Ina Garten’s Dreamy Fleur De Sel Caramels Recipe: Sweet Gold Bites

Smooth, glossy caramels with a hint of salt dance between sweet and savory in this delightful Ina Garten fleur de sel caramels recipe that takes homemade treats to a luxurious level.

Buttery caramel melts on your tongue, leaving behind a gentle salty whisper that makes each bite irresistible.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore how simple ingredients can create such an elegant confection.

The secret lies in precise temperature control and high-quality fleur de sel sprinkled delicately across golden, amber-hued caramels.

Patience transforms ordinary sugar into a rich, complex candy that looks sophisticated and tastes extraordinary.

Each piece promises a moment of pure indulgence that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.

Get ready to master a confectionery art that turns basic ingredients into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 20

Ingredients List for Ina Garten’s Fleur De Sel Caramels

• Sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness and caramelization for the recipe, choose fine granulated white sugar for smooth melting.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization, ensures silky texture, select light corn syrup for consistent results.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious richness and smooth consistency, select high-fat content cream for best flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds depth and velvety texture, use fresh European-style butter for enhanced taste.

• Fleur De Sel: Delivers sophisticated saltiness and gourmet finish, choose delicate sea salt crystals from France for authentic flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex undertone, select pure vanilla extract for genuine aromatic profile.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures easy caramel release from pan, choose neutral-flavored oil like canola for minimal interference.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create initial caramel base, use filtered water for pure results.

Must-Have Tools for Fleur De Sel Caramels by Ina Garten

• Deep saucepan: Wide pot (6 inches / 15cm) for heating sugar mixture safely.
• Small pot: For warming cream, butter, and fleur de sel gently.
• Candy thermometer: Critical for precise temperature monitoring during caramel cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing and shaping caramel logs.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting caramel into clean, precise pieces.
• Parchment paper: Used for lining pan and wrapping individual caramels.
• Pastry brush: Helpful for lightly oiling the baking pan.
• 8-inch square baking pan: Provides perfect mold for caramel sheet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

Making Ina Garten’s Fleur De Sel Caramels Step by Step

• Baking Pan Preparation

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. Lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking.

• Sugar Transformation

Combine water, sugar, and corn syrup in a deep saucepan. Heat slowly, watching the mixture transform into a golden hue. Gently swirl the pan without stirring.

• Cream Blend

Warm cream, butter, and salt in a separate pot until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.

• Caramel Magic

Pour the warm cream into the golden sugar mixture carefully. The liquid will bubble and react dramatically. Stir in vanilla and continue cooking until the caramel reaches the perfect consistency.

• Cooling Period

Transfer the hot caramel into the prepared pan. Chill in the refrigerator until the mixture becomes firm and solid.

• Cutting and Shaping

Remove the caramel from the pan and place on a cutting surface. Slice into even sections, then roll into elegant logs. Sprinkle with extra salt for a gourmet touch.

• Finishing Touch

Wrap each caramel piece in delicate parchment paper, twisting the ends like a classic candy. Store in the refrigerator to maintain their delightful texture.

Tricks & Add-Ins for Ina Garten’s Fleur De Sel Caramels

• Master the art of creating silky, smooth caramels by maintaining constant heat and avoiding sudden temperature changes during cooking.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer to guarantee perfect caramel consistency, preventing overcooked or runny results that can ruin the texture.
• Experiment with additional ingredients like ground espresso, bourbon, or toasted nuts to create unique caramel variations that surprise and delight taste buds.
• Invest in high-quality parchment or glassine paper for professional-looking caramel packaging, ensuring each piece looks as delicious as it tastes.
• Keep caramels refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking and maintain their pristine shape.

How to Serve Fleur De Sel Caramels – Ina Garten Edition

• Pairing Perfectly: Serve these rich, buttery caramels alongside a steaming cup of dark roast coffee for a luxurious flavor contrast.
• Gifting Delightfully: Wrap the caramels in elegant parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gourmet gift that will impress friends and family.
• Dessert Companion: Arrange the caramels on a small plate with dark chocolate pieces and fresh berries to create an indulgent after-dinner treat that looks professionally styled.
• Beverage Complement: Enjoy these fleur de sel caramels with a glass of dessert wine or aged whiskey to enhance their complex sweet and salty profile.

Ina Garten’s Fleur De Sel Caramels – Plan Ahead & Store Smart

• Maximize Freshness: Store caramels in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Chill and Preserve: Refrigerate caramels for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Shield from Heat: Keep caramels away from direct sunlight and warm areas to prevent melting and maintain their perfect consistency.
• Smart Wrapping: Individually wrap each caramel in parchment paper to protect them from moisture and preserve their delicate shape.

Silky Ina Garten Fleur De Sel Caramels Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s fleur de sel caramels blend rich butter and delicate sea salt for an irresistible sweet-savory treat. Gourmet confections like these showcase culinary artistry while offering pure indulgence that keeps people coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ cups (300 g) sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
• 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp fine fleur de sel, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, creating side overhangs. Lightly oil the surface to facilitate caramel removal.
2. Caramel Base: Combine water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup in a deep saucepan. Heat on medium-high, allowing the mixture to transform into a rich golden color without stirring. Gently swirl the pan to ensure even caramelization.
3. Cream Infusion: Simultaneously warm heavy cream, unsalted butter, and fleur de sel in a separate pot until gently simmering. Remove from heat momentarily.
4. Fusion Process: Extinguish flame when sugar mixture reaches golden amber. Carefully pour cream mixture into caramel, expecting vigorous bubbling. Add vanilla extract and continue cooking on medium-low heat.
5. Temperature Control: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the mixture, cooking until it reaches exactly 248°F (firm ball stage). This typically requires about 10 minutes of precise cooking.
6. Setting and Cooling: Pour molten caramel into prepared pan. Refrigerate for several hours until completely solidified.
7. Cutting and Shaping: Remove caramel sheet and slice in half. Transform each segment into an 8-inch cylindrical log. Sprinkle additional fleur de sel across the surface for enhanced flavor.
8. Portioning and Wrapping: Trim uneven edges and divide each log into 8 uniform pieces. Cut parchment or glassine paper into 4×5-inch rectangles. Carefully wrap each caramel, twisting the ends elegantly.
9. Storage: Preserve the wrapped caramels in the refrigerator, maintaining their texture and flavor until ready to serve.

Notes

• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Avoid stirring the sugar mixture; gently swirl the pan to ensure even caramelization and prevent sugar crystals from forming.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a candy thermometer to hit exactly 248°F (120°C), which guarantees the perfect caramel texture and prevents under or overcooking.
• Careful Cream Incorporation: Pour cream mixture slowly into hot caramel to prevent splattering and ensure smooth, consistent blending without burning.
• Strategic Chilling: Refrigerate caramel for several hours to achieve firm, sliceable consistency, making cutting and shaping easier and more precise.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg