Caramel-Filled Chocolate Treats

These Caramel-Filled Chocolate Treats are a decadent and delightful confection, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with homemade chocolates. With a rich, gooey caramel center encased in a smooth milk chocolate shell, these treats combine two classic flavors in a bite-sized, irresistible form. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and offer a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Let’s get started on these indulgent caramel chocolate cups!

Why You’ll Love These Caramel-Filled Chocolate Treats

These treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gifts to a simple treat for yourself. The process of making them is straightforward and fun, allowing you to get creative with shapes and decorations. The contrast between the silky chocolate shell and the luscious caramel filling makes every bite a delight. Plus, by making them at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients (Makes About 12 Treats)

  • 1 1/4 cups (250 g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 57 g) butter
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) sweet cream (heavy cream)
  • 4 1/4 oz (120 g) milk chocolate

Nutritional Information (Per Treat)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 22 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
  • Sodium: 20 mg

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Melt the Sugar

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the sugar from burning.
  2. Continue stirring until you achieve a smooth, amber-colored mixture. Be careful not to overcook the sugar, as it can quickly turn from caramelized to burnt.

Step 2: Add the Butter

  1. Once the sugar is melted and smooth, add the butter to the saucepan.
  2. Stir constantly and cook until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sugar. This will create a rich, buttery caramel base.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Cream

  1. Pour in the sweet cream (heavy cream) slowly while continuing to stir. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful to pour slowly to avoid splatters.
  2. Cook the mixture until it comes together and becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step thickens the caramel and melds the flavors.

Step 4: Chill the Caramel

  1. Pour the caramel mixture into a bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps the caramel thicken, making it easier to work with when filling the chocolate cups.

Step 5: Beat the Caramel

  1. After chilling, beat the caramel with a hand mixer until it thickens further and becomes a smooth, spreadable filling. This step adds lightness and makes the caramel perfect for piping into the chocolate cups.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Cups

  1. Melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
  2. Using a rubber mold (such as a mini muffin mold), coat each hole with melted chocolate. Use a spoon or pastry brush to ensure that the entire inside of each mold is covered with a thick, even layer of chocolate.
  3. Place the mold in the freezer to harden the chocolate, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Add a Second Layer of Chocolate

  1. Once the first layer of chocolate has set, coat the edges of each hole with more melted chocolate. This second layer ensures that the chocolate cups are strong enough to hold the caramel filling without breaking.
  2. Return the mold to the freezer to set the second layer, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Fill with Caramel

  1. Transfer the beaten caramel into a freezer bag and cut a small hole at the corner.
  2. Pipe the caramel filling into each chocolate cup, filling almost to the top but leaving a small space for the final chocolate layer. Use a spatula to smooth the tops if necessary.

Step 9: Top with Chocolate

  1. Spread a final layer of melted chocolate over the caramel filling to seal the cups. Make sure the chocolate covers the caramel completely to create a smooth, sealed top.
  2. Place the mold in the refrigerator to set the chocolate completely, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

  1. Once the chocolate is fully set, remove the caramel chocolate cups from the mold by gently pressing from the bottom. If the cups are stuck, briefly warm the bottom of the mold with your hands or a warm cloth.
  2. Decorate the tops with additional melted chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or finely chopped nuts if desired.
  3. Serve and enjoy these delicious caramel-filled chocolate treats! They make a perfect gift or a luxurious treat for yourself.

Tips for Perfect Caramel-Filled Chocolate Treats

  • Use Good Quality Chocolate: For the best results, use high-quality milk chocolate or your favorite type of chocolate. This makes a big difference in the taste and texture of the finished treats.
  • Be Careful with the Caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on the sugar while it’s melting and stir continuously.
  • Chill Between Layers: Ensuring that each layer of chocolate sets before adding the next step helps create clean, distinct layers that are visually appealing and structurally sound.

Enjoy making these Caramel-Filled Chocolate Treats, a perfect combination of rich caramel and smooth chocolate that’s sure to delight anyone who tries them!