Q&A for How to Make Caramel

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  • Question
    What is the trick to making caramel?
    Jessica Banh
    Pastry Chef
    Jessica Banh is a Pastry Chef and the Owner of Fancy Flavors in San Jose, California. With over 12 years of technical experience, Jessica has expertise in a wide variety of pastry techniques and has a focus on macarons. Her work has been featured in The SF Chronicle, The Mercury News, and Good Morning America. She received her training from The Professional Culinary Institute.
    Pastry Chef
    Expert Answer
    Use the caramel temperature as a guide! Cook your caramel until it's around 350 to 375 °F (177 to 191 °C). Once the sauce reaches 375 °F (191 °C), remove it from the heat and add in the other ingredients, like heavy cream and butter.
  • Question
    Can I add vanilla?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but just be sure to add it in after you cooked it, or the vanilla flavor may evaporate. Take care when adding it in, as the vanilla might splatter for a couple of seconds.
  • Question
    How long does it take until you know when it is finished?
    Community Answer
    You will know it's finished when it has started to bubble. Watch the caramel at all times as it is easy to burn it.
  • Question
    Is it okay if my caramel is super bubbly?
    Community Answer
    It is fine if it bubbles because only then will it melt into oozy, sweet caramel.
  • Question
    When can I dip the apples into the caramel?
    Community Answer
    You can actually dip them right away, or wait until it cools down a bit.
  • Question
    What do I do if my mixture is still clear?
    Community Answer
    Let it cook until it develops a caramel color, but be careful not to overcook it.
  • Question
    How can I harden wet caramel?
    BatmanMovie
    Community Answer
    Put it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
  • Question
    When do I put in the eggs and cream?
    Community Answer
    Once the caramel has become a nice raw-amber color and it is just barley bubbling, the eggs and cream will slow down the cooking process as it cools in the pan.
  • Question
    Can you make caramel candies with this? My grandpa and I love caramel candies.
    Community Answer
    I suggest you and your grandpa cut up some green apples and squeeze lemon juice on them. Stir a little sea salt into the caramel sauce and dip your apple slices in the warm caramel. You'll love it, and still get that caramel candy taste. Best of all, it is something fun you can do together.
  • Question
    What will the caramel turn out like?
    BatmanMovie
    Community Answer
    Like a plate of soft jelly.
  • Question
    Will the caramel harden after I have finished making it?
    Community Answer
    Only dry caramel will. Because of the water content in wet caramel, it will not harden.
  • Question
    My caramel has hardened. What have I done wrong and how do I recover it?
    Community Answer
    You probably overcooked it. Make a new batch.
  • Question
    Why did it bubble, but not turn colors when I made it?
    Community Answer
    The first phase of bubbling is the evaporation of the water. After that, the sugar will heat up enough to brown (and bubble some more) as it turns into caramel. In your case, the temperature did not get high enough to caramelize the sugars.
  • Question
    What does the dry caramel turn out like?
    Community Answer
    It becomes hard like toffee or sweet and crispy, but not chewy. It depends how long you leave it to dry.
  • Question
    Can powdered sugar be used?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    My caramel hardened and tastes burnt. Where did I go wrong?
    Community Answer
    You cooked it too long. Just try again and remove it from heat a little sooner then your last batch.
  • Question
    What kind of caramel is better for braces?
    Community Answer
    Wetter is better. You'll want your caramel to be super creamy so it doesn't get stuck in your braces.
  • Question
    Is there a dairy-free recipe for caramel?
    Community Answer
    You can make caramel without any dairy, however it might not taste as good. You can also try soy milk as a dairy substitute.
  • Question
    How long do I cook the caramel for?
    Community Answer
    You can stop cooking when you see that it has turned a nice golden brown color and the consistency is gooey.
  • Question
    When, during the cooking process, do I add butter?
    Community Answer
    You can add butter for the wet caramel recipe at the same time as the sugar and water. A touch of salt will bring out the butter flavor.
  • Question
    Will the caramel be dangerous? If a child that has cooking lessons be able to use it safely?
    Community Answer
    If you have taught your child all the safety measures of being in the kitchen and the hygiene importance, then it will be okay.
  • Question
    How do I store dry caramel? Will it completely harden?
    Community Answer
    You can put it in some ice molds, cupcake molds, or candy molds and place them in the freezer, It will completely harden.
  • Question
    How do I get the caramel into molds?
    Community Answer
    You will need to make sure it is hot, and spoon it into molds. Make sure the caramel is liquid, and scrape any off the edges.
  • Question
    Can I use a microwave?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but reduce the cook time and check on it every 10 seconds, mixing thoroughly between intervals.
  • Question
    How can I remove the dried caramel?
    Community Answer
    Put your pan in hot water. That way the sugar can dissolve and soften.
  • Question
    My caramel boiled and hardened but never turned brown. Why?
    Community Answer
    Maybe it was your sugar. Next time, use granulated sugar. Also, don't take your pan off the stove unless the caramel is done.
  • Question
    How do I make caramelized walnuts?
    Community Answer
    Make the caramel as you usually would. Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper, and lay your walnuts out on it. Drizzle the caramel over the walnuts, and let them broil for a couple of minutes in the oven. Let them cool, and enjoy!
  • Question
    If I want it to be like hard and soft at the same time, how can I do that?
    Community Answer
    For caramel that is firm enough to be a candy but soft enough to bite into, consider making the dry caramel recipe above and then adding the butter and stir and then condensed milk 1/4 to 1/2 cup and stir. More butter may make it softer at room temperature and firmer in the chilled pieces.
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