Caramel is a candy that is formed when sugar is heated at about 340 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius). As the sugar is heated slowly to this temperature, the molecules break down and form new compounds that have a deep, rich flavour with a dark golden brown colour. This process is called “caramelization” and it is achieved with any type of sugar. There are so many ways to melt caramel and some of the best methods are described below.
Contents
The Double Boiler Method
Using a double boiler is one of the most effective ways to melt kraft caramel. Simply follow these steps;
What You Need
A double boiler
Your Caramel
Non metallic spatula
Steps For Melting
- Clean your double boiler
- Unwrap your caramel-bag and unravel any pieces that are stuck together
- Add about half or a cup of water into the bottom pot of your double boiler
- Put your top boiler on top of the bottom pot and make sure that it doesn’t touch the water
- Start off by boiling the water on medium-high heat.
- Let it simmer on low heat
- Add your kraft caramels inside the top pan and leave it to melt
- When your caramel starts to melt, stir it with non-metallic spatula and regularly add milk or water to the liquid
- Let your caramel cook for 10 or so minutes until it melts.
- Take the top pot off the below boiler pot
- Let it cool and serve as desired.
If you do not have a double boiler, you can simply replace the top pot with a bowl and make use of a pot or other pan as the bottom pot. The procedure for melting the kraft caramels is the same.
The Saucepan Method
The saucepan method is another effective way to melt kraft caramel. Simply follow these steps;
What You Need
A saucepan
Your hard caramel
Non-metallic spatula
- Apply a little bit of cooking oil or salted butter on the bottom of your pan that way, you can protect the pan from being damaged when the caramel melts.
- Make sure that you do not put too much oil or butter inside the pan so that you do not change the taste of your caramel.
- Unwrap the caramel you need to melt.
- One cup of your caramel should be equal to half of a cup of melted caramel
- Make use of a measuring cup to take the amount of caramel you need,
- Put two cups of hard caramel each time, so that it is easier to melt and smoother.
- Preheat the saucepan before adding any caramel.
- Turn on the heat to low or medium heat
- Add the hard caramel into your pan and make sure that you do not to add too many of them to prevent them from scorching.
- Let the caramel cook for a few minutes and stir it with a non-metallic spatula.
- You can add cream, milk or water while stirring your kraft caramel
- Keep stirring the caramel until it reaches the consistency that you want
- When the caramel has melted remove the pan from the stove after simmering it for a while
- Let it cool for a bit and serve as desired
The Microwave Method
The microwave is used to warm up and melt different types of food. It is not a surprise that you can also use it to melt hard caramel. Simply follow these steps;
What You Need
A microwave safe dish
Your hard caramel
Non-metallic spatula
- Spray a bit of cooking oil at the bottom of a microwave safe dish.
- Make sure that you use a suitable bowl for microwaves.
- Also take note that the melted caramel can reach the rim of your bowl if you put too many pieces inside it.
- Make sure that you choose a bowl with enough space to contain all of the caramel you want to melt.
- Unwrap your caramel bag and separate the pieces if they are stuck together.
- Put the caramel chewers in a microwave safe dish and ensure that they do not exceed the rim.
- Place the dish in the microwave and turn it on at high heat for about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Take out your bowl
- Crush the kraft caramel with a non-metallic spatula
- If the caramel has not melted put the dish back in the microwave and heat it up again.
- Set the temperature to a medium heat and reheat your caramel again for 15 seconds
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and if the caramel has not fully melted repeat the process.
- Stir the melted caramel well every time you take it out of the microwave
- Serve as desired when the caramel is ready
The Oven Method
You can also melt your kraft caramel using the oven method. Simply follow these steps;
What You Need
An oven tray
Your hard caramel
Non-metallic spatula
- Place your caramel inside a cookware
- Set your oven to 200º F, then place the caramels inside.
- Leave your caramel for 20 minutes
- Check your caramel to see if it has melted and leave it in the oven
- Do not leave your caramel in the oven for more than 2 hours
- When it is ready you can take it out as serve as desired
Tips For Melting Caramel
Make sure that you melt your caramel at a low heat. If you melt your kraft caramel at a heat that is too high you risk burning it. Make sure that you stir your caramel as you heat it with any of the methods mentioned. Stirring it will help with forming a smooth consistency. You can also add some water or milk to prevent the caramel from becoming too thick. When spraying your bowl or pan with oil make sure that you do not put too much oil or butter so that you do not change the taste of your caramel. Store your leftover caramel in an airtight container in a pantry or fridge. When you want to use the caramel again you can take it out reheat.
