Updated: Sep. 04, 2023
Have leftover caramel after making it at home? Learn how to properly store this sweet so your hard work won't go to waste!
Sweet, rich caramel can make just about anything better. Drizzling a luscious caramel sauce over ice cream is the perfect way to spruce it up. Or, how about using caramel to make traditional caramel apples for a sweet treat? You can’t go wrong.
Caramel is utterly delicious, but it can require a bit more attention. When it comes to how to store caramel, it’s all about moisture. Too much air can dry out your caramel, while absorbing too much moisture can cause caramel to sweat, making it terribly gooey. Introducing this sweet to other foods or varying temperatures can change its texture along the way as well.
Caramel may sound a bit intimidating, but once you know the ins and outs, it’s more approachable than you think. Read on so you can avoid any pitfalls when storing this sweet.
How to Store Caramel Sauce
Caramel sauce is typically made by caramelizing granulated sugar and water, and adding heavy cream. As a caramel sauce cools, it starts to come together and thicken. Caramel sauce should be stored in a heat-resistant, airtight container such as a jar or a glass microwave-safe bowl with a lid.
This sweet sauce can be left out at room temperature for a few days, but because of the dairy incorporated into the sauce, it’s best kept refrigerated. Plus, popping it in the fridge will keep your caramel sauce fresher for longer.
The caramel sauce will harden slightly because of the introduction of a colder temperature, but storing it in a proper container in the fridge will keep it fresh and ready to use for 2 to 3 weeks. Simply warm the caramel sauce in the microwave to make it smooth again.
Can You Freeze Caramel Sauce?
If you want to hold onto your homemade caramel sauce a bit longer, it can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. The trick here is proper storage. Whereas caramel sauce does well in a glass container in the fridge, you’ll want to skip that if you’re freezing it to avoid any potential for shattered glass. Instead, store the caramel sauce in an airtight plastic storage container in the freezer. When you’re ready to drizzle it again, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature.
How to Store Homemade Caramel Candy
Making your own chewy caramel candies at home, whether in a traditional square or rectangle shape, or even a lollipop, is such a treat. But you certainly wouldn’t want to go to all the trouble and not be able to enjoy your caramels.
Once your homemade caramel candies have been prepared, cooled and cut, each individual caramel should be wrapped. Wrapping the caramels in wax paper and then twisting the ends is best for proper storage.
Homemade caramel candies don’t need to be stored in the fridge, as long as they’re wrapped well to be kept free of moisture. You can leave the caramels out at room temperature, tucked away from heat or light, and they’ll stay fresh for six to nine months. If you’d prefer to put the caramel candies away in the fridge to keep them from getting too warm at room temperature, you certainly can. Just be sure they’re well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container or plastic storage bag, and they’ll last for the same six to nine months. While you’re at it, learn how to store mushrooms.
Can You Freeze Homemade Caramel Candy?
To really keep your caramels cool, dry and away from light, they can be stored in the freezer. Be sure the caramel candies are wrapped, and keep them stored in a plastic storage container or a plastic freezer bag. Write a date on the storage bag or container, and keep your caramels in the freezer for up to one year. Plan for at least one hour to allow your caramels to thaw and soften before you dig in to enjoy them.
Ready to make your own caramel? Be sure to avoid any common caramel making mistakes along the way.
FAQs
Ensure it's in an airtight container to maintain quality and prevent it from absorbing other odours. Caramel stored in the fridge can last for up to a month. When you want to use it, gently warm it to restore its smooth, spreadable consistency.
Does caramel go bad if not refrigerated? ›
To extend the shelf life of caramel, it is important to store it properly. Caramel should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before using.
Should caramel set in the fridge? ›
How long does it take caramel to set? Give your caramel at least two hours to set, or overnight if possible. You can also pop caramel into the fridge to help it set up faster. The caramel will sweat a little when brought out of the fridge, but will still taste fine.
How to keep caramel from getting hard? ›
Just keep the flame low to keep it from going too far. If the temperature gets too hot and the caramel becomes too hard as it cools, you can put it back in the pan with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to try and save it.
Can I wrap caramels in saran wrap? ›
Spread hot caramel to the edges of the pan and allow to cool to room temperature. Wrap with plastic wrap (or put on the lid if your pans are lidded) and store all day or overnight in the fridge.
Can you leave homemade caramel at room temp? ›
Homemade Caramel Sauce can be kept at room temperature for 3 days or for a longer shelf life, in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or frozen for up to three months (see below).
How do you know if caramel is bad? ›
In terms of appearance, spoiled caramel will appear lumpy or hard. The liquids and solids may have separated, creating a watery film. A significant color change is also a good indicator that your sauce has gone bad. If the sight test checks out, give your caramel sauce a sniff.
Does a jar of caramel need to be refrigerated? ›
If left unopened, store-bought caramel sauce can last for several months beyond its sell-by date. Once opened, it's best to pop it in the fridge (transferring it to an airtight container if the packaging can't be resealed).
Should salted caramel be refrigerated? ›
Allow the sauce to cool for a bit in the pot, then pour into a glass jar or other airtight container and cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. You can gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat before using it again.
How to fix runny caramel? ›
Alternatively, you can mix in water with cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce. If you're using cornstarch, add 1 tablespoon each of water and cornstarch for every cup of caramel sauce. For flour, mix ¼ cup of water and 2 tablespoons of flour per cup of sauce.
Try milk instead.
If you don't want to make a special trip to the store, you can use whole milk with an extra tablespoon of butter in place of the heavy cream. It may not be quite as thick, but it will work in a pinch!
How to tell if caramel is done? ›
You can test to see whether your caramel is done by having a bowl of cold water (we recommend adding ice cubes if you have them to hand) and then using a spoon, remove some of the mixture from the pan, immerse the spoon into the cold water, moving the spoon and then remove from the water and test the caramel with your ...
What is the difference between caramel and carmel? ›
Caramel is the correct spelling if you're talking about food or colors. Carmel is a misspelling when used in those contexts, but it is a word that can be used as a name for people or places.
What happens if you stir caramel too much? ›
When making caramel, especially wet caramel, your main nemesis will be the sugar's natural tendency to recrystallize. The sugar crystals have jagged edges and, even after liquefying, want to regroup into a solid mass. Stirring a wet caramel encourages these crystals to hook up—and cause clumping.
How to stop caramel from seizing? ›
Add an acid: Adding an acid keeps sugar from recrystallizing by breaking down a portion of the sucrose molecules into fructose and glucose molecules. Our Caramel Sauce, for instance, includes cream of tartar as insurance against the sugar crystallizing.
Do homemade caramels need to be refrigerated? ›
The great thing about making homemade caramel is that it stores super well for a long time. Keep it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a month. If I am not wrapping it in wax paper I store it with pieces of wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
How do you make store bought caramel better? ›
I emptied the bottle into a small saucepan and brought it to a boil. Then I added about half a teaspoon of kosher salt and let it continue boiling for 10 minutes. It thickened and darkened significantly, which I took as a good sign.
Do you have to refrigerate caramel topping after opening? ›
We suggest storing Smucker's® Magic Shell Caramel Flavored Topping at room temperature, even after opening. Do not refrigerate. If Magic Shell Toppings are stored below 65º, the product will separate and harden.
Does caramel soften in the fridge? ›
The caramel sauce will look very liquid as it cools, but it hardens to a perfect spoon-friendly consistency in the refrigerator.
