Classic Caramel Date Slice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my caramel slice not set? ›

skim condensed milk) instead of full fat milk (it will not set properly), you didn't bake the caramel layer (this makes sure it sets) or you used a recipe where the caramel filling is made without condensed milk (in which case you need a candy thermometer to achieve an exact temperature to ensure it sets).

This Date Caramel has a great flavor that is very similar to traditional caramel. It's sweet, but does still taste like dates! The texture is light, fluffy and smooth!

If caramels are too soft, that means the temperature didn't get high enough. Again place the caramel back into a sauce pan with a couple of tablespoons of water and heat to 244°F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test with a cold water test. Details on how to use this method can be found here.

For each cup (240 mL) of caramel sauce that you need to thicken, run 1 tbsp (14.7 mL) of cold water into a measuring cup, and slowly stir in 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch mixture into your pot caramel sauce, and stir constantly. Keep the sauce on low heat until it begins to thicken.

Refrigerate until cooled and hardened. (Best if you refrigerate them overnight, or for several hours. They will be easier to cut and wrap). The caramel will seem hard in the fridge after they're set, but they should be soft at room temperature.

Medjool dates: This sticky, gooey fruit is truly nature's candy. It's the perfect ingredient to use when making healthy vegan caramel because it is naturally very sweet and caramel-like.

It tastes burnt because you're burning it. Pull your caramel from the heat when it is light amber in color. It will continue to cook and darken as it cools. If you leave it on the heat until it reaches the final desired color, it will overcook.

They have a rich caramel flavor and a soft, chewy texture, and are probably unlike any dates you've ever had before; melt in your mouth this-isn't-candy-but-it-should-be goodness. They are more rounded in shape and almost like a bite sized piece of caramel candy.

Too short of a cooling time: Caramel sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so let the caramel cool for the appropriate time to achieve the right thickness. If the sauce is still too thin after cooling completely, place it back on the stovetop and reheat it on low heat for a few additional minutes.

Some form of dairy — typically butter and/or heavy cream — is usually added to the mixture at either the beginning or the end of cooking. This addition makes the caramel richer, thicker, and lighter in color, lending more viscosity and rounder flavor.

Why is my homemade caramel too hard? ›

Your caramel is too hard

It is likely that you took the mixture past the 240° / 120°c stage, which is called the firm ball stage in candy making. You want to make sure that you very carefully measure the temperature of your caramel when you are cooking it.

This can happen if sugar crystals form on the sides of the saucepan or if the sugar syrup is mixed too much while cooking. Adjust the Heat: If the caramel cooked at a high heat, causing it to crystallize or burn, lower the heat for future batches.

We've designed the caramel to be spoonable from the tin – so all you need to do is gently spread it into your pie shell, tart case etc. If you beat the caramel it will become softer and will not re-set to a firm texture.

This can vary depending on the type of stove you use, the brand of ingredients, the pan you use, and so on. I don't boil the caramel to temperature, and I never have. Once you have poured your caramel onto your shortbread, you have to leave it to set. I usually do this in the fridge because it's quicker.

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.

If your candy separates during the cooking process there is a chance you can save it. Sometimes separated toffee or caramel can be saved by removing the saucepan from the heat and stirring constantly until it comes back together into a smooth mixture.

If the butterfat separates out then usually this is due to the mixture being either heated or cooled too quickly, which "shocks" the mixture and causes the fat to separate out.