The Dreamiest Soft Chewy Caramel Clusters Recipe Ever Made

Crafting delectable caramel clusters sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Sweet moments emerge when simple ingredients transform into golden, gooey treats.

Memories of childhood desserts dance through my mind with each batch.

Perfecting these clusters requires patience and a delicate touch.

My grandmother’s secret technique involves slow, careful caramelization that creates incredible depth of flavor.

Precise temperature control makes all the difference between success and sticky disappointment.

Indulge your sweet tooth and become a caramel cluster master by following this irresistible recipe.

Fun Caramel Cluster Flavors For Candy Lovers

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace cornflakes with gluten-free rice cereal or crushed gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Chocolate Drizzle Clusters: After cooling, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the caramel clusters for extra richness.
• Nutty Caramel Clusters: Incorporate chopped almonds, pecans, or peanuts into the mixture for added texture and protein.
• Vegan Caramel Alternative: Use coconut milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free caramel candies to create a plant-based version of the clusters.

Ways To Serve Chewy Caramel Clusters With Friends

• Sweet Breakfast Buddy: Pair these caramel clusters with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Topping Delight: Crumble the clusters over vanilla ice cream or yogurt to add a crunchy, sweet dimension to your favorite dessert.
• Party Snack Sensation: Serve these clusters at gatherings as a quick, easy-to-grab snack that will impress guests with their irresistible texture and caramel flavor.
• Gift-Worthy Goodie: Package the clusters in cute mason jars or decorative bags for a homemade gift that looks and tastes professional.

Storage Solutions For Caramel Clusters

• Store clusters in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Place clusters in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Keep clusters in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days at cool room temperature.
• Gently warm clusters in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to restore original chewy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cereal instead of cornflakes?

Yes, you can substitute cornflakes with similar crunchy cereals like Rice Krispies or Special K. Just ensure the cereal has a similar texture and crunch.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these caramel clusters?

No, you only need basic kitchen tools like a large pot, wooden spoon, baking sheets, and parchment paper. Standard kitchen equipment works perfectly.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning while melting?

Stir the caramel mixture constantly over medium heat and keep the temperature moderate. This helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, even mixture.

• Can children help make these caramel clusters?

Kids can help with safe tasks like adding cornflakes or scooping clusters, but an adult should handle the hot caramel mixture to prevent burns.

Soft And Chewy Caramel Clusters Everyone Loves

• Whip Up Quickly: Super simple recipe that takes minimal prep time and uses just a few ingredients, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding extra cornflakes or adjusting cluster sizes, making it adaptable for different preferences and serving needs.
• Kid-Friendly Treat: No baking required, safe for children to help mix ingredients, creating a fun family cooking activity with delicious results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Portable, shareable clusters work great for potlucks, school events, movie nights, or casual gatherings where everyone loves a sweet bite.

All The Ingredients For Chewy Caramel Clusters

• Milk: A creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich caramel base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the caramel mixture together.
• Unwrapped Caramels: The primary source of sweet, golden caramel flavor for the clusters.
• Cornflakes: Provides a satisfying crunch and helps form the cluster texture.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy during the cooking and cooling process.

• Extra Cornflakes: Helps adjust the consistency of the caramel mixture if needed, ensuring perfect cluster formation.

Steps For Soft Caramel Clusters Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delicious clusters.

This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

• Milk
• Butter
• Unwrapped caramels

Stir the mixture gently and consistently, preventing any burning or boiling.

Watch for a silky smooth texture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Fold In Crispy Goodness

Pour cornflakes into the melted caramel mixture.

Start with 5 cups and continue adding up to 1 additional cup if needed.

Stir until every single cornflake is luxuriously coated with golden caramel.

Step 4: Shape Tempting Clusters

Grab a heaping tablespoon and scoop the caramel-covered cornflakes onto the prepared baking sheets.

Create bite-sized clusters about 1 inch in diameter.

You’ll end up with approximately 30-34 irresistible treats.

Step 5: Let Treats Set

Allow the clusters to cool completely at room temperature.

They’ll transform into soft, chewy morsels of pure delight.

Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips For Perfectly Chewy Caramel Clusters Every Time

• Stir the caramel mixture constantly to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, even texture without burnt spots.
• Adjust cornflake amount carefully to maintain the perfect balance between caramel coating and crunch. Start with 5 cups and add more if needed for ideal consistency.
• Place baking sheets in a cool, dry area to help clusters set faster and maintain their shape without melting.
• Use parchment paper between layers to prevent clusters from sticking together, keeping them fresh and easy to separate.
• Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or margarine, and use dairy-free caramel alternatives for a vegan-friendly version of the treat.

Irresistible Soft Chewy Caramel Clusters Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Caramel clusters dance with sweet seduction, promising pure indulgence in every delightful bite. Rich, golden morsels melt on your palate, delivering a symphony of buttery warmth that lingers long after the last heavenly morsel vanishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5–6 cups cornflakes
• 14 ounces (397 grams) Kraft caramels, wrappers removed

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth landing surface for the caramel clusters.
2. In a spacious pot, gently heat milk, butter, and caramels over medium temperature, stirring consistently to create a uniform, glossy caramel mixture without scorching.
3. Once caramel transforms into a silky consistency, gradually fold in cornflakes, ensuring each crisp morsel receives a luxurious caramel coating. Adjust cornflake quantity for optimal coverage.
4. Utilize a tablespoon to craft uniform clusters, strategically depositing caramel-drenched cornflake mounds onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 1-inch dimensions.
5. Allow clusters to naturally cool and solidify at room temperature, transforming into delectable, chewy treats with a perfect texture. Transfer to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent adhesion between clusters.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking Use a non-stick silicone spatula when mixing caramel and cornflakes to ensure even coating without clumping.
• Customize Texture Adjust cornflake quantity based on desired crunchiness – less cornflakes create softer clusters, more cornflakes result in crispier treats.
• Temperature Control Maintain medium-low heat while melting caramel mixture to avoid burning and ensure smooth, glossy consistency.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap regular cornflakes with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version, or use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes for vegan option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg