Description
Sweet indulgence meets Middle Eastern charm in these pomegranate caramels, where rich buttery notes dance with tangy fruit essence. Small bites of pure delight offer a luxurious journey through complex layers of flavor you’ll savor with each delectable piece.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit-Based Ingredients:
- 4 cups (945 ml) pure pomegranate juice
Sugars:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
Dairy and Cream Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Concentrate the pomegranate essence by simmering juice in a spacious pot over medium heat. Allow liquid to gradually condense, stirring periodically and scraping pot edges. Reduce until the volume transforms into a rich, dark syrup with molasses-like consistency, approximately one hour.
- Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by coating interior with light grease. Create a parchment paper sling, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides for effortless caramel removal. Precut wax paper squares for individual wrapping.
- Incorporate butter, granulated and brown sugars, and heavy cream into the reduced pomegranate concentrate. Merge ingredients thoroughly, promoting even melting. Position candy thermometer and heat mixture, stirring intermittently, until temperature reaches soft-ball stage around 240°F, which typically requires 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat source and integrate vanilla paste, flaky sea salt, and optional red food coloring for enhanced visual appeal. Gently fold ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.
- Transfer caramel mixture into prepared pan, spreading carefully to create uniform layer. Allow confection to stabilize at ambient temperature for approximately one hour until completely set.
- Extract caramel slab using parchment paper handles. Slice into precise squares using sharp knife. Individually encase each piece with wax paper, executing delicate twists at ends to secure delectable morsels.
Notes
- Adjust the heat carefully when reducing pomegranate juice to prevent burning and achieve a thick, syrupy consistency.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure perfect caramel texture and prevent overcooking.
- Experiment with alternative sugars like coconut sugar for a deeper flavor profile or to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream and plant-based butter alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 104
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg