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READY IN 3 hr

Licorice Caramels

Read Reviews (35)

"This is a mouthwatering candy recipe that is as close to the Callard and Bowser licorice flavored caramels as you can get. I got this recipe from my sister, and once you have a piece, you can't stop eating them!" — Paula

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Original recipe makes 64 pieces Change Servings

1 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup corn syrup

1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon anise extract
black paste food coloring

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Directions

Line a 9x9 inch dish with buttered foil.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in sugar, milk, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue to heat, without stirring, to 242 to 248 degrees F (116 to 120 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a firm but pliable ball. Remove from heat and stir in anise and food coloring. Pour into prepared pan. Let cool completely, several hours.
To cut, turn out of pan and peel away foil. Cut with a buttered knife. Wrap pieces in waxed paper or candy wrappers.

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PREP 10 mins
COOK 30 mins
READY IN 3 hrs

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Dec 13, 2005

If you are trying to duplicate Callard & Bowser - this is it exactly! However, after scorching the pan the first time, I had to stir continuously and it took an hour over medium heat to reach the right temp, so be careful with that.

—smh

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Oct 29, 2009

As noted in the recipe, I didn't stir the ingredients and they burned (at a low temp). This was and expensive lesson. The second time, I stirred the entire time and the result was wonderful caramels; though I would recommend using more anise extract than 1 tsp. as the flavor is very mild.

—Scubagirl

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40 Ratings

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Aug 29, 2002

This is my husbands all time favorite candy ever!!! The licorice flavoring is very subtle - even those who dislike licorice will love this candy. You can also subsitite the anise flavoring with vanilla if desired. It is so easy - mix all together, bring to temperature, and then pour in pan to cool - by morning they are ready to be cut into perfect squares and wrapped in wax paper. They keep their shape at room temperature. I cannot say enough good about this recipe!!!! One suggestion I have for a twist is this: after pouring the caramel into a pan to cool, place Lorna Doone shortbread cookies all over the to - covering all the caramel. next day, cut the caramel into perfect squares around each cookie. Then, dip the candy into melted chocolate - let firm and then you have a homemade twix bar - but better!

—ESJILL

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Dec 16, 2002

Without a doubt this is the very best recipe for licorice. It is soft, chewy and if you use very good anise it is beyond descripton. I use Watkins Anise for best results.

—DDDAVISSON

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Dec 19, 2006

these are scrumptious! so buttery good and rich and creamy but with a hint of licorice taste. Didn't have the paste for coloring so tinted w/red food coloring for the holidays. I heated to 250degrees and they were perfect; not too soft, but nice and chewy without being tacky and sticking to the teeth. I didn't have a high quality extract(used McCormick's) and had it in the cupboard for a couple of years, so I had to use about 2 1/2 tsp of extract so adjust accordingly. Lined the pan w/parchment paper. The only thing I would do differently next time is use a 9x13 pan, as I had to do more cutting of them to get them the desired size. I didn't refrigerate; just let them sit at room temp for a few hours. They are much easier to cut than when they are hard from the fridge. thanks for this wonderful recipe that is a great addition to my holiday trays.

—TUNISIANSWIFE

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Jun 28, 2008

I have never made candy or caramels, so I was nervous to make these, but they turned out so well!!! I can't believe how much they charge for each one of these in the stores when you can make a whole pan this easy!! I don't even like black licorice normally, but my mom made these first and made me try them. I was in love! The 1 tsp extract is mild enough that even if you don't prefer black licorice, you will probably like these. If you want the flavor stronger, add more extract. The last time that I made them, I made it with 1 Tbs, and I thought it was perfect! One of my co-workers husbands loves black licorice, so I made him some, and my co-worker said he liked them so much, he all but wanted to propose to me!!! LOL- he is old enough to be my dad. I have never met someone who has tried these that does not like these. Just watch the thermometer closely- it is critical you take it off the heat exactly when it says to. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT RECIPE!!!!!

—chelsea

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Oct 06, 2008

These caramels are really delicoius but they didn't taste very licoricey. I had to use anise oil because I couldn't find anise extract. They were also kinda hard to make if you don't have a candy thermometer. Overall pretty good. *UPDATE* I made these again for book club, in a microwave and dipped apples in it while it was still warm. Then drizzled them in chocolate and added pecans. As my friend said, "If you could fall in love with food this would be my soulmate."

—kitchenprincess

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Dec 30, 2007

Pretty good licorice - says the woman who doesn't like licorice. So it must be good. Made my batch exactly as the recipe states, however, I would not recommend pouring into baking dish lined with buttered foil. Not unless you enjoy picking bits of foil out of your candy. Otherwise, this was great... I mean, really good. DH loves it.

—Julie

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Nutrition

Calories
84 kcal
4%

Carbohydrates
13.5 g
4%

Cholesterol
10 mg
3%

Fat
3.4 g
5%

Fiber
0 g
0%

Protein
0.5 g
1%

Sodium
36 mg
1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Licorice Caramels

Serving Size: 1/64 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 64
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 84
Calories from Fat: 31

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.4g 5 %
Saturated Fat 2.2g 11 %
Cholesterol 10mg 3 %
Sodium 36mg 1 %
** Potassium 24mg < 1 %
Total Carbohydrates 13.5g 4 %
Dietary Fiber 0g 0 %
Protein 0.5g 1 %
** Sugars 11g
** Vitamin A 2 %
** Vitamin C < 1 %
** Calcium 2 %
** Iron < 1 %
** Thiamin < 1 %
** Niacin 1 %
** Vitamin B6 < 1 %
** Magnesium < 1 %
** Folate < 1 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.