Indulge your sweet tooth with this heavenly Salted Caramel Fudge recipe. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt, this fudge is sure to satisfy even the most intense cravings. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, you won’t be able to resist its irresistible allure.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for topping
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Combine Sugar and Butter: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Heavy Cream and Salt: Once the butter and sugars are melted and combined, pour in the heavy cream and sea salt. Stir well to incorporate.
- Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage, around 235°F (113°C).
- Stir in White Chocolate Chips: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the white chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully combined.
- Pour Into Pan: Quickly pour the caramel fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle additional sea salt over the top of the fudge for a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill the fudge for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the baking dish. Cut into squares and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add chopped nuts, drizzle with melted chocolate, or even swirl in some peanut butter for an extra indulgent treat.
- Storage: Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter for this recipe to better control the overall saltiness of the fudge. You can always adjust the amount of sea salt added to suit your taste.
Q: Can I make this fudge without a candy thermometer? A: While a candy thermometer is helpful for ensuring the fudge reaches the soft-ball stage, you can also test it using the cold water method. Simply drop a small amount of the caramel mixture into a bowl of cold water, and if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this fudge by using coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, and a dairy-free butter substitute.
Keto Version:
Unfortunately, it’s challenging to make a keto-friendly version of this fudge due to the high sugar content of traditional fudge recipes. However, you can try experimenting with sugar substitutes such as erythritol or stevia, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
Low-Carb Version:
To make a lower-carb version of this fudge, you can reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute it with a lower-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, you can use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate to further reduce the carb content.
This Salted Caramel Fudge is the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth. With its rich, creamy texture and irresistible caramel flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite treat for both special occasions and everyday cravings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a cup of coffee, this fudge is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you craving more. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a little slice of heaven!
