Easy Caramel Fudge Recipe

Heavenly Easy Caramel Fudge Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Whipping up this creamy caramel fudge recipe feels like unlocking a sweet treasure chest of deliciousness.

Silky smooth textures melt perfectly on your tongue with each decadent bite.

Rich golden hues promise an indulgent treat that whispers comfort and joy.

Our simple method means anyone can craft these heavenly squares without complicated techniques.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will adore how quickly this confection comes together.

Professional-level results await you with just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort.

Your kitchen will soon smell like a gourmet bakery, tempting everyone nearby to sneak a taste.

Caramel Fudge That Stays Rich and Smooth

  • Effortless Caramel Fudge Adventure
  • Minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills make this recipe perfect for beginners wanting delicious homemade treats.
  • Less than 20 minutes of active cooking time means you can whip up a decadent dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Rich, buttery caramel flavor creates an irresistible sweet treat that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents.
  • Standard saucepan and basic baking tools are all you'll require to create this mouthwatering fudge, making it accessible for home cooks everywhere.

What to Use for Caramel Fudge Perfection

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Rich and creamy base for fudge, providing smooth texture and intense sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Deep caramel flavor and helps create smooth, rich consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and contributes to smooth texture.
  • Golden Syrup: Creates caramel notes and helps prevent sugar crystallization.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor and complements caramel notes.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Pan and Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.
  • 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Provides proper shape and size for setting fudge.

Make Caramel Fudge Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prep the Baking Base

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for simple removal later.

Step 2: Create Caramel Mixture

Gather your delicious ingredients:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter
  • Golden syrup

Pour all ingredients into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 3: Melt and Blend

Heat the saucepan over medium temperature, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then lower heat. Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes until the blend transforms into a thick, glossy consistency that slightly pulls away from pan edges.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor

Remove pan from heat and stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step 6: Set and Chill

Pour mixture into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Let cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until completely firm.

Step 7: Slice and Savor

Once fudge solidifies, lift from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into delectable small squares and enjoy your homemade treat!

Fudge Tips for a Silky Texture Every Time

  • Prep Pan Like a Pro: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges to make removing the fudge super easy and mess-free.
  • Stir Constantly for Smoothness: Keep stirring the mixture continuously to prevent burning and ensure a silky, even texture throughout the fudge.
  • Watch Temperature Carefully: Use medium-low heat and monitor the cooking process closely to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without scorching.
  • Salt Enhances Flavor: A pinch of salt can dramatically improve the caramel's depth, balancing the sweetness and creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Chill for Perfect Cut: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets completely, making clean, precise cuts a breeze when serving.

Store and Slice Caramel Fudge Like a Pro

  • Store the caramel fudge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Fudge can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Keep fudge in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consume within 5-7 days for best texture and flavor.
  • Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

Great Combos with Caramel Fudge

  • Pair Sweet Caramel Fudge with Bold Flavor Companions
  • Serve alongside a crisp, tart green apple cider to cut through the fudge's intense sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanse.
  • Match with a robust dark roast coffee, whose slightly bitter notes will beautifully balance the caramel's sugary profile and enhance the dessert's depth.
  • Accompany with a small scoop of sea salt vanilla ice cream, which will amplify the caramel's buttery undertones and add a creamy, cool texture against the dense fudge.
  • Pour a small glass of aged bourbon whiskey, whose smoky and complex notes will harmonize with the caramel's rich, smooth character and provide an unexpected adult pairing.

Additions to Classic Caramel Fudge

  • Chocolate Swirl Fudge: Melt dark chocolate and create beautiful marbled patterns by gently swirling through the caramel mixture before setting.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold chopped pecans or almonds into the fudge for added texture and rich, toasted flavor before pouring into the pan.
  • Salted Caramel Option: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the fudge after pouring to enhance the sweet-savory balance and create gourmet taste.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use vegan butter to make the recipe suitable for plant-based diets.
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Easy Caramel Fudge Recipe

Easy Caramel Fudge Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent caramel fudge melts smoothly on taste buds, promising pure sweet satisfaction. Rich Brazilian chocolate and creamy butter blend perfectly, creating a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy and Sweet Base:

  • 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, cubed

Syrup and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

Instructions

  1. Carefully line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for convenient extraction later.
  2. Combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, creating a rich base for the caramel fudge.
  3. Position the saucepan over medium heat, gently stirring the mixture until sugar completely dissolves and transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Gradually increase heat to trigger a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Continuously stir the mixture for 8-10 minutes, watching for thickening and slight separation from pan edges.
  5. Immediately remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and salt, ensuring thorough integration of flavor enhancers.
  6. Transfer the molten fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
  7. Allow the fudge to cool naturally at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then transfer to refrigerator for complete solidification, approximately 2 hours.
  8. Once fully set, extract the fudge from the pan using parchment paper overhang. Slice into delicate, bite-sized squares ready for indulgence.

Notes

  • Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir constantly during cooking to avoid grainy texture and ensure smooth, creamy fudge.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a candy thermometer for precision, aiming for 236-240°F (soft-ball stage) to achieve perfect consistency.
  • Non-Stick Technique: Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray to make cutting and removing fudge easier.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding chopped nuts, sea salt sprinkle, or swirling in melted chocolate for exciting twists.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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