Fruit Caramels

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Imagine a bite-sized treat that delivers the rich, buttery smoothness of caramel infused with vibrant bursts of real fruit flavor. That’s exactly what you get with these homemade Fruit Caramels. They’re soft, chewy, glossy, and naturally fruity—a nostalgic twist on classic candy that melts in your mouth but keeps your taste buds guessing.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday candy trays, give an unforgettable homemade gift, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, these little gems strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Choose your favorite fruit puree—raspberry, strawberry, mango, or even passionfruit—and create a caramel experience that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Fruit Caramels Recipe

• Natural Flavor: Made with real fruit puree, these caramels are bursting with authentic fruity taste.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: Unlike store-bought options, these caramels have the perfect bite.
• Customizable: Use any fruit you love. Want it tangier? Try passionfruit. Prefer mellow? Go with peach.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them in wax paper for a charming homemade gift.
• Fun to Make: Watching fruit and sugar transform into candy is a rewarding kitchen project.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To successfully create these glossy, flavor-packed fruit caramels, you’ll want to have your tools ready and organized. Precision matters when working with candy, so don’t skip the essentials:

• Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching.
• Candy Thermometer: Non-negotiable for reaching the perfect soft-ball stage (around 240°F).
• Silicone Spatula: Heat-resistant and great for stirring without sticking.
• Parchment-Lined Baking Dish or Silicone Mold: For easy removal and clean slicing.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: To cut the set caramel into uniform squares.
• Wax Paper Squares: Optional, but ideal for wrapping individual pieces if gifting or storing.

A little prep goes a long way when making caramels—once the sugar starts bubbling, you’ll need to stay focused. With your setup ready, it’s smooth caramel sailing!

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Ingredients for the Fruit Caramels

Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the luscious, chewy consistency and bold flavor of these fruit caramels:

• Fruit Puree (1 cup): The heart of the recipe. Use raspberry, strawberry, mango, or any vibrant fruit puree. It provides natural sweetness and color.
• Granulated Sugar (1 1/4 cups): Creates the structure of the caramel and helps it firm up properly.
• Light Corn Syrup (1/2 cup): Prevents crystallization and keeps the caramel smooth and glossy.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Deepens the flavor and helps achieve that silky texture.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the brightness of the fruit and balances sweetness.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch brings all the flavors together.

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How To Make the Fruit Caramels

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly butter the paper to prevent sticking. Set up your candy thermometer and have everything ready to go.

Step 2: Heat the Fruit Puree

In a medium saucepan, heat the fruit puree over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step intensifies the fruit flavor and removes excess moisture.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Ingredients

Add sugar, corn syrup, and lemon juice to the puree. Stir gently to combine. Clip the candy thermometer to the side of the pan.

Step 4: Bring to Temperature

Without stirring, bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches 230°F. At this point, slowly pour in the heavy cream and butter. Stir carefully and continue cooking until the thermometer reaches the soft-ball stage at 240°F.

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared dish. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Step 6: Slice and Wrap

Once firm, lift the caramel slab out using the parchment. Cut into bite-sized squares and wrap in wax paper for storage or gifting.

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How to Serve and Store Fruit Caramels

These vibrant fruit caramels are as versatile as they are beautiful. Serve them on dessert platters, tuck them into lunchboxes, or wrap them up as party favors or homemade holiday gifts. They’re particularly eye-catching when combined with other confections in a candy dish or charcuterie board.

To store them, wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them—just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before enjoying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What fruits work best for fruit caramels?

Berries like raspberry and strawberry are excellent, as are tropical fruits like mango and passionfruit. Just make sure the puree is smooth and well-strained.

Can I use frozen fruit puree?

Absolutely. Thaw it completely and strain it to remove excess water or seeds.

My caramel didn’t set. What went wrong?

It’s likely the mixture didn’t reach the soft-ball stage (240°F). Be sure to use a reliable candy thermometer and avoid stirring too much during boiling.

How do I keep the caramels from sticking to each other?

Wrap each piece individually in wax or parchment paper before storing.

Can I add other flavorings?

Yes! Try vanilla extract, citrus zest, or a pinch of sea salt on top for extra dimension.

Are these good for mailing?

They are! Wrap each piece securely and pack them in a box with cushioning. Avoid shipping during extreme heat.

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Want More Candy Treats to Try?

If these glossy fruit caramels hit the sweet spot, you might also love diving into these other crave-worthy ideas:

• Winter Brittle for a nutty, crunchy contrast.
• DIY Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes if you enjoy playful, nostalgic sweets.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake to satisfy rich and creamy dessert lovers.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a bold fusion of candy and comfort food.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake when you crave fruity indulgence in a whole new form.

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Save This Pin For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go with raspberry or something more exotic like mango? Maybe you sprinkled in a little sea salt?

I always love hearing how you personalize my recipes. Share your twists, tips, and candy wins below.

Looking for more fruity and fun candy ideas? Follow me over on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart where I post my latest sweet creations straight from the Kitchen by Kate.

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