 1 mixing bowl for whipping cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream warmed
- 1/2 cup about 115 g unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt for sprinkling optional
- Melted chocolate for dipping optional
Instructions
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form, then refrigerate.
- Combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Stop stirring and simmer the mixture until it turns a deep amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Carefully add the warmed heavy cream, then butter and salt, stirring until smooth; remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour a thin layer of caramel into a parchment-lined square pan and let it set for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Pipe or dollop the chilled vanilla cream filling over the slightly set caramel layer.
- Pour the remaining caramel over the cream filling layer to cover completely and smooth the top.
- Let the layered caramel cool to room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the setting process.
- Once fully set, lift the caramel slab from the pan and cut into squares.
- Optionally sprinkle with sea salt or dip squares in melted chocolate before serving.
Notes
- Caramel is very hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
- Cook longer for firmer caramels.
- Add sea salt or espresso powder to caramel for added flavor depth.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
