Demand for caramel-flavored food has risen since 2009. It is the third most desired flavor, after the chocolate and vanilla standards. In the last five years, over 10,547 caramel products were launched, while restaurant menus featuring caramel desserts increased to 91 percent, according to Flavors of North America (FONA).
The popular recipe site Food.com has over 5,000 recipes for caramel desserts and dishes, and both the April 2015 issues of Bon Appétit and Good Food Magazine featured caramel-filled desserts.
On social media, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram overflow with photos and links to caramel deserts, and it's not difficult to find recipes loaded with the sweet stuff on Pinterest.
Here are three of the simplest, easiest, but delicious caramel recipes you can make for your family:
BASIC SOFT CARAMEL CANDY RECIPE
from Le Crema Dela Crumb
Ingredients
- 1½ sticks butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- optional: coarse sea salt, ½ teaspoon vanilla
Procedure: Mix the butter and sugar in a sauce pan. Once melted, add in the syrup and milk. Let it boil and then simmer for 7-10 minute while stirring constantly. You'll know it's done when the color of the mixture turns golden yellow. Add in vanilla before transferring to a pan. Sprinkle some salt to boost its flavor. Let it cool for about 2 hours before slicing and wrapping it like candy.
CARAMEL APPLE EGG ROLLS
From Growing Up Gabel
Ingredients
- 3- 4 Apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- 4-5 Egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, whisked
- Oil for frying (I fry with avocado oil)
* You can use pre-made apple pie filling
* You can use bananas instead of apples, or have both.
Procedure: On a sauce pan, melt the butter on medium heat and then add the apples, sugar and cinnamon. Let this cool for 5-10 minutes then set aside.
Next, set egg roll wrappers on a plate in diamond shape then add at least 1-2 tablespoons of the apples at mid-point. Fold the rolls from the bottom then onto the side, like an envelope. Brush some egg wash on the top, then roll the wrapper to close. Secure with egg wash again. Repeat the process until you've used up all apples and rolls. These will be ready for deep frying.
Fry the rolls until the wrappers are crispy. These can be served other hot or cold.
CARAMEL BROWNIES
From The Gracious Wife
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cup butter, softened
- 2⅔ cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 package caramels
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Procedure: In a bowl, mix butter and sugar till its light and fluffy. Add beaten eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder and salt then gently add this to the first bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Then, pour around 2/3 of this mixture in a lightly greased baking pan. Set the rest aside. Bake for 350° in 12 minutes.
As this is happening, heat caramels and condensed milk in a sauce pan until its smooth and creamy. Then take out the brownie pan that's baking in the oven and spread the caramel evenly. Top it off with the remaining brownie batter.
Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes.
