FridgeReady Hazelnut Caramel Delights: A Match Made in Heaven

Indulge your sweet tooth with the exquisite combination of hazelnut and caramel in these delightful treats. FridgeReady Hazelnut Caramel Delights are not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). With a rich, creamy texture and a satisfying crunch, these delights will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

To create these heavenly bites, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional, for a smoother chocolate coating)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnuts

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
2. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and sea salt. Stir continuously until the mixture starts to bubble and the sugar dissolves.
2. Let the mixture boil without stirring for about 5 minutes until it turns a lovely golden color. Be careful not to overcook, as it can quickly turn bitter.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
4. Once combined, add the vanilla extract and stir until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Hazelnuts and Caramel

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted hazelnuts with the warm caramel sauce. Ensure that the nuts are well-coated.
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
3. Pour the hazelnut-caramel mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours to set completely.

Step 4: Coat with Chocolate

1. Once the caramel mixture is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut it into bite-sized squares.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
3. Dip each caramel square into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the coated squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Once all squares are coated, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

Serving Suggestions

These FridgeReady Hazelnut Caramel Delights are perfect for any occasion. Serve them on a beautiful platter at parties, as a sweet treat after dinner, or even as a delightful gift for friends and family. Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to enhance the flavors, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Cooking Tips

• For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate for coating. A chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60% is ideal.
• If you prefer a softer caramel, reduce the cooking time slightly. For firmer caramels, allow them to cook a bit longer.
• Feel free to experiment by adding spices such as cinnamon or sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate for an extra flavor dimension.

Variations & Substitutions

• If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil, heavy cream with coconut cream, and use dairy-free chocolate.

Conclusion

FridgeReady Hazelnut Caramel Delights are a must-try for any dessert lover. Their rich, nutty flavor combined with the creamy caramel and smooth chocolate creates a truly irresistible treat. Whether you share them with others or keep them all to yourself, these delights are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, explore our collection. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with your friends and family!