Caramel Apple Fudge Delight Recipe

Velvety Caramel Apple Fudge Delight Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories dance through my favorite caramel apple fudge delight, blending nostalgic flavors into one irresistible treat.

Childhood afternoons spent watching grandma craft delectable desserts inspired this magical recipe.

Crisp autumn apples mingle with rich, smooth caramel and decadent chocolate fudge, creating a symphony of textures.

Layers of creamy sweetness promise pure indulgence in every single bite.

Unexpected combinations spark joy, making this dessert more than just a simple confection.

Curious cooks can easily master this delightful creation with minimal kitchen skills.

You’ll want to share these delectable squares with everyone around the table.

Caramel Apple Fudge Delight For Sweet Tooth Fans

  • Capture Autumn's Essence: Dive into a dessert that embodies the warmth and comfort of fall with its rich caramel and apple spice combination.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delightful fudge in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress family and friends with a gourmet-style dessert that looks sophisticated but requires minimal culinary skills to create.
  • Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy as a cozy after-dinner treat, a special holiday gift, or a delightful addition to potluck parties and seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients Checklist For Caramel Apple Fudge Delight

Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar: A key sweetener that helps create the smooth, rich texture of the fudge.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the caramel-like sweetness.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the fudge ingredients together.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy base that helps achieve the smooth fudge consistency.
  • Apple Cider: Infuses a warm, fruity flavor that complements the caramel notes.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add a cozy, autumnal flavor profile to the fudge.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweet flavors with its classic aromatic essence.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, rich texture.
  • Marshmallow Cream: Contributes to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the fudge.
Garnish Ingredient:
  • Dried Apple Slices: Provides a chewy texture and intensifies the apple flavor throughout the fudge.

Steps For Gooey Caramel Apple Fudge At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Canvas

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.

Gently press the paper to ensure it fits snugly against the dish’s corners and sides.

Step 2: Craft Caramel Base

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter
  • Evaporated milk
  • Apple cider

Heat the mixture over medium flame, whisking continuously.

Watch the temperature carefully until it reaches the soft ball stage, which looks like a smooth, glossy liquid that forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Elements

Remove the pan from heat.

Swirl in:
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • White chocolate chips
  • Marshmallow cream

Stir vigorously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Gently fold in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chopped dried apple pieces

Ensure the additions are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 5: Transfer To Cooling Vessel

Pour the luxurious fudge into the prepared baking dish.

Use a rubber spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth, tempting surface.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Allow the fudge to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Transfer to the refrigerator and let it firm up for 2-3 hours until completely solid.

Step 7: Slice And Savor

Remove the fudge from the dish using the parchment paper overhang.

Cut into bite-sized squares.

Serve and enjoy the delightful blend of caramel and apple flavors.

Tips For The Best Caramel Apple Fudge Every Time

  • Stir constantly while cooking to ensure smooth, creamy fudge without sugar crystals forming.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature, guaranteeing perfect soft ball stage every time.
  • Toast dried apple slices briefly before adding to intensify their natural sweetness and depth.
  • Let fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to achieve the most delectable, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.

Caramel Apple Fudge Variations For Fall Fun

  • Gluten-Free Apple Spice Fudge: Replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips and use gluten-free marshmallow cream for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Nutty Caramel Apple Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the fudge for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Vegan Apple Cinnamon Fudge: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and select vegan white chocolate chips with plant-based marshmallow cream.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Fudge: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free white chocolate chips to create a diabetic-friendly dessert option.

How To Present Caramel Apple Fudge At Parties

  • Fall Festival Pairing: Serve alongside warm apple cider or spiced tea for a cozy autumn treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.
  • Dessert Platter Magic: Create a beautiful dessert board with fudge squares, cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and caramel drizzle for elegant presentation.
  • Gifting Delight: Package fudge squares in cute mason jars or cellophane bags with rustic twine for homemade holiday gifts that friends and family will adore.
  • Brunch Companion: Offer as a sweet finale to weekend brunch, complementing pancakes or waffles with its rich caramel apple essence.

Storing Caramel Apple Fudge Squares With Care

  • Transfer fudge squares to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain quality.
  • Gently warm fudge squares in microwave for 5-10 seconds at 50% power to restore soft, creamy consistency. Be careful not to overheat, which can cause separation.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this Caramel Apple Fudge?

The fudge combines sweet caramel notes with warm apple pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a rich dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this fudge?

You’ll need a candy thermometer to accurately measure the soft ball stage, which is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge texture and preventing crystallization.

  • Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apple slices?

Fresh apples have too much moisture and will make the fudge runny. Dried apple slices provide concentrated flavor and the right texture without adding excess liquid to the recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caramel Apple Fudge Delight Recipe

Caramel Apple Fudge Delight Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet caramel apple fudge delight whispers autumn’s warmth with rich, creamy layers of nostalgia. Spiced apples and silky caramel meld into a luxurious dessert that beckons you to savor each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Apples:

  • 2 cups (473 ml) sugar
  • 1 cup (236 ml) brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup (177 ml) unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup (158 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (236 ml) apple cider

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (340 grams) white chocolate chips
  • 7 ounces (198 grams) marshmallow cream
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) dried apple slices, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides for easy removal.
  2. Combine sugars, butter, evaporated milk, and apple cider in a medium saucepan, heating over medium flame while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
  3. Monitor the mixture’s temperature carefully, cooking until it reaches the precise soft ball stage (234F), which typically takes 10-12 minutes of consistent stirring.
  4. Immediately remove the hot mixture from heat and swiftly incorporate white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream, whisking until achieving a completely smooth, glossy consistency.
  5. Gently fold in ground cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a rich aromatic blend that infuses the fudge with warm, autumnal notes.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract and finely chopped dried apple pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
  7. Transfer the luscious fudge into the prepared dish, using a silicone spatula to spread it uniformly and eliminate any air pockets.
  8. Allow the fudge to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours until it becomes completely firm and slice-able.
  9. Once set, cut into small, elegant squares and serve chilled, savoring the complex layers of caramel, apple, and spice.

Notes

  • Prevent Burning Constantly stir the sugar mixture to avoid scorching and ensure even caramelization during cooking.
  • Customize Texture Adjust dried apple slice size for a more pronounced or subtle fruit texture throughout the fudge.
  • Temperature Precision Use a reliable candy thermometer to achieve the perfect soft ball stage for smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap white chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version of this decadent treat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 317 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 31 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star