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These Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels are rich, chewy, and perfectly spiced with warm fall flavors—and they’re ready in under 10 minutes!

Fall is finally here, and you know what that means, pumpkin spice everything! As soon as the air gets the slightest chill, I’m in the kitchen whipping up all the cozy treats that make this season feel extra special. Between back-to-school chaos, cooler weather, and cozy movie nights, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and of course, full of fall flavor.

That’s where these Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels come in. They’re buttery, chewy, and loaded with warm pumpkin pie spices, everything you love about fall wrapped up in one sweet little square. And the best part? You don’t even need a candy thermometer or stovetop! Seriously, the microwave does all the heavy lifting here, which makes this recipe a total lifesaver for busy moms (‍♀️ hi, that’s me).

My kids love helping me wrap these little caramels in wax paper, it’s one of those fun kitchen jobs even the littlest hands can help with. And when we’re done, we’ve got a stash of soft, chewy, pumpkin-spiced bites to tuck into lunchboxes, bring to neighbors, or sneak during a Hallmark movie marathon. They also make the sweetest homemade gift, wrap them in parchment and tie with a little ribbon, and you’ve got a cozy treat that feels just like fall in a bite.

If you’ve never made homemade candy before, this recipe is the perfect place to start. No stress, no special equipment, just simple pantry staples and less than 10 minutes. I promise you’ll be making these over and over again all autumn long.

These are totally fool proof, take minutes and are honestly some of the BEST caramels I have ever had.  These are so soft without being sticky, so no picking caramel out of your teeth, these just melt in your mouth.

I cannot say enough about how easy and good these are you will just have to make them for yourself!! (let me know if you do!)

What Are Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels?

Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels are rich, chewy little squares of caramel made right in your microwave. Instead of standing over the stove with a candy thermometer (because let’s be honest, I barely have the patience to stir soup sometimes), you just mix the ingredients together, pop it in the microwave, and a few minutes later you’ve got perfect homemade caramels.

They’re flavored with pumpkin pie spice, which adds that cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that instantly tastes like fall. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell amazing while it chills, and it’s the perfect quick recipe for busy moms who want to make something special without spending all day cooking.

Why You’ll Love These Caramels

• Quick & Easy – Just 7 minutes in the microwave, no candy thermometer required.

• Perfect for Fall – Warm pumpkin spice makes every bite taste like autumn.

• Kid-Friendly – My kids love wrapping them in wax paper and sneaking a few while they’re at it.

• Great for Gifting – Homemade candy always feels thoughtful, and these look so cute tied up with a ribbon.

• Make Ahead Friendly – Store them for weeks, so they’re ready whenever you need a little sweet treat.

When to Serve Pumpkin Spice Caramels

These little bites of cozy sweetness fit just about anywhere in fall life:

• After-School Treats – Wrap a few in wax paper for lunchboxes or tuck them into after-school snack time.

• Halloween Goodie Bags – Add them to a party platter or homemade treat bag for neighbors.

• Game Day Nibbles – A sweet balance to all the savory dips and wings.

• Fall Parties & Potlucks – A crowd-pleaser that takes almost no effort.

• Homemade Gifts – Perfect for teachers, friends, or anyone who needs a little fall cheer.

Ingredients 

• ½ cup unsalted butter – Gives that rich, buttery base.

• ½ cup light corn syrup – Helps the caramel stay soft and chewy.

• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetness and structure.

• ½ cup brown sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses.

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk – The secret to the chewy, creamy texture.

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – Warm fall spice blend for cozy flavor.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels

1. Prepare the pan – Butter an 8×8 baking dish and set aside.

2. Melt butter – In a large microwave-safe bowl (make sure it’s big, this bubbles up a lot!), melt the butter.

3. Mix in sugars & syrup – Whisk in corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk.

4. Microwave – Cook for 7 minutes. The mixture will bubble up, so don’t be alarmed!

5. Add flavor – Carefully whisk in vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.

6. Chill – Pour into the prepared pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

7. Finish & serve – Sprinkle with cinnamon, slice into squares, and enjoy.

Substitutions

• Pumpkin Pie Spice – No blend on hand? Use ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger or cloves.

• Corn Syrup – Swap for golden syrup or brown rice syrup (texture may vary).

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Key for texture! Use a dairy-free version if needed.

• Butter – Salted butter works fine—just skip any added salt.

Variations

• Salted Caramel – Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before chilling.

• Chocolate Drizzle – Once chilled, drizzle with melted chocolate for a candy-shop finish.

• Nutty Caramels – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts before chilling.

• Extra Spicy – Add a pinch more cinnamon and nutmeg for stronger spice flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a large bowl – The caramel bubbles a lot while cooking.

• Microwave times vary – Too soft? Add 30 seconds. Too hard? Cut back 30 seconds next batch.

• Grease your knife – Spray lightly with oil for cleaner slices.

• Wrap for storage – Wax paper or parchment keeps them from sticking.

FAQs

Can I make these without corn syrup?
Yes, golden syrup or brown rice syrup works, though the texture may be slightly different.

Do these taste like pumpkin?
Nope! The “pumpkin spice” flavor comes from warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, no actual pumpkin in the recipe.

How do I know when they’re done?
The caramels should be thick and bubbling at the 7-minute mark. Adjust by 30 seconds if needed depending on your microwave.

Serving Ideas

• Movie night sweet treat

• On a fall dessert board with apple slices and cookies

• Chopped and stirred into brownie batter

• Wrapped in wax paper for a “candy store” feel

• Halloween or Thanksgiving party trays

Storage & Make Ahead

• Room temp: Airtight container, up to 2 weeks.

• Fridge: Up to 1 month, bring to room temp before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.

Perfect for making ahead of the holidays, parties, or cozy nights in.

 

More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re craving more fall flavors after making these caramels, here are some pumpkin treats that are sure to hit the spot. From no-bake delights to warm baked desserts, these recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for the season.

• No-Bake Pumpkin Lush
  Creamy layers of cheesecake and pumpkin on a cinnamon-graham crust—no oven needed.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodle Bars
  A snickerdoodle cookie base topped with silky pumpkin cheesecake and cinnamon sugar.

• Pumpkin Spice Glazed Cake Bites
  Bite-size spice cakes dipped in a sweet pumpkin-spice glaze; great for parties and gifting.

• Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls
  Soft Hawaiian rolls filled with pumpkin cream cheese, brushed with cinnamon-sugar butter, and glazed.

• Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
  Layers of gingerbread, pumpkin pudding, and whipped topping for an easy show-stopping dessert.

• Pumpkin Pie Tacos
  Mini dessert tacos filled with creamy pumpkin pie filling and finished with whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a recipe that feels homemade and special but takes less than 10 minutes to pull together. These Pumpkin Spice Microwave Caramels are everything I love about fall, warm, cozy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Whether you’re packing them into lunchboxes, wrapping them up as gifts, or sneaking a few for yourself after the kids go to bed (guilty ‍♀️), these caramels are the perfect way to bring a little sweetness to your fall season.