Caramel Apple Fudge

$- 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) To make caramel apple fudge, you need simple yet rich ingredients. Each one adds a unique taste and texture. Start with granulated sugar for sweetness. Butter brings creaminess, while heavy cream adds a rich, smooth flavor. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Chop up some Granny Smith apples for a fresh, tart bite. Caramel sauce is key, making the fudge sweet and sticky. Cinnamon gives warmth, and salt balances the flavors. If you like, add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat. Gather everything before you start cooking. This way, you'll be ready to go. Enjoy the process of making this fudge; it is as fun as it is tasty! - Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps lift the fudge out easily later. - In a heavy saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of unsalted butter, and 1 cup of heavy cream. - Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. - Bring the mixture to a boil. - Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. You want the mixture to reach the soft ball stage at about 235°F. This step is key to getting your fudge just right. - Remove the pan from heat. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. - Fold in 1 cup of chopped Granny Smith apples and 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you like nuts. This gives your fudge great flavor and crunch. - Pour half of the fudge mixture into your lined baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the fudge. - Top with the rest of the fudge mixture. - Finally, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the fudge. This makes it look even more inviting! - Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. It needs time to set properly. - Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. - Cut it into squares for serving. Enjoy this sweet treat with friends and family! - Achieving the right temperature for consistency: The right temperature is key for smooth fudge. Use a candy thermometer. Heat your mixture to 235°F for a soft ball stage. This helps your fudge set well. If it’s too cool, it won’t hold together. If too hot, it can become hard. - Using room temperature ingredients for better blending: Make sure your butter and cream are at room temperature. This helps them mix well with the sugar. Warm ingredients blend easier, making your fudge creamy. Cold butter can lead to lumps, which you want to avoid. - Presentation tips for an appealing dessert display: Cut the fudge into neat squares. Place them on a pretty plate. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice touch. You can also add apple slices around the fudge. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. - Pairing options with beverages or other desserts: Enjoy your fudge with coffee or hot cocoa. It also pairs well with vanilla ice cream. If you want something fruity, serve it with a glass of apple cider. This enhances the apple flavor in the fudge, making each bite even better. {{image_2}} You can make your caramel apple fudge even more fun by changing the flavors. Try using different apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Each type brings a unique taste. You can also mix in other fruits, like pears or dried cranberries, for a twist. If you love nuts, you can add walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. But if nuts aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out. The fudge is still tasty without them! For those who need special diets, there are great options. You can make gluten-free fudge by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free. Most of the ingredients already are! If you want a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based cream. Make sure to pick a vegan caramel sauce too. This way, everyone can enjoy this sweet treat! To keep your caramel apple fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use a container that fits the fudge snugly. This helps prevent air from getting in and drying it out. You can place a piece of parchment paper between fudge layers. This keeps them from sticking together. Keep your container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard works well. If you want to save some fudge for later, freezing is a great option. First, cut the fudge into squares. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Make sure they are tightly sealed to stop freezer burn. Next, place the wrapped fudge in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date for easy tracking. To thaw, simply take out the fudge and leave it at room temperature. It will take about an hour to soften. Avoid using a microwave, as it can change the texture. Enjoy your fudge just like fresh! Homemade caramel apple fudge lasts about one to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can place it in the fridge for longer shelf life. However, it tastes best when eaten fresh. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and still adds great flavor. Just make sure to choose a high-quality sauce for the best taste. You can also mix it with a bit of cinnamon for extra warmth. Granny Smith apples work best for this fudge. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter twist. Always chop them into small pieces for better blending. Absolutely! You can leave out the walnuts or pecans if you prefer a nut-free treat. The fudge will still taste amazing without them. You can add extra chopped apples or even some chocolate chips for added texture. If your fudge didn’t set, it could be due to incorrect temperature. Reheat the fudge gently, then cool it again. You can try adding more sugar and simmering it longer. Make sure to reach the soft ball stage next time for perfect results. This blog post covered how to make delicious caramel apple fudge. We discussed the key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips to ensure your fudge turns out perfect. Remember, using the right temperature is key for texture. You can switch up flavors or make dietary changes to fit your needs. When stored properly, this fudge can last for weeks. Now, get ready to impress friends and family with this tasty treat. Enjoy every bite!$

Indulge in the sweetness of Caramel Apple Fudge with this easy recipe! Combining the rich flavors of buttery fudge, tart apples, and luscious caramel, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to make a delicious batch that will impress your friends and family. Don't miss out on this delightful dessert! Click to explore the recipe now! #CaramelAppleFudge #SweetTreats #DessertRecipes #FallFlavors

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the fudge out later.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want to achieve a soft ball stage (around 235°F).

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts or pecans (if using) until well incorporated.

Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the fudge, then top with the remaining fudge mixture.

Finally, drizzle the leftover caramel sauce on top and use a knife to swirl it gently into the fudge.

Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until fully set. Once set, lift the fudge from the baking dish using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 2 hrs 15 min | Servings: 36 squares

- Presentation Tips: Serve the fudge squares on a decorative platter, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt or a few apple slices for a fresh touch. Enjoy this sweet treat for gatherings or as a delightful dessert!