Description
These Salted Pumpkin Caramels are a cozy fall twist on classic caramel candy—rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and a sprinkle of sea salt. Each bite melts in your mouth, bringing warmth and nostalgia to the season. Great for gifting or indulging yourself!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or agave syrup)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus flaky sea salt for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly butter or grease the paper.
- Cook the Base: In a heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and pumpkin purée. Stir over medium heat until smooth and dissolved.
- Add Butter and Brown Sugar: Mix in butter and brown sugar until melted and fully combined.
- Incorporate Cream and Salt: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring; add fine salt.
- Heat to Perfection: Clip a candy thermometer to the side. Without stirring, cook the mixture until it reaches 244°F (118°C).
- Finish the Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour and Set: Pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
- Cool and Cut: Let set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then cut into small squares and wrap individually.
Notes
For a pumpkin spice twist, stir in 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice before pouring. To make ahead, wrap and store at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid overcooking past 244°F to keep caramels chewy and not brittle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel (approx.)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg