There is nothing quite like the luscious, velvety delight of a homemade Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe to brighten your day. This treat combines the rich sweetness of caramel with just the right touch of sea salt, creating a perfect harmony that melts beautifully on your tongue. Whether you are gifting it to friends or savoring it yourself with a cup of tea, this recipe guarantees that indulgent, buttery flavor that is truly unforgettable. Let me take you through the steps to create these irresistible salted caramels that are as rewarding to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every incredible Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe starts with a simple lineup of ingredients that play off each other perfectly to achieve that luscious texture and bead of salty-sweet flavor. Each component is essential, bringing sweetness, creaminess, and richness to the final product.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness and structure for the caramel base.
- Light brown sugar, firmly packed: Adds a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the caramel notes.
- Evaporated milk: Enhances creaminess and helps achieve the perfect fudge consistency.
- Heavy cream: Makes the caramel luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization so your fudge stays silky and soft.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a velvety richness that rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
- Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the caramel’s depth.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that elevates the caramel flavor perfectly.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): The final touch to sprinkle on top, giving that satisfying salty crunch.
How to Make Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly butter or spray it. This ensures your caramel won’t stick and makes removing the fudge a breeze once it’s set. Having a prepared pan away from the heat lets you pour the caramel quickly once it’s ready.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, gather your granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, heavy cream, corn syrup, butter, and fine sea salt. This blend will meld together under heat to create the rich caramel base that is the heart of this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe.
Step 3: Heat mixture
Place your pan over medium heat and gently stir the mixture frequently. Keep stirring until all the butter melts and everything combines into a smooth, uniform liquid. This step might take some patience, but it ensures no lumps form and the sugar dissolves completely for that perfect creamy texture.
Step 4: Cook to temperature
Attach a candy thermometer to your saucepan, making sure it does not touch the bottom for an accurate reading. Continuously stir the caramel as it heats and cooks until it reaches the firm-ball stage, between 240 and 243 degrees Fahrenheit (115 to 117 degrees Celsius). This process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes — a test of patience well worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth decadent fudge.
Step 5: Cool and set
Once your caramel hits the right temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in vanilla extract for that aromatic lift. Quickly pour the hot caramel into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Allow it to rest about 10 minutes before sprinkling with flaky sea salt to create little bursts of salty contrast throughout each bite. Let it cool completely at room temperature, ideally several hours or overnight, so the fudge sets perfectly firm but soft.
Step 6: Cut and wrap
When fully set, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the fudge into your preferred shapes and sizes. To keep your salted caramels fresh and easy to gift or enjoy later, wrap each piece individually in wax paper or cellophane wrappers. This little step keeps the fudge from sticking together and adds a charming homemade touch.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of serving this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is how well it stands on its own, but you can take it a notch higher by garnishing with a few creative touches. A dusting of extra flaky sea salt enhances the salty-sweet interplay, while a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a decadent finish. Toasted nuts like pecans or hazelnuts sprinkled on top bring welcome crunch and a balancing earthiness.
Side Dishes
Pairing salted caramel fudge with the right accompaniments can make your dessert experience even more extraordinary. Think about serving it alongside a cup of freshly brewed strong coffee or robust black tea to cut through the sweetness. Vanilla bean ice cream is also a star sidekick — a scoop served with a warm caramel fudge piece is pure comfort. Even fresh fruit like crisp apples or pears can balance the richness with their bright flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is where your personal style can shine with this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe. Consider stacking pieces in a glass jar tied with rustic twine as a charming gift. Arrange squares on a decorative platter dusted with sea salt and edible gold flakes for festive occasions. If you want to WOW guests, try skewering bite-sized caramel fudge cubes alternated with fresh berries for an elegant, bite-friendly dessert display that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your salted caramel fudge should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator during warm months. This will keep the fudge fresh and maintain that soft, chewy texture for up to two weeks. Avoid humid or warm spots to prevent melting or sticky messes.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe for an extended period, freezing works beautifully. Simply wrap individual pieces tightly in wax paper followed by foil or a freezer-safe bag. Frozen caramel fudge can last for up to three months without losing flavor, and it thaws quickly at room temperature when you are ready to indulge.
Reheating
While this fudge is best enjoyed as-is, if you prefer a softer, warmer texture, you can gently warm pieces in the microwave in short bursts of 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or it will melt completely. Warming briefly enhances the gooey, melted caramel sensation that makes this recipe so delightful.
FAQs
What is the difference between salted caramel fudge and regular fudge?
Salted caramel fudge incorporates a balance of sweet caramel tones and sea salt, offering a contrast that regular fudge, which tends to be purely sweet, does not. The salt enhances the caramel depth and adds a pleasant savory accent.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk has less water content than regular milk, which helps create that creamy, thick consistency essential for fudge. Using regular milk might result in a softer or less firm fudge, so it’s best to stick to evaporated milk for the classic texture.
How long does it take to reach the correct temperature for caramel?
The cooking process usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes to reach 240–243°F. Patience is important here, as rushing can cause the caramel to burn or not set properly.
Why do I need corn syrup in this recipe?
Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring your caramel fudge remains smooth and silky rather than grainy. It’s a small ingredient with a big impact on texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This particular Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe relies heavily on dairy for richness and texture. However, you can experiment with coconut milk and vegan butter substitutes, although the final flavor and consistency may differ.
Final Thoughts
Making this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your heart with happiness. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy yourself or share with loved ones on any occasion. Once you taste the buttery, sweet, and salty perfection, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare for some serious caramel bliss!
Print
Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 50 pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade Salted Caramels that combine rich, buttery caramel with a touch of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Soft, chewy, and ideal for gifting or treating yourself, these caramels are made from scratch with simple ingredients and cooked slowly to achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredients
Caramel Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups (354ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (255g) light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter or spray it. Set aside to ensure the caramel won’t stick and will be easy to remove.
- Combine ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, heavy cream, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and fine sea salt.
- Heat mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently until the butter has completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Cook to temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom to get an accurate reading. Stir constantly as the mixture cooks until it reaches 240–243°F (115–117°C), which takes approximately 45–60 minutes. This slow cooking is essential for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool and add vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Pour caramel and add salt: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Wait about 10 minutes, then sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the surface to finish the flavor.
- Set and cool: Allow the caramel to cool completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight until fully set and firm enough to cut.
- Cut and wrap: Once set, cut the caramel into your preferred shapes with a sharp knife. Wrap each piece individually in wax paper or cellophane wrappers to keep fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- Be patient while cooking; slowly reaching the correct temperature is key to chewy caramels.
- Keep the candy thermometer from touching the pot bottom to avoid inaccurate temperature readings.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- Store wrapped caramels at room temperature or in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the sweet and salty contrast; adjust amount to your preference.
- If your caramel is too soft after cooling, cook it a few degrees higher next time for a firmer texture.
