Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pomegranate Caramels offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with the deep flavor of pomegranate juice elevating the creamy caramel. The pomegranate seeds on top add a lovely pop of color and a little crunch to each bite. The caramel itself is smooth, rich, and chewy, and the slight tartness of the pomegranate prevents the candy from being overwhelmingly sweet. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh pomegranate juice
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
Cooking spray, for greasing the pan

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare Your Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the caramels once set.
Juice Preparation: Extract fresh pomegranate juice, ensuring that there are no seeds. You can use a juice extractor or blend the seeds and strain them through a fine mesh sieve.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, granulated sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir to combine.
Stir Constantly: Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the butter is melted.
Add Cream: Carefully stir in the heavy cream, making sure everything is well combined. Continue stirring.
Cook Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage (about 240°F or 115°C) on a candy thermometer. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
Remove from Heat: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Pour into Pan: Quickly pour the caramel into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Cool: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it’s completely set.
Cut Caramels: Once cooled, lift the caramel out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used). Use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into squares or rectangles.
Garnish (Optional): For a decorative touch, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of the caramels before serving. This adds a pop of color and a bit of texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24-30 pieces (depending on the size you cut them)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes (plus 2 hours for cooling)

Variations

Add a Touch of Salt: Sprinkle some sea salt on top of the caramels after they’ve cooled for a salted caramel version with a sweet and salty contrast.
Chocolate Coating: Dip the cooled caramels in melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with other fruit juices like raspberry, orange, or blueberry for a different fruity twist on your caramel candies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these Pomegranate Caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can separate the layers of caramels with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing: You can freeze the caramels for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: These caramels don’t require reheating, but if they’ve been stored in the fridge, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pomegranate juice?

Yes, store-bought pomegranate juice works just fine if you don’t have fresh pomegranates on hand. Just be sure to use 100% pure juice without added sugars or preservatives.

2. Can I substitute the corn syrup with something else?

Corn syrup helps to keep the caramel smooth and prevents it from crystallizing. If you need a substitute, you can use golden syrup or light honey, though the texture might be slightly different.

3. What is the “soft ball stage” for caramel?

The soft ball stage is when the caramel reaches a temperature of about 240°F (115°C). To test it without a thermometer, drop a small amount of the caramel into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that can be flattened with your fingers, it’s ready.

4. Can I make these caramels without a candy thermometer?

Yes, although a candy thermometer is the most accurate way to check the caramel’s temperature, you can use the cold water method to test the consistency (soft ball stage) as described above.

5. How do I make the caramels firmer or softer?

If you prefer firmer caramels, cook the mixture a little longer until it reaches a higher temperature (around 250°F). For softer caramels, cook the mixture for less time, aiming for a lower temperature.

6. Can I add nuts to the caramels?

Yes, you can fold chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios into the caramel mixture before pouring it into the pan for extra crunch and flavor.

7. How long do these caramels last?

These Pomegranate Caramels will last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

8. Can I make these caramels vegan?

To make vegan Pomegranate Caramels, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and dairy-free butter. You can also use a plant-based sweetener if desired.

9. Can I make the caramels without vanilla extract?

Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the vanilla extract or substitute it with another flavoring, such as almond extract or orange zest, for a different flavor profile.

10. How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before pouring in the caramel. If using parchment paper, you can easily lift the entire batch of caramels out for cutting.

Conclusion

Pomegranate Caramels are a delightful and sophisticated treat, with the perfect combination of creamy caramel and tangy pomegranate flavor. They make a great gift, a sweet addition to any dessert spread, or simply a delicious candy to enjoy on your own. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can easily make these delectable caramels at home. Indulge in this fruity twist on traditional caramels and treat yourself to a candy that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

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