Yes, you read that title correctly, microwave salted caramel recipe. I love the simple sweet and toasty flavor of caramel and it is so satisfying to make simple recipes like this, myself. YOU can make delicious caramels…
In the microwave
Without another pot to wash
Without a thermometer
In just one bowl!
Who knew? I will show you how.
When I used to work in an office, I would bring these caramels from time to time to sweeten up my team. I love to spread joy like that.
These are great to give as gifts (or sneak for yourself when the kids aren’t looking).
You can wrap them in regular waxed paper or buy some fancy candy wrappers from the craft store.
Important to Note:
Before you start, this recipe gets very hot. Use care and oven mitts when handling the bowl (and try not to sneak a taste too soon – wink). This is not the recipe to do with small children because of the possibility of burns.
I have a large, glass measuring bowl (8-cup size) that I bought ages ago from the Pampered Chef, which works well for this microwave salted caramel recipe. But any heatproof bowl will work given that it is large enough (and not metal because it is going in the microwave). I shy away from heating plastic (or using it much at all), so the glass style bowl is preferred.
Further, the ingredients will boil when heated, so chose a container large enough to allow room for it to expand, so it does not boil over. That is not a mess you will want to clean up (and it could be dangerous to touch that molten sugar).
Note: If you don’t have a large enough, safe bowl, half the recipe
Microwave Salted Caramel Recipe
Total Time: 15-20 Minutes
Makes approximately 72 servings
Items needed:
Medium-large microwave-safe bowl, wooden spoon, plate or spoon rest to hold the wooden spoon between stirs, 9X13 metal or glass baking dish, waxed paper
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter (half cup),
plus more for buttering the dish
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Sea salt for garnish
Directions:
Butter a 9X13 dish. Set aside.
Add all the ingredients, except sea salt, into a microwaveable bowl (see Important to Note section above).
Heat in the microwave on high heat for 1 minute to 90-second increments for 7-9 minutes. With a protected hand, stir the mixture with care between each increment.
Note: If you are not sure if it is ready or not, to test it, dip out a small amount of the mixture on a teaspoon. Dip it into a cup or small bowl of cool water. After 15 seconds, when the caramel cools, pinch the caramel to see if it holds together and is slightly softer than the final texture you would like the caramel to be. If it needs more time, put it back in the microwave for another 1-minute turn.
With a covered hand, carefully pour the mixture into the buttered dish. Cool completely before handling.
Garnish with sea salt or whatever variation you choose.
Cut into approximately 72 pieces.
Individually wrap in waxed paper (or candy wrapper of your choice).
Variations of toppings and garnishing for this microwave salted caramel recipe are nearly limitless. You can leave them plain, add sea salt on top, as I did, cover with dark chocolate, or chopped pecans. The sky is the limit!
What else could you dream up?
Sharing is caring.
If you enjoyed my microwave salted caramel recipe, please share it with someone you like or save it to Pinterest for later.
If you tried this recipe, post a pic on social media. Don’t forget to tag me @altogethermostly
