Dreamy Caramel Fudge Recipe

Heavenly Caramel Fudge Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Square

Sweet moments of indulgence melt together when crafting this irresistible caramel fudge recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy textures dance with rich golden hues, creating a dessert that captivates every chocolate lover’s heart.

Each smooth bite tells a story of decadent comfort and nostalgic warmth.

Layers of buttery caramel intertwine with silky chocolate, promising an experience beyond ordinary treats.

Simple ingredients transform into a luxurious confection that feels like a delightful secret.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore this straightforward yet elegant dessert.

Surrender to the magic of this delectable creation and let your taste buds celebrate pure sweetness.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this caramel fudge recipe?

The main ingredients are sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These create a rich, smooth caramel flavor that makes the fudge deliciously creamy.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make for beginners?

No, this caramel fudge is quite simple. You just need to stir the ingredients constantly and watch the mixture carefully while cooking. The key is maintaining a steady medium heat and stirring to prevent burning.

  • Why do I need a heavy-bottomed saucepan for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that could burn the sugar. This helps create a smooth, consistent fudge texture and prevents scorching the mixture during cooking.

  • How can I tell when the fudge is ready to set?

The fudge is ready when it thickens and slightly pulls away from the sides of the pan during cooking. After pouring into the pan, it should set firm in the refrigerator after about 2 hours, with a smooth, creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 16

Ingredients to Make Caramel Fudge Rich and Sweet

For Base Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy base that provides rich sweetness and smooth texture for perfect fudge consistency.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and helps create a luxurious golden color with complex flavor profile.
  • Butter: Delivers silky richness and helps bind ingredients while enhancing overall mouthfeel.
  • Golden Syrup: Creates glossy finish and prevents sugar crystallization for ultra-smooth fudge texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that complements caramel's sweet notes.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor complexity with subtle mineral undertones.
For Preparation Elements:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy fudge removal and prevents sticking for clean, professional presentation.

Tools That Help You Craft Caramel Fudge Smoothly

  • 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect fudge size.
  • Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.
  • Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan: Key for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cutting fudge into neat squares.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Prepare Caramel Fudge in Simple Steps

  • Prep the Pan

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy lifting.

  • Build the Base

Toss butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and golden syrup into a heavy saucepan.

  • Melt and Mix

Warm the ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything blends smoothly and sugar dissolves completely.

  • Bubble and Thicken

Let the mixture gently bubble, then lower heat. Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes until the mixture gets super thick and starts pulling away from pan edges.

  • Add Final Touches

Pull pan off heat and quickly stir in vanilla and a tiny pinch of salt for extra flavor depth.

  • Cool and Set

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let it rest at room temperature for a couple hours, then chill in refrigerator until completely firm.

  • Slice and Enjoy

Lift the fudge out using parchment edges, slice into bite-sized squares, and treat yourself to a sweet, rich delight.

Pro Tips for Nailing the Texture of Caramel Fudge

  • Use a candy thermometer for perfect consistency, aiming for 238-240°F (soft-ball stage) to ensure smooth, creamy fudge every time.
  • Continuously stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent burning and create a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, sea salt sprinkle, chocolate chips, or crushed toffee to elevate the classic caramel profile.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use sugar-free condensed milk for a low-sugar alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment layers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer preservation without losing its rich, creamy texture.

Serve Caramel Fudge for Any Occasion

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve this caramel fudge alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Elegant Party Platter: Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative tray with fresh berries and mint leaves for a sophisticated dessert presentation.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper and place them in a cute gift box for a homemade present that friends and family will adore.
  • Chilled Texture Twist: Store the fudge in the refrigerator for a firmer, more refreshing texture that melts perfectly on the tongue.

Store Caramel Fudge to Keep It Buttery and Firm

  • Store your caramel fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain fresh texture for up to 2 weeks.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to extend shelf life up to 3 months without compromising taste or quality.
  • Keep fudge away from direct sunlight and warm areas, maintaining a consistent cool environment around 60-65°F to prevent melting and preserve smooth consistency.
  • Always use clean, dry utensils when handling fudge and ensure your storage container is completely moisture-free to prevent potential sugar crystallization and maintain creamy texture.
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Dreamy Caramel Fudge Recipe

Dreamy Caramel Fudge Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Rich homemade caramel fudge delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy texture and sweet indulgence. Smooth chocolate notes complement buttery caramel, creating a classic treat for special occasions and casual gatherings. You will savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 (14 oz / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for easy removal.
  2. Mixture Creation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, blend sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup, creating a luscious caramel foundation.
  3. Heating Process: Melt ingredients over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture achieves a smooth, glossy texture.
  4. Caramelization: Elevate heat to initiate a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Continuously stir for 8-10 minutes, monitoring the mixture’s thickening and separation from pan sides.
  5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat, swiftly incorporate vanilla extract and salt, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration.
  6. Setting and Cooling: Pour the molten fudge into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Allow to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate until fully solidified.
  7. Serving: Lift fudge from pan using parchment paper edges, slice into delicate squares, and savor the rich, creamy caramel treat.

Notes

Monitor Sugar Consistency: Watch closely during caramelization to prevent burning, as sugar can quickly transition from perfect golden to bitter and scorched.

Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle, steady temperature to ensure smooth fudge texture without crystallization or separation of ingredients.

Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-fat butter and pure vanilla extract to enhance the caramel’s rich, deep flavor profile and overall smoothness.

Optimize Cooling Process: Allow fudge to set gradually at room temperature before refrigerating, preventing unexpected texture changes or unwanted sugar crystallization.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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