Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels Recipe

Introduction

These Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels are a quick and easy treat that combine the warm flavors of fall with the rich sweetness of homemade caramel. Perfect for a cozy snack or a seasonal gift, they require just a few ingredients and a microwave.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside, as you’ll need to pour the caramel in right after cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Make sure the bowl is large because the caramel mixture will bubble up.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: Microwave the mixture on high for 7 minutes without stirring or interrupting the process.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the hot bowl and whisk in the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice while the mixture is still bubbling.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel immediately into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the caramel for at least an hour to let it set.
8. Step 8: Once firm, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, slice into squares, and enjoy your chewy, flavorful caramels.

Tips & Variations

• Use a large bowl to prevent overflow when the caramel bubbles up in the microwave.
• For a spicier kick, add extra pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of ground cloves.
• If you prefer a softer caramel, reduce the microwave time by 30 seconds and check consistency.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet and salty twist.
• Swap vanilla for maple extract to add a subtle autumn flavor.

Storage

Store the caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature for a few minutes to soften. They can also be frozen for longer storage—thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these caramels without a microwave?

Yes, you can make the caramel on the stovetop by combining the ingredients in a saucepan and cooking over medium heat until thickened, but be careful to stir constantly to prevent burning.

What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to achieve a similar warm spice blend.

Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels Recipe

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These Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels are a quick and delicious treat perfect for autumn. Infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and rich vanilla, these homemade caramels come together effortlessly in the microwave, offering a chewy and flavorful delight without the hassle of traditional stovetop candy-making.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
• Yield: 16 pieces 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Base

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly and set aside. This step is important because the caramel will need to be poured and set quickly once cooked.
2. Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl (choose a large one to prevent overflow as the caramel bubbles), melt the unsalted butter by microwaving it until fully liquified.
3. Mix Ingredients: Whisk in the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Microwave Cooking: Place the bowl in the microwave and cook the mixture on high for 7 minutes without stirring or interrupting; the mixture will bubble up and cook evenly this way.
5. Add Flavorings: Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave and immediately whisk in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice while the caramel is still bubbling for optimal flavor infusion.
6. Pour and Smooth: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish carefully and smooth the surface evenly to ensure uniform thickness.
7. Chill: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the caramel to chill and set for at least 1 hour until firm and chewy.
8. Serve: Once set, optionally sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top, then cut the caramel into chewy squares and enjoy.

Notes

• Use a large microwave-safe bowl to prevent the caramel from bubbling over during cooking.
• Do not stir the caramel mixture during microwaving to allow it to cook evenly.
• Let the caramel chill completely before cutting to ensure clean squares.
• Store leftover caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• For a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to increase the pumpkin pie spice to 1½ teaspoons.

Keywords: pumpkin spice caramels, microwave caramels, pumpkin pie spice candy, homemade caramel recipe, autumn treats