Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe
If you are craving a sweet treat that combines bold coffee flavor with a luscious caramel twist, you need to try this Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe. This indulgent dessert is a velvety-smooth fudge bursting with rich coffee undertones and swirls of golden caramel that melt in your mouth. Perfect for coffee lovers and fudge fans alike, this recipe balances sweetness and depth, making every bite a little moment of heaven. It’s also wonderfully simple to prepare, allowing you to impress friends and family with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of creamy, coffee-rich, and caramel-kissed goodness. From the smooth white chocolate to the vibrant coffee essence, every component is thoughtfully chosen to bring this fudge to life.
- White chocolate chips: Provide a creamy, sweet base that melts beautifully for a smooth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and helps bind the fudge with its thick, velvety consistency.
- Instant coffee granules: Infuse the fudge with a deep coffee flavor without any bitterness.
- Hot water: Used to dissolve the coffee, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
- Caramel sauce: Swirled through the fudge for a luscious, buttery sweetness with a gooey texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Sea salt (optional): Adds a subtle contrast that amplifies both the sweetness and coffee flavors.
How to Make Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick is a game-changer because it allows you to lift the fudge out easily once it’s set, without any sticky mess to worry about.
Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water, stirring until fully combined. This step is crucial to make sure the coffee blends evenly through your fudge, giving you that rich, bold flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Fudge Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture turns silky-smooth. Then, stir in your dissolved coffee mixture and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create the perfect coffee-chocolate harmony.
Step 4: Create the Caramel Swirl
Pour half of the coffee fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Next, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Pour the remaining coffee fudge on top and smooth it out carefully. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce across the top and gently swirl it through the fudge using a knife or toothpick. This creates gorgeous caramel ribbons that make each piece a visual and tasty delight.
Step 5: Add a Touch of Salt (Optional)
Sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the top at this stage adds an exciting layer of sweet-salty contrast. It’s a small detail that lifts the entire flavor profile of the fudge in the most delightful way.
Step 6: Set the Fudge
Place the dish in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until it’s completely firm and set. Patience here pays off with perfect sliceable squares that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Once set, use the parchment overhang to carefully lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into squares or bite-sized pieces, and get ready for a treat that tastes as good as it looks!
How to Serve Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe even more special, consider topping with a light dusting of cocoa powder, coffee grounds, or chopped nuts like pecans or hazelnuts. These garnishes add texture and can beautifully complement the rich flavors within the fudge.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of black coffee or a creamy latte, which highlights the coffee notes in the dessert. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning it into a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your fudge squares on a decorative platter lined with a coffee bean garland or edible gold leaf accents to impress your guests. You can also package small portions in pretty boxes or jars—making them perfect gifts for friends, family, or coworkers who appreciate a touch of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any fudge left over (though it’s unlikely!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its creamy texture and keeps the caramel swirls joyful and fresh.
Freezing
This Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe freezes well, making it a convenient treat to prepare in advance. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let your fudge sit out for a few minutes rather than microwaving it, which can cause the white chocolate to seize or the caramel to separate.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Instant coffee granules dissolve easily and give a consistent coffee flavor, which is ideal for fudge. Regular brewed coffee would add too much liquid, potentially affecting the fudge’s texture, so it’s better to stick with instant coffee for the best results.
Is it possible to make this fudge vegan-friendly?
This recipe relies on white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, which are typically dairy-based. To make a vegan version, you’d need to find dairy-free white chocolate and a vegan condensed milk substitute, but keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary.
How can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Homemade caramel sauce is simple to make using sugar, butter, and cream. Cooking sugar until it caramelizes and then carefully stirring in butter and cream yields a rich caramel perfect for swirling through your fudge. This adds a fresh, buttery touch that many find irresistible.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the fudge?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can be stirred into the fudge before setting. Just be sure not to add too much or it can affect the smoothness of the final fudge.
How long does it take for the fudge to set properly?
You should refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 to 3 hours to ensure it firms up nicely. If you want to speed things up, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 to 45 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid freezing it solid.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite compares to the joy of homemade fudge, especially one as irresistible as this Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy sweetness, coffee richness, and luscious caramel that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether for an everyday treat or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to delight you and anyone lucky enough to share it. So grab your ingredients, get into the kitchen, and experience this wonderful dessert for yourself—you won’t regret it!
Print
Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 2-3 hours chilling
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this luscious Caramel Coffee Fudge that blends creamy white chocolate, rich caramel, and a robust coffee flavor into a smooth, decadent treat. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet and slightly salty delight, this easy-to-make fudge sets in the fridge to provide a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- ¼ cup hot water
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the fudge once set.
- Dissolve the Coffee: In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee granules with the hot water. Stir thoroughly until the coffee granules are fully dissolved, then set aside for later use.
- Make the Fudge Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and mix in the dissolved coffee and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- Create the Caramel Swirl: Pour half of the coffee fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Then pour the remaining coffee fudge mixture on top and spread it out. Finally, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the caramel into the fudge layers for a marbled effect.
- Add a Touch of Salt (Optional): Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt evenly over the top to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile of the fudge.
- Set the Fudge: Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours until it is firm and set.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into small squares or bite-sized pieces. Enjoy your decadently creamy caramel coffee fudge!
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best texture and flavor in the fudge.
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee granules to 3 tablespoons.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can substitute the caramel sauce with homemade salted caramel for an extra special touch.
- For easier slicing, warm the knife slightly before cutting the fudge to prevent cracking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
