Description
Caramel apple fudge delight celebrates autumn’s sweet essence with rich layers of creamy texture and nostalgic flavors. Smooth caramel ribbons and tender apple chunks invite you to savor this irresistible seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (standard: 113 g)
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ¼ tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers and meld with melted butter, creating a cohesive crumbly foundation that will anchor the dessert’s structural integrity.
- Crust Setting: Press the crumb mixture firmly into a prepared baking pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that promises a delectable base for the upcoming layers.
- Crust Transformation: Bake the crust in a 350°F oven until it develops a golden, crisp texture, approximately 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Chocolate Layer Crafting: Combine chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in a double boiler, whisking until achieving a glossy, seamless chocolate ganache with a silky smooth consistency.
- Chocolate Application: Spread the molten chocolate mixture evenly across the cooled crust, creating a rich, decadent foundation that will complement the upcoming layers.
- Apple Caramelization: Sauté diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a skillet, cooking until the fruit becomes tender and develops a deep, complex caramelized flavor profile.
- Layer Assembly: Distribute the spiced apple compote uniformly over the chocolate layer, ensuring an even coverage that promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Caramel Finalization: Drizzle caramel sauce across the surface, optionally sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt to elevate the dessert’s flavor complexity and visual appeal.
- Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to meld and solidify into a luxurious, sliceable treat that balances texture and taste.
Notes
- Crumb Consistency Check: Ensure graham cracker base is finely ground and evenly mixed with butter to prevent crumbling or falling apart when slicing.
- Temperature Control: Toast crust carefully to achieve golden color without burning, watching closely during baking process to maintain perfect crunch.
- Caramel Apple Technique: Sauté apples on medium heat to develop caramelization without creating excessive moisture that could make dessert soggy.
- Layering Precision: Allow each layer to cool slightly before adding next component, preventing unwanted blending and maintaining distinct flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg