Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels

Vanilla cream filled caramels are a delightful confection that combines the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with a creamy, vanilla-infused center. These candies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply indulge in a sweet treat at home. Making them from scratch might seem daunting, but with a little patience and the right ingredients, you’ll be able to create these delicious caramels yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that your homemade caramels turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

To create your own batch of vanilla cream filled caramels, gather the following ingredients:

For the Caramel:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup corn syrup

For the Vanilla Cream:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Water (as needed)

Instructions

Creating these delectable caramels involves two main components: the caramel layer and the vanilla cream filling. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your candies are perfect.

1. Make the Caramel:

1. Prepare a large piece of parchment paper on your counter to pour the caramel onto once cooked.
2. In a heavy pot, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and corn syrup.
3. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
4. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to prevent burning.
5. Switch to medium-high heat and cook until the caramel reaches 241°F (the hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This should take about 25 minutes.
6. Pour the caramel onto the prepared parchment and spread it into a rectangle. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Vanilla Cream:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening until soft and creamy.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar to form a crumbly mixture.
3. Add corn syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. The mixture should resemble crumbled cheese.
4. Gradually add water, a little at a time, until the mixture holds together like dough.

3. Assemble the Caramels:

1. Once the caramel has cooled, cut it into four equal strips.
2. Spread a thin layer of vanilla cream on each strip, leaving a 1/2 inch space at the top.
3. Roll each strip up tightly to form logs.
4. Gently stretch and roll each log for evenness, aiming for a length of about 12-15 inches.

4. Cut and Wrap:

1. Slice the logs into 1/2 inch pieces.
2. Wrap each piece in wax paper or cellophane to prevent sticking.
3. Store in a single layer or package as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your homemade treats is important, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts per piece:

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: <1g

How to Serve

Vanilla cream filled caramels are not only a delicious treat but also a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Their rich, buttery flavor combined with the smooth and creamy vanilla filling makes them perfect for a variety of serving occasions. Here are some detailed ways to serve these delightful confections, enhancing both their presentation and enjoyment:

1. As a Standalone Treat

For those moments when you crave something sweet, vanilla cream filled caramels can be savored on their own. Simply unwrap a piece and enjoy the combination of chewy caramel and velvety cream. To elevate this experience, consider the following tips:

• Temperature Matters: Serve the caramels at room temperature to enhance their softness and flavor. You can even try warming them slightly in your hands or for a few seconds in the microwave for a gooey, melty texture.
• Garnish Ideas: For a sophisticated touch, dust a little sea salt over the caramels just before serving. This contrast of sweet and salty can heighten the flavor profile and make this simple treat feel more indulgent.
• Presentation: Arrange them in a small bowl or on a decorative plate, perhaps with some fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch that invites guests to indulge.

2. With Coffee or Tea

Pairing vanilla cream filled caramels with your favorite hot beverages can transform an ordinary snack into a delightful experience. Here’s how to make the most of this pairing:

• Coffee Pairings: The rich, creamy texture of the caramels complements a variety of coffee styles. Try them with a rich espresso or a smooth latte. The caramel’s sweetness can balance the bitterness of coffee, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Tea Pairings: Herbal teas, such as chamomile or rooibos, or a classic Earl Grey can be perfect companions. The floral notes in these teas enhance the vanilla flavor of the caramels.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the caramels on a small side plate next to your cup, or even skewer them on a decorative cocktail stick for a fun, interactive experience. Consider creating a mini coffee or tea tasting event where guests can pair their favorite beverages with different flavors of caramels.

3. As a Gift

Homemade treats, especially beautifully packaged ones, make for thoughtful gifts. Vanilla cream filled caramels can be a charming and personal gift for any occasion. Here are some tips on how to present them:

• Packaging: Use decorative boxes, tins, or glass jars to showcase the caramels. Line the bottom with colorful tissue paper or fabric to add a pop of color. Clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon are also an appealing option for individual servings.
• Personal Touch: Include a handwritten note or a tag with a short message. You can also specify the flavor and any special ingredients used to create a personal connection with the recipient.
• Gift Baskets: Create a themed gift basket that includes the caramels along with other homemade treats, such as cookies or fudge, and perhaps a bottle of coffee or tea. This not only elevates the gift but also provides a delightful assortment for the recipient to enjoy.

4. On a Dessert Platter

Including vanilla cream filled caramels on a dessert platter can elevate any gathering, providing a sweet ending to a meal or a delightful treat during social events. Consider the following ideas for showcasing them:

• Assorted Sweets: Create a dessert platter that includes a variety of treats such as cookies, brownies, and fruit tarts alongside the caramels. This colorful assortment will entice your guests and cater to different tastes.
• Thematic Arrangements: For special occasions like birthdays or holidays, theme your dessert platter accordingly. For example, during the holidays, you can add festive decorations like sprigs of holly or edible glitter to make the platter more visually appealing.
• Serving Style: Offer the caramels in a separate bowl on the platter, allowing guests to choose their favorites. You can also provide small forks or toothpicks for easy picking. For a more interactive experience, consider a caramel dipping station where guests can dip caramels in melted chocolate or various sauces.

By employing these serving methods, vanilla cream filled caramels can transition seamlessly from a simple indulgence to an elegant centerpiece, making them a delightful addition to any occasion. Whether enjoyed alone, paired with beverages, gifted, or included in a dessert spread, these caramels are sure to impress and satisfy.

Additional Tips

Creating the perfect caramel can be a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail. Here are some additional tips to ensure success and elevate your caramel-making skills:

Use a Candy Thermometer

Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for achieving the right caramel consistency. A candy thermometer is an essential tool that removes any guesswork from the process. When making caramel, you’ll be aiming for specific temperature stages, such as soft ball (234-240°F), hard ball (250-266°F), and hard crack (300-310°F).

1. Placement: Ensure your thermometer is properly placed in the pot without touching the bottom, as this can give you an inaccurate reading. The thermometer should be submerged in the sugar mixture for the most accurate temperature.
2. Calibration: Before starting, check the calibration of your thermometer. Boil water and verify that it reads 212°F at sea level. If it doesn’t, make a mental note of the difference for future reference.
3. Digital Thermometers: Consider investing in a digital candy thermometer with a probe. They can provide quicker, more accurate readings, and some models even come with an alarm feature to alert you when you reach your target temperature.

Stir Continuously

Stirring is vital to ensure even heat distribution throughout the sugar mixture. This helps prevent the mixture from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot, which can lead to an unpleasant burnt flavor and texture.

1. Use the Right Utensil: Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to stir. These materials are less likely to scratch your pot and offer good control over the mixture.
2. Technique: Stir gently but continuously. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can incorporate air bubbles into the caramel and affect the final texture.
3. Focus on the Sides: Pay special attention to the sides of the pot, where sugar can caramelize faster. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all sugar is incorporated evenly.

Be Patient

Reaching the hard ball stage can take time, so be prepared for the process to take up to 25 minutes. Patience is key to achieving that perfect caramel texture.

1. Watch the Color Change: As the sugar heats, it will transition from a clear liquid to a golden amber color. This change indicates that the sugar is beginning to caramelize, and it’s crucial to keep an eye on it during this stage.
2. Avoid Rushing: Resist the temptation to increase the heat to speed up the cooking process. High heat can cause the sugar to burn quickly, resulting in an undesirable bitter taste.
3. Timing: Use a timer to keep track of the cooking time, but remember that factors like the type of stove, the size of the pot, and the quantity of sugar can all affect how long it takes to reach the desired temperature.

Cooling Time is Key

Allow the caramel to cool completely before cutting and assembling to ensure it holds its shape. Proper cooling is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.

1. Cooling Method: Once your caramel reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat immediately. Pour it into a pre-prepared, greased baking dish or mold to cool. Avoid moving it around too much during the cooling process to prevent air bubbles from forming.
2. Room Temperature: Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for at least an hour before attempting to cut or manipulate it. If you need to speed up the process, you can place it in the refrigerator, but avoid freezing, as rapid temperature changes can cause the caramel to crack.
3. Storage: Once cooled and cut, store your caramel in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a humid environment, consider wrapping individual pieces in wax paper to maintain their texture and prevent them from sticking together.

By following these additional tips, you can enhance your caramel-making skills and create delicious, perfectly textured caramel for all your sweet culinary creations. Whether you’re making caramel sauce, candies, or dessert toppings, these techniques will help you achieve the best results every time.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter for the caramel?

While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture of the caramel. Butter provides a richer taste and smoother consistency.

2. How long do these caramels keep?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, vanilla cream filled caramels can last up to two weeks.

3. Can I add other flavors to the vanilla cream?

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or mint for a unique twist.

4. Is there a substitute for vegetable shortening?

Coconut oil or butter can be used as a substitute for vegetable shortening, though it may affect the flavor slightly.

5. How can I prevent the caramels from sticking together?

Wrapping each piece individually in wax paper or cellophane will prevent them from sticking.

Conclusion

Making vanilla cream filled caramels at home is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With their rich, buttery caramel and creamy vanilla filling, these candies are sure to delight anyone who tries them. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create perfect caramels every time. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these homemade treats are a testament to the joy of creating something special with your own hands. Enjoy your sweet creation!

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