National Caramel Day is on Monday, April 5, 2027, and it falls on April 5 every year. It celebrates caramel in every form, from chewy candies to drizzles on ice cream. It’s a good excuse to try making your own.
When Is National Caramel Day?
It’s always April 5. Don’t confuse it with other caramel-themed days, such as days for caramel popcorn or caramel apples, which fall at other times of year.
Who Started National Caramel Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: caramels built Hershey
Before chocolate, Milton Hershey made his fortune in caramels. His Lancaster Caramel Company in Pennsylvania was a success. On August 10, 1900, he sold it to the American Caramel Company for $1 million, the Hershey Community Archives notes.
He kept his chocolate business and its machinery, and he rented a wing of the old caramel factory to keep making chocolate. That company became the Hershey name known today.
What Makes Caramel Caramel?
The day celebrates a flavor that comes from two different kinds of cooking. The Exploratorium explains the difference.
When you heat plain sugar, it starts to caramelize at about 338°F. The sugar breaks down and forms new compounds that turn it amber and nutty.
Caramel candies work differently. Sugar, cream, corn syrup and butter are cooked to about 245°F. Their brown color comes mostly from the Maillard reaction between sugar and the protein in cream.
How to Celebrate National Caramel Day
- Make caramel sauce: melt sugar until amber, then whisk in warm cream and butter; stand back, as it bubbles up.
- Dip apples: roll apple slices in warm caramel and chopped peanuts.
- Bake salted caramel brownies: swirl caramel into the batter and sprinkle flaky salt on top.
- Try a caramel macchiato: add caramel sauce to steamed milk and espresso.
- Taste the world’s caramels: compare dulce de leche, cajeta and French caramel au beurre salé.
- Wrap homemade caramels: cut them into squares and twist them in wax paper as gifts.
- Make a caramel latte at home: stir a spoonful of sauce into hot coffee and top with whipped cream.
- Visit Hershey, Pennsylvania: the town’s history museum tells the story of the caramel company that started it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between caramel and butterscotch?
Caramel usually starts with white sugar. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, which gives it a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Why did my caramel turn grainy?
Sugar crystals likely formed. Stirring too much or stray crystals on the pan’s sides can trigger it. Brushing the sides with a wet pastry brush helps.
Is caramel color the same as caramel?
No. Caramel color is a food coloring used in drinks like cola. It isn’t meant to taste like caramel candy.