Chewy Soft Licorice Caramel Clusters

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 10 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 295 cal
• 2g protein
• 52g carbs
• 10g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 11 oz soft caramel candies, unwrapped
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups Good & Plenty candy
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp fine salt
• 1 tbsp pink sanding sugar or sparkling sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist with nonstick spray. Roughly chop half of the Good & Plenty into small bits; leave the rest whole so clusters show clear pink and black pieces.
2. 2In a medium heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped soft caramels, heavy cream, and butter. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula as the caramels soften and melt into a smooth sauce, about 5–8 minutes; do not let the mixture scorch or boil hard.
3. 3When the caramel is fully melted and glossy, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and fine salt until blended.
4. 4Immediately fold in the mini marshmallows. Stir gently until they soften and stretch into the warm caramel but do not fully dissolve; you want gooey pockets.
5. 5Add the crisp rice cereal and the chopped Good & Plenty. Fold quickly until every bit is coated in the sticky caramel-marshmallow mixture and the candy is evenly distributed.
6. 6Working while the mixture is still warm and pliable, scoop heaping tablespoon portions onto the prepared sheet. Press 2–3 whole Good & Plenty candies onto the top of each mound so the licorice candy is the clear visual hero.
7. 7With lightly greased fingers, gently compact each portion into a soft cluster about 1 1/2 inches wide. Do not pack rock-hard; keep them tender and chewy.
8. 8If using, dust the tops lightly with pink sanding sugar for sparkle while the surface is still tacky.
9. 9Let the clusters cool and set at room temperature 30–40 minutes until they hold their shape but stay soft in the center. For faster set, chill 15 minutes, then return to room temp before serving so the caramel stays chewy.
10. 10Arrange on a shareable platter for family or friends. Store airtight with parchment between layers up to 4 days; if they firm up, microwave one cluster 5 seconds to soften the caramel again.