If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness and just the right hint of salt, this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining creamy white chocolate, luscious caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt, this fudge is the ultimate indulgence that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting just one more bite. Whether you’re gifting it for the holidays or treating yourself after a long day, this delightful Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe brings a burst of comforting flavor and a texture that’s both smooth and satisfyingly firm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is surprisingly simple because each ingredient plays an essential role in building the complex, creamy texture and layered flavors you’ll love.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The backbone of sweetness, ensuring your fudge has just the right sugary punch.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness without overpowering the caramel notes.
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk: Provides creaminess and helps achieve that luscious fudge texture.
- 1 package (11 oz) white chocolate chips: Delivers a silky, milky sweetness that perfectly complements the caramel.
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme: Creates a fluffy yet firm consistency and adds a subtle marshmallow flavor.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The star ingredient that gives the fudge its signature sweet and buttery caramel essence.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping): Brightens the sweet flavors and provides that irresistible salted finish.
How to Make Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This simple step is a game-changer because it ensures your fudge comes out in perfect squares without sticking, making serving and storing much easier.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar, Butter, and Milk
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly because this helps everything melt evenly and prevents burning. Bring the mixture to a full boil and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to get that perfect soft-ball stage that’s essential for fudge texture.
Step 3: Melt in the White Chocolate
Once the cooking time is up, remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the white chocolate chips. They’ll melt quickly, transforming the mixture into a silky, creamy base packed with rich flavor.
Step 4: Add Marshmallow Creme, Caramel, Vanilla, and Salt
Next, stir in the marshmallow creme, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt. This combination creates a luscious, gooey fudge that’s both decadently sweet and balanced by a hint of saltiness. Be sure to mix until everything is fully blended and smooth.
Step 5: Pour and Decorate
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and gently swirl it with a knife for that beautiful marbled effect. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor and add an inviting crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Let your fudge sit at room temperature for several hours or pop it in the refrigerator until firm. This step is crucial because it allows the fudge to set properly, giving you those satisfyingly clean-cut squares that melt perfectly on your tongue.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of elegance by garnishing your Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe with flaky sea salt crystals right before serving. You can also sprinkle crushed toffee or chopped toasted pecans for an extra layer of crunch and flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fudge.
Side Dishes
Serve your fudge alongside a hot cup of coffee or a frothy latte—the bitterness cuts through the sweetness, creating a harmonious taste explosion. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully with a simple bowl of fresh berries, adding a refreshing lift to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, wrap individual fudge squares in festive wax paper or place them in decorative boxes lined with parchment. You can also layer the fudge with crushed cookies or nuts in clear jars to make irresistible edible gifts that wow everyone in sight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Stored this way, it stays fresh and chewy for up to two weeks—perfect for nibbling on slowly or sharing with guests over multiple days.
Freezing
Freeze your fudge by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When done right, your fudge will keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
If your fudge has chilled too much and feels a bit too firm, bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause it to become grainy or overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?
It’s best to stick with unsalted butter because the recipe already calls for sea salt, which allows you better control over the saltiness. Using salted butter might make the fudge too salty.
Is it possible to substitute the white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile and texture of the fudge. White chocolate provides a creamier, sweeter base that complements the caramel beautifully.
How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?
After reaching a full boil, cook the sugar mixture for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. This timing helps achieve the right consistency for fudge, also known as the soft-ball stage in candy making.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on dairy ingredients like butter, evaporated milk, and white chocolate chips, so it’s not vegan as is. However, with specialty vegan butter, non-dairy evaporated milk substitutes, and vegan white chocolate, you could experiment to create a dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to cut the fudge into neat squares?
Use a sharp knife and warm it briefly under hot water before slicing. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to keep your squares looking smooth and pretty.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe enough—it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, soft and rich. Whether it’s a gift, a dessert, or just a little personal treat, this fudge brings joy with every bite. Give it a try; I promise it’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire that friends and family keep asking for again and again.
Print
Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 36 small squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in this luscious Salted Caramel Fudge, a perfect blend of creamy white chocolate, rich caramel, and a hint of sea salt. This easy-to-make dessert combines smooth caramel sauce with fluffy marshmallow creme for a decadent treat that sets to a perfect fudge consistency. Ideal for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet, satisfying bite, this fudge is simple to prepare on the stovetop and requires no baking.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 package (11 oz) white chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Heat Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly to prevent burning and allow the mixture to come to a full boil.
- Boil Mixture: Once boiling, continue boiling the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
- Melt White Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the white chocolate chips until they melt completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the marshmallow creme, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined and silky.
- Pour and Decorate: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and gently swirl it with a knife for an elegant marbled effect.
- Finish with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt evenly over the top to enhance the salted caramel flavor.
- Set the Fudge: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for several hours or refrigerate it until firm and easy to cut.
- Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into approximately 36 small squares and serve your delicious homemade salted caramel fudge.
Notes
- For a richer and more authentic caramel flavor, consider using homemade caramel sauce.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 2 weeks.
