Indulge in a Gourmet Espresso Caramel Recipe
Caramel lovers, rejoice! I have an irresistible recipe for you – Espresso Caramels. These confections are an explosion of flavors in your mouth – sweet and chewy caramel infused with the rich and bold taste of espresso, topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt. They are perfect anytime as a mid-day perk up or a treat after a meal.
Making caramels from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but this recipe is easy to follow even for first-time candy makers. With just a handful of ingredients, including heavy cream, granulated sugar and light corn syrup, you can create small bites of heaven in just two hours.
But what gives these Espresso Caramels their unique flavor is espresso powder. If you’re a coffee lover like me, this ingredient needs no introduction. But for those who haven’t tried it before, it’s a concentrated form of coffee that adds depth and richness to all kinds of baked goods and desserts.
So let’s get started on making some delicious Espresso Caramels!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a decadent and indulgent treat that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion? Look no further than these espresso caramels!
With their rich and complex flavor profile, these caramels are sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. The addition of espresso powder adds a deep, dark coffee flavor that perfectly compliments the sweet caramel base. And let’s not forget about the touch of sea salt that rounds out the flavors and adds an irresistible salty crunch.
But it’s not just the flavor that will have you falling in love with this recipe. These espresso caramels are also easy to make, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. And with our detailed recipe instructions and helpful tips, you can be confident that your caramels will turn out perfectly every time.
These espresso caramels are also incredibly versatile. Serve them up as a tasty after-dinner treat, package them up as a thoughtful gift, or even use them as an unexpected addition to your holiday cookie platter. The possibilities are endless!
So why wait? Give this recipe a try and taste for yourself why these espresso caramels are sure to become a beloved favorite for years to come.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients for making these delicious espresso caramels:
For the caramel filling:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the chocolate espresso caramel sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the topping:
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- Flaky sea salt
Be sure to have all ingredients on hand before starting. This recipe requires precise measurements and timing, so avoid making any substitutions.
The Recipe How-To
Before making the espresso caramels, we need to make a shot of strong espresso. You can use any espresso machine, preferably using 1 or 2 shots of espresso powder to make a 1 cup coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can mix 1 tablespoon of espresso powder with ⅓ cup of hot water. The strong taste of the coffee will balance out with the sweet caramel filling.
Making the Caramel Filling
To make the caramel filling, first, take a saucepan and mix together granulated sugar (use – 1 1/2 cups) with light corn syrup (use – 1/2 cup) and water in it. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it boil for approximately 15 minutes without stirring, until it turns golden brown in color. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and add heavy cream (use – 1 cup) and unsalted butter (use – 2 tablespoons). Mix well until everything is combined and there are no lumps left.
Combining Espresso and Caramel
Once both the espresso shot and caramel filling are ready, mix them together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan (use – 2 teaspoons espresso powder). Keep stirring on low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until it reaches a temperature of around 252°F.
Cooling and Cutting the Caramels
Once the mixture has reached around 252°F, pour it into a lined square baking dish. Let it cool for about two hours or until it becomes solid. Use parchment paper to lift out the hardened caramel from the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Cut them into small pieces with a sharp knife.
These easy-to-follow steps will guarantee that your homemade espresso caramels turn out perfectly every time!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this recipe for espresso caramels is that there are several opportunities to make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you might consider:
– Honey instead of corn syrup: For a more natural sweetener, feel free to swap honey in place of corn syrup. Keep in mind that the finished product will have a slightly different flavor.
– Different types of nuts: Instead of walnuts, try using pecans or almonds for a different twist. You could even experiment with flavored nuts, such as cocoa roasted almonds, for added complexity.
– Salt variations: This recipe calls for sea salt, but you could certainly use other salts for varying effects. Smoked salt would bring an interesting, complex flavor to these caramels, while rosemary salt would add an herbal element.
– Chocolate: While this recipe doesn’t call for chocolate, you could easily add it in for a rich, decadent variation. Try stirring in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the butter and cream in step one. Or, drizzle melted chocolate on top once the caramels have cooled.
– Caramel sauce infusion: Add a kick of espresso flavor to your caramel sauce by stirring 1 tablespoon of espresso powder into the finished sauce.
These are just a few suggestions; feel free to get creative with your own variations!
Serving and Pairing
These delicious Espresso Caramels are perfect for any occasion as a sweet treat to indulge in alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Serve them at your next coffee or tea party or keep them on hand for when you need a little pick-me-up during the day.
Pair these caramels with your favorite coffee, whether it’s a simple cup of black coffee or a fancy espresso macchiato. The espresso powder in the caramels makes them an ideal match for any coffee-based drink.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing the Espresso Caramels with a glass of red wine, such as a Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. The deep, rich flavors of the wine complement the smooth texture and bold taste of the caramels perfectly.
For a fun twist, garnish the caramels with chopped walnuts and drizzle them with caramel sauce. This will add an extra layer of nuttiness and sweetness to your already decadent treat.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Espresso Caramels are sure to impress any guest or satisfy any sugary craving. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Looking to make your espresso caramels ahead of time? No problem! These caramels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
If you want to make these a few days ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe as outlined and let it cool completely before cutting them into individual pieces. Make sure to wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating the caramel is easy too! Simply place one or two pieces in a microwave-safe dish and heat them up for 5-10 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them up on a low heat on your stovetop.
If you’re not planning on eating all of your espresso caramels right away, consider freezing them for later. Simply wrap each piece in wax paper, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months.
When it comes down to it, these espresso caramels are a versatile treat that won’t go bad anytime soon. Whether you’re looking to make them in advance or store leftovers for later, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these delicious caffeine-infused sweets again and again.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect espresso caramels requires precision and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure that your caramels turn out beautifully:
1. Use a candy thermometer
Candy making requires an exact temperature range to achieve the perfect texture. Make sure your candy thermometer is accurate and follow the temperature instructions closely.
2. Don’t stir your caramel
When boiling your caramel, do not stir it with a spoon or any utensil. This could cause the mixture to crystallize and result in a gritty texture.
3. Use high-quality ingredients
Your espresso caramels will taste only as good as the ingredients they’re made from – so choose high-quality ones! A good quality sea salt, fresh heavy cream, and raw honey can enhance the flavor of your caramels, giving them an extra boost of richness.
4. Make sure your pan is clean
Before you start making your caramels, thoroughly clean your saucepan. Any residual oils or debris in the pan can affect the final outcome of your caramels.
5. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby
When working with hot sugar mixtures, accidents can happen. In case of burns or spills, have a bowl of ice water nearby to cool down affected areas quickly.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating the perfect batch of espresso caramels every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy and delicious espresso caramels recipe is an absolute must-try for any coffee lover with a sweet tooth. With its indulgent combination of rich espresso flavor, creamy caramel filling, and an irresistible sprinkling of sea salt, these espresso caramels are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Not only is this recipe simple and straightforward to follow, but it also allows for endless opportunities to customize and experiment with different variations and substitutions. Whether you prefer your caramel sauce drizzled over ice cream or in a homemade caramel macchiato, these espresso caramels are sure to impress.
So why not give this espresso caramels recipe a try and indulge in the sweet and satisfying taste of coffee-infused treats? With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, there’s no doubt that this unique recipe will become a beloved addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Thank you for reading and happy baking!
Espresso Caramels Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup honey
Instructions
- Place the nuts in a medium sized, glass or ceramic mixing bowl.
- In a medium, thick-bottomed saucepan heat the cream, espresso powder, and salt until tiny bubbles start forming where the milk touches the pan - just before a simmer. Stir in the honey. Bring the mixture to a boil. Now reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for about 15-20 minutes minutes or until the mixture reaches 260F degrees - hard ball stage. Remove from heat.
- Pour the caramel over the nuts and stir until all the nuts are well coated. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 or 15 minutes to allow the caramel to thicken before you attempt to shape it. It is easier to handle this way - not as much spread. Stir one last time and drop by tablespoonful onto a prepared baking sheet (Silpat, parchment-lined, or oiled). Alternately, skip the nut addition and simply spread the (cooled but not set) caramel out on a slab or parchment-lined pan, let it cool completely before cutting into small pieces. Wrap & twist in parchment paper.
- In either case keep the caramels in a cool place (or refrigerate) until completely set.
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