Homemade Caramel Candy (GAPS Diet, Sugar-Free, No Corn Syrup)
Last Updated on February 28, 2026 by Kayla Ruetten
This 3 ingredient homemade caramel candy is so creamy and satisfying. Whip up this easy to make treat in about 20 minutes. Enjoy this sugar-free, corn syrup free treat without guilt, just nourishing ingredients!
Homemade Caramel Candy Without Corn Syrup or Condensed Milk
Conventional caramels are typically made with corn syrup, sugar, milk or condensed milk, heavy cream or butter, and vanilla. I wanted to re-create a gooey, sweet, and chewy caramel with nourishing ingredients. After a bit of trial and error, we have a tasty recipe that checks all the boxes!
Honey Caramel Sauce
We love to use this same recipe to drizzle over fruit, nuts or popcorn! Simply follow the recipe below, and use as a sauce before the caramel hardens. We also love to make layered mounds bars with this healthy homemade chocolate fudge recipe. If you pour this caramel into a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, you can cut and roll them up as if in a wrapper for single servings.
Why You Will Love This Homemade Caramel Recipe
- Taste. This homemade caramel candy is creamy, sweet, and satisfying.
- Quick & easy to prepare. You can make this recipe with just a few ingredients and simple directions.
- Healing diet friendly. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free (optional), sugar-free, and egg-free. Whether you are eating GAPS, Paleo, whole food, Whole30, or just becoming more ingredient aware, this recipe is compatible with many healing diets.
- Naturally sweetened. Use honey as the sweetener to eliminate the need for refined and processed sugar.
- Customizable. You can use different fats, such as butter, coconut oil, ghee, or mild tasting fats like lard. Pour over peanuts or pecans for caramel covered nut clusters!
Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free Desserts
As our family healed from food allergies using the GAPS diet protocol, we learned how to re-create favorite childhood recipes with healthier alternatives. We have healed and transitioned off GAPS, but still enjoy so many of these healthy dessert options regularly!
See this post for a list of our favorite gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free desserts with all the recipes included.
Homemade Caramel Candy FAQ
- Can I substitute butter for coconut oil or heavy whipping cream?
Yes, you can substitute and the directions for cooking are the same - Do I need a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer can be helpful, but it is not required. Simply bring the mixture to a boil, turn the heat down, and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes until the consistency/texture changes. - Will this make a hard or soft caramel?
If using butter or coconut oil, the end result is a softer caramel. You can harden quickly and easily by placing in the freezer and storing in the fridge. - How do you serve this caramel?
Our favorite way to eat this caramel (besides plain!) is to drizzle over apple slices, peanut clusters, or pair with chocolate for homemade mounds bars.
Helpful Tools to Make This Recipe:
- 9×13 pan or silicone molds
- unbleached parchment paper (to line 9×13 pan, if using)
- measuring cups
Ingredients Needed to Make Healthy Fudge
- coconut oil or butter or other preferred fat
- raw honey
- real vanilla extract (optional)
- sea salt (optional)
Homemade Caramel Candy (GAPS Diet, Sugar-Free, No Corn Syrup) Recipe
Equipment
- saucepan
- glass jar (or a 9×13 pan)
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (or heavy whipping cream)
- 3/4 cup raw honey (regular honey is also fine)
- 1/4 tspn sea salt (optional)
- 1 tspn real vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium- high heat whisk together the butter or cream and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to bubble for 3 minutes before lowering the heat to medium-low.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir to avoid burning.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Pour caramel sauce into a glass jar or a 9×13 pan. The caramel will thicken as it cools.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel (optional) for a sweet/salty flavor.
- Place in the refrigerator or freezer to cool and harden more quickly.
Notes
- If using as a sauce, you can simmer for a shorter time, generally 10 minutes.
- Because this recipe has honey, the caramels will remain soft. To speed hardening, place in the freezer.
OPTIONAL: Pour caramel onto parchment paper in a 9×13 pan and allow it to cool (in the fridge or freezer). When caramels become to firm, cut into desired lengths and wrap in the parchment paper for convenient serving sizes and storage. - Substitute coconut cream for butter or heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free Paleo caramel candy.
We hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as ours does! We would love your feedback in the comments below.
Check out other healthy dessert recipes here.
Resources
Posts
Healthy Fudge Recipe – 3 Ingredients! (GAPS, Paleo, Sugar-Free)
What is the GAPS Diet – An Easier Explanation
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free Desserts (GAPS, Paleo)
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