Description
These cranberry pomegranate caramels are a festive homemade candy that combines the tart brightness of cranberries and pomegranates with buttery, creamy richness. Enhanced with orange peel and vanilla, these chewy treats are perfect for holiday gifting, dessert trays, or simply indulging in a sweet-and-tangy twist on classic caramels.
Ingredients
2 cups no sugar added pomegranate juice (freshly squeezed if possible; about 3 large or 4 small pomegranates)
2 cups no sugar added cranberry juice
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
Peel from 1/2 of an orange, pith removed
Instructions
- If using fresh pomegranates, place arils in a zip-top bag, remove air, and gently roll with a rolling pin to release juice. Strain through a sieve, pressing gently.
- In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, and orange peel. Simmer over medium-low until reduced to 1/2–3/4 cup syrup. Remove orange peel.
- Lightly spray and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Add white sugar, brown sugar, butter, and cream to the reduced syrup. Stir until melted and smooth. Attach a candy thermometer and bring to a boil.
- Cook to 245–250°F for soft caramels or 255–260°F for firmer caramels.
- Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and salt. Pour into prepared pan.
- Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours, until firm. Lift out using parchment and cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Dip cooled caramels in dark chocolate for indulgence.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before cooling for salted caramels.
- Add chopped pistachios or pecans for crunch.
- Replace orange peel with lemon or lime peel for variation.
- Pour into silicone molds for festive shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
