If you have leftover caramel candy or caramel sauce have no fear, I will let you know the best way to store your caramel so that it retains it’s delicious flavor and prevent it from going bad.
I make a lot of caramel for my homemade ice cream, as a cake filling, caramel apples, and good old fashion caramel chews.
And I often end up with extra and had to learn fast how to properly store, and even freeze, my caramel. It’s important to that you store it properly if you want to retain that creamy, tasty texture, and of course you do!
What Is Caramel?
Caramel is a mixture of sugar and butter, cooked to a specific temperature at which the butter melts and the sugar granules melt. The melting point of butter is well below that of the sugar so it forms a crystalline structure when it cools.
It can also be made by caramelizing sugar with water and heavy cream. Once the heating process is complete the mixture must be cooled to complete the process.
How To Store Caramel
Storing Caramel Sauce
Caramel sauce can be stored at room temperature for up to three days when placed in an airtight container. I find a glass mason jar is the best storage option but any sealed container will do.
You can also store caramel sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three weeks. When stored in the fridge, your caramel will be much much harder so it will need to be warmed prior to using. You can leave it at room temperature for a couple hours or warm it on low in the microwave for thirty second intervals.
Yes You Can Freeze Caramel Sauce!
If you need to keep your caramel fresh for longer then you can freeze it. To freeze your caramel sauce place it in a plastic airtight container before placing it in your freezer. You won’t want to go with glass in the freezer as it could break and leave caramel all over your freezer.
Caramel sauce will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. It will be hard, so before using you will want to warm it at room temperature for a few hours.
How To Store Caramel Candy
Whether homemade or store bought, caramel candies can be stored in a number of ways. This applies to all sorts of caramel, such as caramel suckers, caramel squares, and caramel chews.
The first step is to individually wrap each caramel candy. If homemade, wrap in wax paper and twist them closed. You can then place them in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to one year. You can store them at room temperature in the same container and as long as they are not in direct sun light and kept free of moisture they will stay good for up to nine months.
Can You Freeze Caramel Candies?
Homemade and store bought candy can also be stored in the freezer! Just like above, ensure each piece is wrapped and placed in a plastic airtight container. You can also use freezer safe bags. Simply place them in the freezer now and you are good to go.
The key to storing caramel is ensuring no moisture get’s into your pieces or container. As long as you follow these steps your caramel candy will stay fresh and delicious for up to a year.
How To Tell If Caramel Has Gone Bad
You can actually tell if your caramel has gone bad in two ways. The first is to smell the piece of caramel. If you detect a strong aroma of vinegar or anything but sweet, your caramel has gone bad. This normally happens when it is sitting around open for a long period of time or moisture has gotten into your caramel.
The second way is by taste testing the piece of caramel. It should taste sweet. If the caramel has gone bad it will taste off.
Bottom Line
Storing caramel the right way is essential for keeping it’s delicious flavor. You can store homemade or store bought caramel at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer.
You just want to make sure that your caramel is wrapped and then placed in an airtight container. Let us know your favorite ways to use caramel in the comments!