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Homemade Cardamom-Orange Soft Caramels

November 26, 2016 By Patricia 34 Comments

Gift-giving season is here, and so is goodie season! Add these Homemade Cardamom-Orange Soft Caramels to your list as a great, homemade gift to pass out during the season (or keep them all to yourself)!

Homemade Cardamom-Orange Caramels are a fun holiday treat that also makes a great gift.

Expectation Alert: These soft caramels are nothing like the candy you pick up at the grocery store, individually wrapped in plastic. Not that there’s anything wrong with them – I love those, too. But these candies are very soft. Soft, and delicious!

The flavors are a bit unexpected but still perfect for the winter season. I’m a cardamom lover, and the added spice mixed with orange is a delight.

Gift-giving never tasted so good! Homemade Cardamom-Orange Caramels are quite a treat!

I love that these caramels can be wrapped and boxed or bagged to pass out to friends and family during the season. What is nicer than receiving a homemade gift during the holidays? Especially on that tastes so good!

I brought these goodies home to my family over Thanksgiving and they were a hit! I alerted people that these candies are soft, but it didn’t seem to deter anyone.

You'll unwrap wonderful flavor from these delicious Homemade Cardamom-Orange Caramels!

The recipe I used as my base was from The Kitchn. I tried using a Martha Stewart caramels recipe (twice), but it just did not work. My caramels never firmed up.

You may need to spray your hands lightly with the nonstick cooking spray when you cut and wrap the candy. I cut the candy into narrow rectangles, and ended up rolling them a bit in my hands to form a Tootsie Roll-like shape.

The Kitchn notes in their recipe that you can try to experiment with the quantity of cream you use (less may deliver firmer caramels), but I kept mine as-is. I am definitely making these again, and will try using less cream next time – I have a lot of gifts to deliver this year (sorry for the spoiler, friends).

Make these Homemade Cardamom-Orange Caramels to give to family and friends this season!

I hope you’ll give Homemade Cardamom-Orange Soft Caramels a try this season. They are a fun treat with a homemade touch.

Looking for more holiday goodies to keep or give away? Try one of these recipes:
Spicy Pine Nut Brittle
Buttermilk Fudge with Orange & Rosemary
Chocolate Bark with Pistachios and Sea Salt

Yields 52

Homemade Cardamom-Orange Soft Caramels

These candies are soft and delicious! They make a great option for gift giving this season!

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
  • Parchment paper for the pan, and to use to wrap the candy
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with the parchment paper. Make sure there is some hanging over the edges.
  2. Lightly spray the parchment with the nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. In a small pan, combine the butter, cream, and salt over medium-high heat until the butter melts. Remove from the heat, but keep it near you.
  4. In a large saucepan (without any heat), combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cardamom. Use a rubber spatula to stir the mixture until it forms a grainy paste.
  5. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe any remaining sugar from the sides of the pan (above the mixture level).
  6. Add a candy thermometer to the large pan. Turn on the heat to medium-high. Do not stir the mixture, but let it come to a boil.
  7. When the thermometer reaches 300 degrees F., turn off the heat and whisk in the cream mixture.
  8. Turn the heat back on to medium-high and bring it to a boil, again without stirring. The mixture will turn from a buttery color to a darker color.
  9. When the temperature reaches 250 degrees F., remove the pan from the heat and quickly whisk in the orange oil.
  10. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Don’t scrape the last of the mixture from the pan into the baking dish, as there will be some hard pieces at the bottom.
  11. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.
  12. Remove from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut the candy into thin rows down, and across, to the size you like. I cut mine into rectangular pieces.
  13. Cut pieces of parchment paper into squares, longer than the candy. Roll them up in the paper and twist the edges.
  14. Keep the candy in an airtight container.

Notes

These candies are very soft. I recommend wrapping these candies in parchment paper instead of waxed paper to prevent the candy from sticking to the paper.

7.8.1.2
102
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/homemade-cardamom-orange-caramels/

Nutrition

Calories: 2804 cal
Carbohydrates: 406 g
Fat: 138 g
Sodium: 746 g
Cholesterol: 448 g
Protein: 6 g

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes Tagged With: candy, caramels, gift giving, goodies, homemade caramels, treats

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Comments

  1. Oyinkan Ogunleye says

    November 28, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    HOw cool that you made caramel?! I never knew how to make caramel!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      Thanks, Oyinkan! It wasn't as difficult as I imagined!
      Reply
  2. Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says

    November 28, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    We haven't made too much homemade candy! I think I need to give it a try!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      It was always intimidating for me, but this is a good one!
      Reply
  3. Krista says

    November 28, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    These look great! I need to make these for Christmas!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks, Krista! Hope you try them, and enjoy!
      Reply
  4. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says

    November 28, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    Love the cardamom orange combo! Can't wait to try these!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks so much, Jessica!
      Reply
  5. Beth (OMG! Yummy) says

    November 28, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    I love a good use of cardamom in any recipe. Paired with orange is a great idea.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:46 pm

      Ohmygosh! I know - I'm a big fan of cardamom, whenever possible :) Thanks!
      Reply
  6. Erin says

    November 28, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    These look amazing. I'm going to try and make them with golden syrup replacing the corn syrup, since I can't buy corn syrup locally. Yum!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:46 pm

      Thanks, Erin! Hope it works for you!
      Reply
  7. Sarah Jean Althouse says

    November 28, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    I love the orange twist, making it a bit different than the typical fall/winter caramels, but still tying it in with the spice!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:46 pm

      Thanks, Sarah Jean! I wanted something a bit different!
      Reply
  8. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:58 am

    Wow Patricia! These sound so good! Orange and cardamon is the perfect flavor match, and i'll bet it's brilliant in a soft caramel!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Cynthia! I love that flavor combo!
      Reply
  9. Amy @ Two Healthy Kitchens says

    November 29, 2016 at 1:00 am

    These are so adorable! I will definitely plan to make some as little Christmas gifts. The texture of caramel is one of my favorites, and, in my opinion, cardamom makes everything better! Plus, there's the tangy orange to balance it all out. Love!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      I couldn't agree more about cardamom -- my fave! Thanks so much, Amy!
      Reply
  10. Meg @ With Salt and Wit says

    November 29, 2016 at 1:17 am

    These are a great idea for the Holidays!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks, Meg!
      Reply
  11. Catherine says

    November 29, 2016 at 6:40 am

    Dear Patricia, these are such a wonderful idea for the holidays. They make for perfect gifts. I love soft candies, but your cardamom and orange twist is a true delight. Pinned for later. xo, Catherine
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks so much, Catherine! The flavor is so fab!
      Reply
  12. Sandi (@fearless_dining) says

    November 29, 2016 at 6:52 am

    I have always wanted to learn how to make caramel...these look so good!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 29, 2016 at 5:43 pm

      Thanks, Sandi! It's not as difficult as you think!
      Reply
  13. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    November 29, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    I love the cardamom/orange combination! These would make such a lovely gift, and it's one my daughter and I can make together.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 4, 2016 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks so much, Joanie! I'm a big cardamom fan ;)
      Reply
  14. Anne Lawton says

    December 1, 2016 at 2:15 am

    What a great gift Idea for the holidays!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 4, 2016 at 4:16 pm

      Thanks, Anne! I think so, too - love homemade gifts!
      Reply
  15. Isabel says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Yum! I've always wanted to make my own caramels. I've always been obsessed with caramel anything. Caramel sauce, caramel chews, "old people candy" like werthers. I just love it :) Can't wait to try this recipe!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 4, 2016 at 4:13 pm

      Thanks, Isabel! Hope you try this, and enjoy!
      Reply
  16. eat good 4 life says

    December 2, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    This recipe is super awesome. I can't imagine how great this recipe might taste! My kids would go crazy if I made them this.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 4, 2016 at 4:10 pm

      Thank you!! It's a fun treat, for sure!
      Reply
  17. Khrys says

    December 17, 2016 at 7:32 am

    I just tried making these and so far they look ok (just now cooling).... but when was I supposed to add the salt? The steps didn't say and so mine went without. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 22, 2016 at 2:11 am

      Hi Khrys - so sorry I missed that step! I added the salt with the cream and butter. I'll update the recipe thanks to your catch! Cheers!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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