Microwave Pumpkin Spice Caramels Recipe
These Microwave Pumpkin Spice Caramels are a quick and delightful twist on classic caramel candies, infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and creamy vanilla for a seasonal treat. Perfect for a cozy fall snack or holiday gift, they deliver rich, buttery sweetness in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional caramels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 36 small caramels
- Category: Candy
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar shallow pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the caramels out later. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the unsalted butter, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir briefly to combine.
- Microwave caramel mixture: Microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes. Remove carefully—mixture will be very hot. Stir thoroughly to blend.
- Continue cooking the caramel: Microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring well between each, for an additional 6-8 minutes. The caramel mixture should reach a rich, thick consistency and the temperature should reach about 245°F (firm-ball stage) when checked with a candy thermometer.
- Add spice and vanilla: Quickly stir in the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Set the caramels: Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Allow to cool at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.
- Cut and store: Once set, lift the caramel slab out using the parchment paper and cut into small squares. Wrap each piece in wax paper or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure proper caramel temperature for the best texture.
- Be careful when handling hot caramel to avoid burns.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if unavailable.
- If caramel is too soft, microwave for an extra minute but do not overcook or it will harden too much.
- Store caramels at room temperature in an airtight container; refrigeration can make them too hard.
