This recipe for soft and chewy Easy Espresso Caramels will soon become your favorite confection to indulge in yourself and gift to others. They’re smooth and creamy and absolutely addictive!
Oh friends! These caramels! I’m just warning you, it’s time to break out the stretchy pants! Thank goodness bathing suit season is overrrr, because you are going to have a hard time eating just one. These Easy Espresso Caramels are irresistible!
Just ask my college girlfriends, they’ll back me up on this one. I went to college with some of the best girlfriends ever. It’s been a while since those old college days, but we still get together as often as we can, and when we do, it’s wine, food and fun all weekend long. Last fall, when they all came down to the beach for a long weekend I made these caramels. They were a HUGE hit!
These homemade caramels are soft, chewy and a total cinch to make. They’re smooth and buttery with a hint of espresso, my favorite! I’ve been making these for ever and love to share them with friends because they make the perfect little gift. Who doesn’t like homemade caramels? You need a candy thermometer, but it’s so easy to use. This recipe makes one 8×8 pan and you can cut the caramels into any size you like. I like to wrap mine in little clear cellophane wrappers, but you can also use wax paper. Make sure after you pour the caramel in the pan, you let it sit until it’s firm to the touch, preferably overnight. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about four weeks or in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. (if they last that long!)
So next time you get invited to a friends for dinner, bring these homemade Easy Espresso Caramels as a little hostess gift. I guarantee you’ll get invited again real soon! You might want to make two batches, so you can have your own stash! Enjoy friends!
Easy Espresso Caramels
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1/2 cup one stick unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. espresso powder I got mine from Williams-Sonoma
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, then spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine butter, sugar, cream, corn syrup and salt in large deep pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, uncovered, stirring often and scraping the sides of the pan to incorporate all the sugar.
- Once mixture starts to boil, insert the thermometer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until the mixtures reaches 246 degrees F.
- While the caramel is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the espresso powder, one teaspoon hot water and the vanilla extract.
- When mixture reaches 246 degrees, remove it from the heat and stir in the espresso powder mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Let stand at room temperature at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight.
- Cut into one inch pieces and individually wrap in cellophane or wax paper.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I can’t be trusted around caramels, but I’d love a big bowl of these around :) Great recipe!
Mary Ann
Thanks Jennifer! They are addictive little candies! Have a great weekend!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I haven’t made caramels since culinary school and this is totally making me wonder why the heck I have let YEARS pass without homemade caramels! These sound beyond phenomenal, Mary Ann! I LOVE the espresso touch! You did such a great job wrapping them too!! So adorable! These are just PERFECT! I am definitely making these next time my family comes to visit or just for Boy to bring to work as a little treat! Obviously I can’t have these just hanging around or I will devour them ALL! Pinned! Cheers, my dear!
Mary Ann
It really is hard to pass the jar and not grab one Cheyanne! I have a few recipes for caramels, but this is by far the easiest and quickest one! I love making these for people because they are always a hit!
TD
Me likey!!!
Mary Ann
Oh I know!! They’re irresistible…just like you! ;)
Gerlinde | Sunnycovechef
Caramels are on my “to do” list and yours look irresistible. As soon as it cools down here in my little town I will make them. Pinned !
Mary Ann
Thanks Gerlinde. These are so easy and really delicious! Hope it starts to cool down there!
Thalia @ butter and brioche
I just made some coffee caramels last week too! (and they were delicious and did not last long). Definitely going to test our your recipe next time mary ann.
Mary Ann
Great minds think alike Thalia! I have a few great recipes I use, but this one is by far the easiest. Enjoy the weekend!
Andreas
When do you add the vanilla extract?
Mary Ann
Hi Andreas. You add the vanilla when you add the espresso mixture. I forgot to add that. Thanks for pointing that out!
Claudia | The Brick Kitchen
What gorgeous little treats! I love how you have added espresso to the caramel – definitely something I need to try. I can’t imagine them lasting long in our house, that’s for sure :)
Mary Ann
Thanks Claudia! Oh, the espresso flavor is really good. They don’t last long at our house either! Enjoy your weekend and thanks so much for commenting.
Jessica DeMay
These look so amazing!! I love all things coffee so I know I would love these! They are so adorable and on my to-make list.
Mary Ann
Thanks Jessica! Besides eating them myself, I love giving them as gifts! Holidays will be here before we know it!
Amaryllis @ thetastyother.com
Beautiful photos, Mary Ann! I’ve never made caramels before, but I think it’s about time. Thanks for sharing!
Mary Ann
Oh you should definitely try. They really aren’t hard at all and so nice to give as gifts!(and eat yourself of course!) Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for commenting@
Sharon
Would it ruin them if you omit the expresso powder? I don’t like coffee, but I love caramels.
Mary Ann
No, it wouldn’t ruin them at all. Enjoy!
Alexa
These look absolutely delicious! I love coffee and espresso-flavored desserts, but I’m not too familiar with actually making coffee or espresso by itself. Because of that, I’m a little confused. In the directions, it says to dissolve the 2 1/2 Tablespoons of espresso powder into 2 teaspoons of hot water. Is that right?
Mary Ann
Hi Alexa. Yes, you can buy espresso powder at the market. I like the Delallo brand. Then just add two teaspoons of hot water to it to dissolve it before continuing with the recipe.
Leslie
Why not just infuse the espresso powder in the cream for a deeper flavor the same way you would with Earl Grey?
Mary Ann
Great idea Leslie! Thanks for sharing!
JJ
These caramels are amazing. I made two batches-one with espresso and one without-both delish. I also appreciate not having to add cream in two batches and stir the entire time. New go to recipe.
Mary Ann
So happy your enjoyed them! They’re one of my favorites for gifting! Happy Holidays!
Caroline
We made four batches of different recipes and by far this was the most delicious! These are a new part of our holiday tradition, thank you Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
Hi Caroline. So many people have been making these caramels this holiday! I’m super happy you enjoy this easy recipe and glad they’re now part of your holiday tradition! Have a wonderful holiday!
Miguelito
This recipe looks incredible. Approximately how many individual caramels does this recipe make?
Thanks!
Mary Ann
Hey there Miguelito. It’s all based on how big you like your caramels really. I get about 70-80 caramels, so about ten rows of 7 caramels in each row. Enjoy!