Description
Pomegranate caramels blend Mediterranean sweetness with rich caramel complexity. Rich ruby-red jewels of tangy pomegranate merge delicately with buttery caramel, creating an elegant confection that surprises and delights palates with its intricate flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (945 ml) pure pomegranate juice
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons
Cream and Flavoring:
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Concentrate pomegranate juice in a medium saucepan, simmering and occasionally scraping the pot’s sides until liquid reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency with approximately half-cup volume.
- Prepare a baking pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides for easy caramel removal.
- Verify pomegranate reduction’s thickness by testing consistency on a rubber spatula – the mixture should feel dense and viscous.
- Incorporate butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream into the reduced pomegranate liquid, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- Heat the caramel mixture to 255-260°F, monitoring temperature carefully with a candy thermometer and stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
- Remove caramel from heat and quickly blend in vanilla extract and sea salt, creating a smooth and aromatic mixture.
- Optional: Gradually add red food coloring to achieve desired visual intensity, stirring carefully to distribute color evenly.
- Transfer caramel to prepared pan, spreading evenly, and refrigerate uncovered for approximately two hours until completely solidified.
- Lightly oil a sharp chef’s knife and methodically slice caramel into uniform pieces, reapplying oil between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Immediately separate caramels to prevent adhesion and wrap each piece individually in pre-cut wax paper squares.
- Store wrapped caramels in a cool, dry location to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Concentrated pomegranate reduction creates an intense, tangy flavor profile that elevates traditional caramel.
- Precise temperature control is crucial for achieving the perfect caramel texture between soft and firm.
- Work quickly when cutting caramels, using oiled knife to prevent sticking and ensure clean, even pieces.
- Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness up to two weeks.
- Allow caramels to cool completely before wrapping to maintain their distinct shape and prevent moisture buildup.
- Use fresh, high-quality pomegranate juice for the most vibrant and authentic fruit flavor in these gourmet treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg