Description
This whimsical Caramel Straw with Pastel Noodles recipe features colorful egg noodles coated in a smooth, homemade caramel sauce. Vibrant pastel noodles add a fun, playful twist to the rich caramel coating, resulting in a unique dessert that dazzles both in flavor and presentation. Garnished with fresh mint and optional edible glitter or sprinkles, this dish offers a delightful combination of sweetness, color, and texture in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Noodles
- 6 oz egg noodles or other pasta (cooked al dente)
- Food coloring (pastel colors such as pink, blue, yellow, or lavender)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Divide the noodles into small bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to create pastel-colored noodles. Toss gently until the noodles are evenly coated in color. Set aside.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar. Once melted, slowly add the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble up). Stir until the caramel is smooth.
- Finish the Caramel: Add the butter to the caramel sauce and stir until melted. Add the vanilla extract and sea salt. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the caramel sauce over the prepared pastel noodles, tossing gently to coat. The noodles should absorb some of the caramel and become sticky and shiny.
- Garnish: Top the caramel noodles with fresh mint leaves, sprinkles, or edible glitter for an extra touch of color and sparkle. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Be careful when melting sugar to avoid burning it; melted sugar can quickly go from golden amber to burnt.
- Rinsing the noodles with cold water stops the cooking process and helps them hold their shape and texture.
- Use gel or liquid food coloring sparingly to achieve pastel colors without overpowering the delicate caramel flavor.
- The caramel sauce thickens as it cools; serve immediately for the best texture and gloss.
- For a different twist, try using gluten-free pasta if needed.
