Tangy Pomegranate Caramels Recipe: A Sweet Fruity Treat

Sweet, jewel-toned pomegranate caramels sparkle with rich, unexpected flavor that dances between tart and sugary.

These delicate confections blend ruby-red pomegranate essence into silky caramel, creating a sophisticated treat that surprises the palate.

Deep crimson notes weave through buttery caramel, offering a complex taste experience.

Each small morsel bursts with layers of intense fruit and creamy richness.

Smooth and elegant, these caramels transform an ordinary dessert moment into something extraordinary.

Professional pastry chefs and home cooks alike will adore the simple yet remarkable technique.

You’ll find these gems perfect for holiday gifting or an indulgent personal moment of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 17

Pomegranate Caramels: What You Need

• Pomegranate Juice: Provides a tangy, vibrant base that concentrates into a rich syrup, choose 100% pure juice without added sugars for the most authentic flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, opt for pure vanilla for the most robust taste.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor, select fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy caramel texture, look for fine-crystal sugar for consistent melting.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces rich, molasses-like depth, darker varieties offer more intense caramel notes.

• Butter: Provides rich, silky foundation, choose unsalted to control salt levels and ensure smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes luxurious texture and helps prevent crystallization, select high-fat content cream for maximum smoothness.

• Red Food Coloring: Adds visual appeal, use sparingly to maintain natural pomegranate hue.

Equipment for Pomegranate Caramels

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for precise temperature monitoring during caramel making.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for reducing pomegranate juice and cooking caramel.
• 8×8-inch Pan or Loaf Pan: Used for setting and shaping the caramel.
• Parchment Paper: Helps line the pan and prevent sticking.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Needed for cutting caramels into individual pieces.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps scrape sides of pan and check caramel consistency.
• Wax Paper: Used for wrapping individual caramels.
• Neutral Oil: Prevents knife from sticking when cutting caramels.

Pomegranate Caramels: How to Make Them

• Pomegranate Reduction

Start by simmering pomegranate juice in a medium saucepan, letting it slowly condense into a rich, concentrated syrup. This process takes about an hour, transforming the liquid into a thick, intense flavor base.

• Preparation Setup

Line a baking pan with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your caramel. Have wax paper squares ready for wrapping the finished candies.

• Caramel Creation

Combine butter, sugars, and cream with the reduced pomegranate syrup. Heat the mixture carefully, watching the temperature climb until it reaches the perfect caramel stage.

• Flavor Enhancement

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt, creating a complex taste profile. Add a touch of food coloring if desired for a vibrant look.

• Setting and Cooling

Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and refrigerate until firm and solid, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

• Cutting and Wrapping

Use an oil-coated knife to slice the caramel into neat pieces. Quickly separate and wrap each piece in individual wax paper squares, preserving their delicate texture and preventing them from sticking together.

Flavor Tweaks for Pomegranate Caramels

• Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to guarantee perfect caramel consistency, avoiding undercooking or burning the delicate mixture.
• Keep wax paper squares at room temperature before wrapping, making them more pliable and easier to fold around the caramels smoothly.
• Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising texture.

How to Present Pomegranate Caramels

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these ruby-red pomegranate caramels on a beautiful wooden board with fresh pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate shavings, and candied nuts for a stunning dessert presentation that will wow your guests.
• Wine and Dessert Pairing: Serve these rich caramels alongside a glass of port wine or a dessert moscato to complement their deep, sweet flavor profile and enhance the tasting experience with elegant complexity.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Wrap individual caramels in decorative parchment or silk paper, tie with a delicate ribbon, and place in a charming gift box for a luxurious homemade treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasion gifting.
• Dessert Garnish Elegance: Crumble these caramels over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or chocolate mousse to add a sophisticated touch of pomegranate sweetness and create a restaurant-worthy dessert experience at home.

How to Store Pomegranate Caramels Properly

• Refrigerator Wisdom: Store these delicate caramels in an airtight container between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
• Counter Comfort: Keep caramels at room temperature in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve their soft, chewy texture and prevent melting.
• Travel-Friendly Treats: Wrap individual caramels tightly in wax paper and place in a small hard-sided container for picnics, road trips, or gifting to friends and family.
• Freezer Magic: Layer caramels between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for long-term storage up to three months, allowing you to enjoy these sweet bites whenever a craving strikes.

Luscious Pomegranate Caramels

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet pomegranate caramels showcase Middle Eastern culinary artistry with rich, complex flavors. Delicate molasses and ruby-red fruit create an elegant confection many home cooks will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (tbsps)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tsp vanilla paste or extract
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt
• Red food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Concentrate Creation: Simmer pomegranate juice in a medium saucepan, scraping sides occasionally until liquid reduces to a thick, syrupy half-cup volume with intense, concentrated flavor.
2. Preparation Setup: Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage for effortless caramel extraction.
3. Caramel Composition: Blend reduced pomegranate liquid with butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream, stirring until a harmonious, uniform mixture forms.
4. Temperature Precision: Carefully heat mixture to 255-260°F using a candy thermometer, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and achieve perfect caramelization.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and swiftly incorporate vanilla extract and sea salt, creating a smooth, aromatic concoction with balanced seasoning.
6. Color Optional: Gradually add red food coloring if desired, gently distributing to achieve visual intensity without compromising mixture’s texture.
7. Setting Process: Pour caramel into prepared pan, spreading evenly, then refrigerate uncovered for two hours until completely solidified and firm.
8. Cutting Technique: Lightly oil a sharp chef’s knife and methodically slice caramel into uniform pieces, reapplying oil between cuts to prevent sticking.
9. Packaging Finale: Separate caramels immediately and wrap individually in wax paper squares, then store in a cool, dry location to preserve optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Reduce Carefully: Watch pomegranate juice closely to prevent burning, stirring frequently and scraping pan sides for even reduction.
• Temperature Control: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit precise 255-260°F sweet spot, ensuring perfect caramel consistency.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil knife between cuts and work quickly when slicing caramels to maintain clean, professional-looking pieces.
• Storage Tip: Keep caramels wrapped in wax paper at cool room temperature to preserve soft texture and prevent hardening or melting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg