Keto Caramel Candy
Published December 11, 2021 • Updated February 2, 2026
Homemade soft, chewy keto caramels made without using a candy thermometer
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Just like Grandma used to make, these keto caramels are soft, chewy and easy to make. No candy thermometer or homemade sweetened condensed milk needed for these sugar-free caramels from scratch.
When I crave something sweet, I have a few favorites I turn to. These sugar cookies are a classic and not just for the holidays. And these cookie dough truffles are always a hit.
Candy making doesn’t have to be frustrating. You don’t need a candy thermometer or a batch of sugar-free condensed milk first. Homemade caramels are easy with the right recipe. Five ingredients, about 15 minutes (plus cooling), and you get perfectly chewy caramel candy that’s perfect for holidays, gifting to friends and family, or just treating yourself.
How to make keto caramel candies
- Melt the butter over medium heat. Continue heating until brown butter forms, which is when you get those brown bits at the bottom and a nutty aroma fills the air. Brown butter makes the best flavored caramels.
- Reduce heat to low medium and stir in sugar-free caramel syrup, sugar-free sweetener, heavy cream and salt. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture starts to bubble and boil.
- Continue cooking at low medium heat until the mixture starts to foam and froth. It will start to thicken up. Continue stirring until you notice that when your spoon scrapes the bottom of the pan, you can see the bottom of the pan. This will take about 1-2 minutes from the time it starts to foam and froth. Remove the pan from the stovetop.
- Immediately pour into candy molds and refrigerate until hardened.
Key ingredients
- Butter: I use unsalted butter for richness. Cook it until brown butter forms for even more flavor.
- Sugar-free caramel syrup: Some caramel recipes will use corn syrup in order to help produce that tacky, chewy consistency. Corn syrup is loaded with fructose and not low-carb friendly. Instead, I use a sugar-free syrup by ChocZero. This is the only syrup that I use for making candy. Their syrup is made from soluble corn fiber and it is sugar-free and sugar alcohol free.
- Sweetener: Sugar-free sweetener is used for sweetness of course. When making caramels from scratch, you can use a monkfruit blend sweetener or allulose.
- Heavy cream: Heavy cream makes these caramels rich and creamy. You can skip it if you don’t tolerate dairy, but I highly recommend adding it. It’s what makes them taste like Grandma’s.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and gives that salted caramel flavor.
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Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter -
1/4 cup sugar-free syrup
-
5 teaspoons allulose or monkfruit blend sweetener
-
2 tablespoons heavy cream
-
pinch of salt
-
candy molds
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Make brown butter
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter until brown bits start to form on the bottom and the butter gives off a nutty aroma.
- Butter
Add remaining ingredients
Reduce heat to low-medium. Add sugar-free caramel syrup, sweetener, heavy cream and salt. Stir to combine. Let cook until the mixture starts to boil.
- Sugar-free caramel syrup
- Sweetener
- Heavy cream
- Salt
Cook it thick
Continue cooking until candy mixture starts to turn thick, foamy and turn frothy. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and you can scrape a spoon on the bottom of the sauce pan and see the pan. Remove from the heat and quickly pour into molds. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sweetener instead of allulose or monkfruit blend?
Yes, erythritol or stevia both work. The texture and sweetness will be a little different, so taste as you go and adjust the amount.
How should I store the keto caramel candy?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer storage. If your house runs warm, keep them in the fridge so they don't get too soft.
What if I don't have candy molds? Can I use another method?
Yes! Pour the caramel into a parchment-lined baking dish and let it set. Once firm, cut into squares or rectangles.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, this recipe uses butter and heavy cream. For dairy-free, try coconut oil and coconut cream, but the flavor and texture will be different.
How many carbs are in each piece of keto caramel?
Each piece has about 0.1g net carbs based on the nutrition info above. The exact count depends on your sweetener and syrup, but these are about as low carb as candy gets.
Can you use sugar free drink caramel syrup? Like the ones used in sodas?
Also why do you need the candy molds? Can't you just put it in a pan to cool and cut into squares?
I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure how well it works. If you try it, let me know!
Can I use a sugar free Carmel syrup that’s used to sweeten coffee?
I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure how well it works. If you try it, let me know!
I just made these and they are absolutely delicious!! I followed the recipe exactly and no one in my house can tell they’re low carb. I doubled the recipe and then made a second batch. I put them over pecan pieces and dipped them in sugar free dark chocolate. A perfectly sweet guilt free snack. Thank you!!
Oh Amazing Annie~ it's you again, & of course it is! I should have known you'd figure out a quickie/simple version of caramel candy~ have I mentioned I adore you for it?! I've been working on an "old fashioned" version for awhile, but seriously, sometimes I just want a quick treat w/some coffee or tea, & this is perfect.=) Thanks so much for all you do~ lots of grateful low-carbers out here! =)
Hi. Is the 1/4 cup sweetener meant to be sugar-free syrup?
Yes! Thank you for bringing that to my attention. Sometimes I need a second pair of eyes. :)