If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect balance of rich, buttery caramel with just the right hint of salt, this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine unbelievably creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that combines smooth white chocolate, luscious caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to keep your taste buds dancing. It’s a homemade treat that feels fancy but is wonderfully easy to make, perfect for gifting or indulging anytime you need that cozy, sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a decadently smooth and flavorful fudge. Each one plays a key role in giving you that perfect blend of creamy texture, buttery richness, and a tiny hint of saltiness that makes this recipe stand out.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and structure of the fudge.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel without overpowering the caramel’s flavor.
- Heavy cream: Ensures a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Light corn syrup: Helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, keeping the fudge smooth.
- Sea salt: Brings that perfect salty counterpoint to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- White chocolate chips: Create a smooth, sweet base that blends beautifully with the caramel.
- Marshmallow creme: Makes the texture super creamy and soft, almost cloud-like.
- Caramel sauce: The star player for that rich, buttery taste with real depth.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds a satisfying crunch and an elegant finishing touch.
How to Make Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This is a simple trick that will make lifting the fudge out of the pan so much easier when it’s ready.
Step 2: Combine and Cook the Base
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring together the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and sea salt. Stir continuously to prevent burning and watch as this mixture comes to a steady boil. Once boiling, let it cook for about 5 minutes while you keep stirring frequently to develop that luscious caramel base.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, white chocolate chips, and marshmallow creme. Mix these in until the mixture is completely smooth and velvety—this is where the magic happens, producing a fudge with that perfect creamy texture.
Step 4: Fold in the Caramel
Quickly fold in the caramel sauce but don’t overmix—you want those beautiful caramel ribbons swirled throughout the fudge, creating an irresistible marbled effect once cut.
Step 5: Pour and Garnish
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the surface, and use a knife to swirl it in artistically. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to give that signature finish and a slight crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow your fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours so it starts to firm up, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 more hours to fully set. Once it’s set, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out and slice into small, bite-sized squares. You’re ready to indulge!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To impress your guests, sprinkle additional flaky sea salt just before serving or add a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra shine and richness. You can also pair the fudge with a sprinkle of crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for an added texture.
Side Dishes
Salted caramel fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to balance the sweetness. It also shines alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, adding a refreshing contrast to each rich bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter lined with parchment or doilies. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper tied with festive ribbons elevates the whole experience and makes for a delightful homemade treat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover fudge keeps beautifully stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays fresh for a few months and thaws easily in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature, but if you’d like it softer, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid heating it in the microwave as it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the fudge?
Absolutely! Using a quality store-bought caramel sauce is a time saver and works wonderfully in this Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe. Just pick one with a flavor you love since it really shines through.
Is it possible to make this recipe without marshmallow creme?
Marshmallow creme contributes to the fudge’s creamy texture, but you could replace it with an equal amount of sweetened condensed milk for a slightly different but still delicious result.
How salty should the fudge taste?
The beauty of salted caramel fudge is the perfect balance between sweet and salty. The sea salt should provide little bursts of saltiness that enhance the caramel without overwhelming the sweetness.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate?
While white chocolate works best for the creamy sweetness, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a richer, slightly less sweet fudge, but keep in mind this will change the overall flavor profile.
What’s the best way to cut fudge neatly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried before slicing for clean cuts. Wiping the knife between each slice helps maintain smooth edges and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together so many wonderful flavors in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to impress with its amazing balance of creamy caramel sweetness and just the right touch of salt. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup!
Print
Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 small squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Salted Caramel Fudge is a rich, creamy, and indulgent homemade treat combining the luscious flavors of caramel, white chocolate, and a hint of sea salt. Perfectly smooth and decadently sweet, it’s an easy no-bake dessert that’s ideal for sharing or gifting, featuring a delightful balance of salty and sweet with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This overhang will help you easily lift the fudge out of the pan once it is set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and sea salt. Stir continuously as the mixture heats to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
- Cook the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then allow it to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to keep it smooth and prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, white chocolate chips, and marshmallow creme until the mixture is completely smooth, with no lumps. Work quickly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in Caramel: Quickly fold in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce into the smooth mixture, distributing it evenly without overmixing.
- Pour and Decorate: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top surface. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Add Salt Topping: Evenly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the surface of the fudge for a perfect salted caramel balance.
- Cool and Set: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 2 hours to firm up slightly, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 additional hours or until fully set.
- Slice and Store: Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang, cut into 36 small squares, and store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for extended storage.
Notes
- Use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor impact.
- The fudge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer-term storage.
- Ensure stirring is consistent during cooking to avoid sugar crystallization and maintain a smooth texture.
- Allow sufficient cooling and chilling time for the fudge to firm properly before slicing.
