Add adventure to homemade caramels! Salted maple bourbon caramels are great for holiday parties or a simple candy jar that sits atop your counter.
My cute hubby and I are basking in the glow of our recent kidless time away. We savored our time together in Chicago and giddily sipped coffees and enjoyed a handful of DELICIOUS meals together.
Part of me wants to be back in Chicago with Dan but I’m mostly glad to be back with “the pack.” Two boys, a dog and a cat are happy to have us back, and the feelings are very mutual.
I made these TOTALLY delicious caramels before we went on vacation. I froze most of them because I knew I’d want them for later. The salt and the maple and the bourbon…you guys! These are so delicious. They’re great for holiday parties or gatherings of any kind.
HOW TO MAKE SALTED MAPLE BOURBON CARAMELS
STEP 1
Line a 9×13 dish with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the butter, sugars, corn syrup, evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream and maple syrup in a large saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reads 243 degrees F.
STEP 2
Immediately remove pan from heat and stir in the bourbon and 1 tablespoon of sea salt (WARNING: mixture will bubble vigorously, so be prepared!).
Pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish and allow mixture to cool completely.
Sprinkle with additional sea salt and cut into small squares. Wrap individually in wax paper.
RECIPE NOTES: SALTED MAPLE BOURBON CARAMELS
- A high-quality candy thermometer is a necessity for this recipe. A Thermapen works AMAZING! <—-affiliate link
- WARNING: mixture will bubble vigorously when the bourbon is added, so be prepared.
- Prep the parchment in the baking dish before you start cooking the caramels and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Just before the caramels reach their optimal temp, heat the bourbon for 30 seconds in the micro.
- Use wax paper for wrapping caramels.
BEST HOLIDAY BAKING GOODIES
Add these delicious treats to your holiday baking list, too!
- These Homemade Caramels are chewy and gooey and sooo delicious. You won’t want to eat just one! Perfect treat for holiday parties and holiday gifts!
- These delicious Chewy Gingersnaps are the perfect chewy treat. Plus they are super easy to make. Flavored with molasses and spices and the finishing touch – topped with simple icing!
- These are the BEST Sugar Cookies. They are super easy to make (using only seven ingredients) and they are perfect for decorating. You will never need another sugar cookie recipe again!
- These Chocolate Kiss Cream Cheese Cookies are a great dessert for gatherings any time of the year. They are light, creamy and sugary, with just the perfect kiss of milk chocolate!
- Hot Cocoa Cookies are like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, except in cookie form. Chocolate oozes from the centers of these marshmallow-topped treats.
- Oreo Balls are an easy no-bake dessert requiring only three ingredients! This easy dessert is great for the holidays or any time of year.
- These are the BEST Gingerbread Cookies you’ll find! Super easy to make and loved by everyone. Great for the holidays!
Salted Maple Bourbon Caramels Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 5 oz evaporated milk
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt plus some for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 dish with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the butter, sugars, corn syrup, evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream and maple syrup in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reads 243 degrees F.
- Immediately remove pan from heat and stir in the bourbon and 1 tablespoon of sea salt (WARNING: mixture will bubble vigorously, so be prepared!).
- Pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish and allow mixture to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional sea salt and cut into small squares. Wrap individually in wax paper.
Notes
- A high-quality candy thermometer is a necessity for this recipe. A Thermapen works AMAZING! <—-affiliate link
- Prep the parchment in the baking dish before you start cooking the caramels and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Just before the caramels reach their optimal temp, heat the bourbon for 30 seconds in the micro.
- Use wax paper for wrapping caramels.
Made half a batch and the caramel texture is amazing! I followed recipe but we don’t really get Maple or Bourbon flavor. Lightly used flakey salt for topping and tried a piece. I felt it was overly salty, so be careful. I was able to remove enough salt to save.
Thank you Sylvia! I think the bourbon is a light flavor that if you compare side to side you notice but isn’t overpowering at all. I’m glad you liked the texture and enjoyed them!
I just made these and they are delectable. I also covered half with bittersweet chocolate and sprinkled them with salt. I am not sure which one I love more! Thanks for this recipe.
Emily – those sound amazing! Thank you for sharing!
These look so creamy and dreamy! We LOVE caramels at our house, and this combo looks fabulous!
Hey Mama V! Yep, these are totally irresistibly yummy!
Megan