Celebrating Your National Caramel Day with 5 Irresistible Recipes

National Caramel Day in the USA is a delightful occasion that celebrates the rich, gooey, and indulgent sweetness of caramel. From classic caramel candies to decadent desserts, this special day offers a perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of caramel-infused recipes. In this article, we'll take you on a mouthwatering journey through some of the most delicious and creative caramel recipes inspired by the flavors and traditions of the United States.

National Caramel Day Recipe 1: All-American Caramel Apple Pie

There's nothing quite as American as a warm and comforting slice of caramel apple pie. This classic dessert combines the tartness of fresh apples, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the irresistible sweetness of caramel in a flaky homemade crust. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of apples and caramel.

Ingredients

For the crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the caramel sauce (optional)

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the crust by combining flour, salt, and cold cubed butter. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, coat sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Roll out one disk of dough and place it in a pie dish. Spread caramel sauce on the bottom, then add the apple filling.
• Roll out the second disk of dough and place it on top of the filling, either as a whole crust or in a lattice pattern.
• Seal and crimp the edges of the pie.
• Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
• Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzling each slice with additional caramel sauce.

Cooking Tips

• To prevent your crust from becoming soggy, you can pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, you can make your own caramel sauce by combining the granulated sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and let it cool before using.

National Caramel Day Recipe 2: Southern Caramel Pecan Pralines

Indulge in the flavors of the South with these delectable caramel pecan pralines. These candies are a true Southern delicacy, known for their creamy texture, caramelized sugar, and buttery pecans. With just a few simple ingredients and some insider tips, you can create these irresistible treats that will transport you to the heart of the South.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the butter has melted and the sugars have dissolved.
• Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 235°F (113°C) on the candy thermometer. This will take approximately 8-10 minutes.
• Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pecan halves, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously for a few minutes to cool and thicken the mixture slightly.
• Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the caramel pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each praline. Allow them to cool and set completely.
• Once the pralines have cooled and hardened, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Cooking Tips

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
• Stir the mixture vigorously after adding the pecans to cool and thicken it, which helps create a creamy texture.
• Work quickly when dropping spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, as the mixture will begin to set rapidly.

National Caramel Day Recipe 3: Salted Caramel Brownies 

Prepare yourself for a divine combination of flavors with these irresistible salted caramel brownies. These decadent treats boast a fudgy chocolate base, a gooey caramel center, and a touch of flaky sea salt on top. The contrast between sweet and salty creates an indulgent experience that will satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. Get ready to dive into the ultimate chocolate caramel delight!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the granulated sugar and stir until well combined.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter, making sure to cover the entire surface.
• Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter on top of the caramel layer and spread it as evenly as possible.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, sprinkle the top of the brownies with flaky sea salt. Cut into squares and serve.

Cooking Tips

• If you prefer a more intense caramel flavor, you can swirl some extra caramel sauce into the top layer of the brownie batter before baking.
• When cutting the brownies, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between each cut will help achieve cleaner edges.

National Caramel Day Recipe 4: Caramel Corn Crunch

This delightful snack combines freshly popped popcorn with a rich buttery caramel glaze, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy and sweet indulgence. Whether you're hosting a movie night or looking for a crowd-pleasing party treat, this caramel corn recipe is sure to be an instant hit. Get ready to enjoy a touch of nostalgia and irresistible flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

• 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
• Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes without stirring. This will allow the caramel to thicken slightly.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
• Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly.
• Transfer the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer.
• Bake the caramel corn in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the caramel corn cool completely. It will continue to harden as it cools.
• Once cooled, break the caramel corn into smaller pieces and store it in an airtight container.

Cooking Tips

• To prevent any unpopped kernels from ending up in the caramel corn, you can use a popcorn popper or sift through the popped popcorn before adding the caramel sauce.
• Feel free to add your own twist to the caramel corn by mixing in nuts, chocolate chips, or other desired toppings after coating it with caramel.

National Caramel Day Recipe 5: Caramelized Sweet Potato Casserole

Take your sweet potato casserole to the next level with the irresistible flavors of caramel. This recipe transforms tender roasted sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish by adding a delicious caramel glaze and a crispy pecan streusel topping. Whether you're serving it alongside your National Caramel Day feast or any special meal, this caramelized sweet potato casserole will be a standout dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well combined.
• Add the sweet potato cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
• Transfer the sweet potatoes to the greased baking dish and spread them out in an even layer.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
• After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the pecan streusel is golden and crispy.
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

To make ahead, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the pecan streusel topping separately, then cover and refrigerate them. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole as instructed and bake accordingly, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

For an extra caramelized touch, you can sprinkle a little additional brown sugar on top of the sweet potatoes before adding the pecan streusel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these five caramel recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate your culinary repertoire. From the indulgent Salted Caramel Brownies to the nostalgic Caramel Corn Crunch, each recipe offers a unique and irresistible combination of flavors. The Caramelized Sweet Potato Casserole adds a delightful twist to a classic side dish, while the Caramel Apple Pie provides a comforting and decadent dessert option. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delectable treat, these caramel recipes are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity in the kitchen, and prepare to delight your taste buds with the magic of caramel.