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Ina Garten Fleur De Sel Caramels

Ina Garten Fleur De Sel Caramels
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These buttery, chewy caramels are elevated with a sprinkle of fleur de sel for a perfect sweet-salty balance. The rich caramel melts on your tongue with a soft, luxurious texture that is ideal for gifting or indulging.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel (plus more for topping)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line the bottom and sides of an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly butter the parchment to prevent sticking later.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan (at least 3-quart capacity), combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently with a clean spatula until the sugar is completely moistened—do not splatter sugar up the sides.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Once boiling, brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve any sugar crystals. This step is critical to prevent grainy caramels.
  4. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the bulb is immersed in the syrup but not touching the bottom. Cook the syrup undisturbed until it reaches 248°F (120°C) — firm ball stage. The mixture will turn a deep amber color and smell wonderfully caramelized.
  5. Once the syrup reaches 248°F (120°C), remove the pan from the heat. Let it stand for 10 seconds to cool slightly, then carefully whisk in the heavy cream in a slow, steady stream. The mixture will bubble vigorously—scrape down any splatters carefully to avoid burns.
  6. Return the pan to medium heat and cook, stirring frequently with a heat-resistant spatula, until the candy thermometer reads 238°F (114°C). This is the fudge stage for a soft, chewy caramel that holds its shape but is not rock-hard.
  7. Remove the pan from heat once more. Stir in the butter pieces until fully melted and incorporated. Then add the fleur de sel and vanilla; stir until smooth and glossy. Do not overmix after the vanilla is added or the caramels may become greasy.
  8. Pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan without scraping the bottom of the saucepan (avoid stirring in any crystallized residue). Gently tilt the pan to level the caramel evenly. Let the caramel sit undisturbed at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  9. While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle an additional pinch of fleur de sel evenly across the top. This step adds the signature salty crunch that contrasts with the sweet caramel. Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours, until set and firm.
  10. Once the caramel is fully set, use the parchment overhang to lift the block out of the pan onto a cutting board. Peel away the parchment. Using a sharp, lightly oiled knife, cut the caramel into 8 rows by 4 rows, making 32 pieces (each about 1×1 inch).
  11. Wrap each piece individually in a 4×5-inch piece of wax paper or cellophane, twisting the ends to seal. This prevents them from sticking and keeps them fresh. Store the wrapped caramels in an airtight container at a cool room temperature.
  12. For the perfect gift or serving, arrange wrapped caramels in a decorative box or tin. They keep well for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer—thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at a cool room temperature (60-65°F / 15-18°C) for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate, as condensation can make them sticky. To freeze, place wrapped caramels in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw wrapped at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. If the caramels become too hard after storage, warm them in a 150°F / 65°C oven for 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: fleur de sel caramels, Ina Garten caramels, homemade caramels, salted caramels, chewy caramels, candy recipe, holiday candy, giftable sweets, stovetop caramels, easy caramels

Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-fleur-de-sel-caramels/