So, why does homemade caramel need to be refrigerated? It all comes down to science. You see, caramel is a sugar syrup that's made with cream, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like vanilla or sea salt. When you mix these ingredients together and heat them up, you create a perfect storm for bacterial growth.
How to Store Caramel | Taste of Home
Bacteria love to feed on sugar and cream, which is why it's so important to store your caramel in the fridge. If you don't, you might end up with a batch of caramel that's all grainy and gross. And, trust me, you don't want that - it's like biting into a sour candy, but worse.
On the other hand, if you store your caramel in the fridge, you can slow down bacterial growth and keep your caramel fresh for weeks. It's like putting your caramel in a time capsule - it'll stay fresh and delicious until you're ready to use it.
Does Caramel Expire? Storage Tips For Fresh, Unrefrigerated Caramel
