Fruit Caramels

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If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect bite that combines chewy caramel with the brightness of real fruit, fruit caramels are your answer. These buttery, rich candies are infused with natural fruit flavor, creating a luscious blend of sweet and tart in every square. Unlike traditional caramels that focus solely on sugar and cream, fruit caramels elevate the experience with a burst of berry, citrus, or tropical notes.

Whether you’re making them for gifting, holidays, or just your personal candy stash, fruit caramels have a way of stealing the show. They wrap nostalgia and novelty into one melt-in-your-mouth package. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for plain caramels.

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Caramels Recipe

These caramels aren’t just beautiful and flavorful, they’re also surprisingly simple to make at home. You have control over the sweetness, the intensity of the fruit, and the texture. Plus, they store beautifully and make charming homemade gifts wrapped in wax paper or nestled in jars.

From raspberry to mango, the flavor combinations are endless. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll end up with a candy that’s smooth, fruity, and satisfyingly chewy.

What Kind of Fruit Puree Should I Use?

You can use a wide range of fruit purees for this recipe. The key is to use thick, well-strained purees without too much added liquid. Berries (like raspberry or blackberry), stone fruits (like apricot or peach), and tropical options (like mango or passion fruit) all work well. If you’re using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and strain it to remove excess moisture. And always taste your puree before using to ensure the flavor is concentrated enough to shine through the caramel.

Ingredients for the Fruit Caramels

Making fruit caramels only takes a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Fruit puree brings in the natural fruity taste and a vibrant color. Choose high-quality or homemade puree for the best flavor.

Heavy cream gives the caramel its signature creaminess and rich body.

Unsalted butter adds smoothness and helps bind the mixture as it cooks.

Granulated sugar sweetens and stabilizes the candy as it sets.

Light corn syrup prevents crystallization and gives the caramels that gorgeous chewy texture.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the fruit flavors.

Vanilla extract rounds out the taste and gives a subtle warmth to the finished candy.

How To Make the Fruit Caramels

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This helps remove the caramels easily once set.

Step 2: Heat the Fruit and Cream

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the fruit puree and heavy cream. Warm over medium heat, stirring often, just until it’s hot but not boiling. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Base

In a second large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook over medium heat until everything has melted. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.

Step 4: Add the Fruit Mixture

Slowly add the warm fruit and cream mixture into the sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 245°F (firm-ball stage).

Step 5: Finish and Pour

Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the caramels cool completely at room temperature, preferably overnight. Once set, lift out using the parchment, and cut into squares. Wrap each piece in wax paper if storing or gifting.

How to Serve and Store Fruit Caramels

Fruit caramels make an elegant after-dinner treat or a fun midday snack. They also work beautifully as part of a dessert tray or tucked into holiday boxes. This recipe yields around 64 small squares, perfect for sharing or savoring.

Store your caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid picking up any odors or moisture.

What to Serve With Fruit Caramels?

Pair with a Cheese Board

Soft caramels with fruity notes pair surprisingly well with a sharp cheddar or creamy brie.

Espresso or Strong Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee cuts the sweetness of the caramels and enhances their flavor.

Dark Chocolate

Pairing fruit caramels with squares of dark chocolate makes for a decadent tasting experience.

Sparkling Wine

For special occasions, serve fruit caramels alongside a glass of Prosecco or sparkling rosé.

Ice Cream Topping

Chop the caramels and sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent upgrade.

Dipped in Chocolate

If you’re feeling extra, dip the squares in dark or white chocolate and let them set for a candy-shop finish.

Paired with Nuts

Serve alongside toasted almonds or pecans for a crunchy-smooth snack mix.

With a Cup of Tea

A milder black tea or a fruity herbal blend pairs well for a relaxing moment.

Want More Candy Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these fruit caramels, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet sensations:

• Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy for a fiery crunch.
• Bunny Butt Oreo Balls if you’re craving whimsical no-bake fun.
• Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars that reinvent your candy drawer.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a layered treat that’s rich and gooey.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with raspberry or mango? Try a swirl of passion fruit? Did you dip them in chocolate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other create sweet magic.

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