Description
This whimsical Caramel Straw with Pastel Noodles recipe combines tender egg noodles colored in soft pastel hues with a rich, homemade caramel sauce. The noodles are dressed in a glossy, buttery caramel that is infused with vanilla and a hint of sea salt, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note. Garnished with fresh mint and fun edible glitter or sprinkles, this dessert-style noodle dish is both playful and elegant, perfect for a creative treat or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastel Noodles
- 6 oz egg noodles or other pasta (cooked al dente)
- Food coloring (pastel colors such as pink, blue, yellow, or lavender)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Divide the noodles into small bowls and add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl to create pastel-colored noodles. Toss gently until the noodles are evenly coated with 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 completely and turns a golden amber color. Be careful to avoid burning the sugar. Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring—the mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue to stir until the caramel is smooth and combined.
- Finish the Caramel: Add the unsalted butter to the caramel sauce and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and sea salt. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the pastel-colored noodles and gently toss to coat the noodles evenly. The noodles will absorb some of the caramel sauce and become sticky and shiny.
- Garnish: Top the caramel-coated noodles with fresh mint leaves and, if desired, sprinkles or edible glitter to add an extra pop of color and sparkle. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To prevent the noodles from sticking together while coloring, briefly toss them with a small amount of oil before adding food coloring if desired.
- Be cautious when making caramel as the sugar can burn quickly—stir continuously and monitor color closely.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly or add a pinch more sea salt to balance flavors.
- This dish is best served immediately as the caramel can harden if left to cool too long.
- You can substitute the egg noodles with thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta for a different texture.
