How to Store Caramel

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.