Salted Caramel Fudge: A Sweet, Simple Treat for Beginners

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the richness of caramel, the smoothness of white chocolate, and a touch of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance, then salted caramel fudge is your answer. This fudge is not only a treat for your taste buds but also an excellent choice for beginners who want to dip their toes into the world of homemade candy. With just six simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly while delivering a sophisticated, indulgent treat that will impress everyone.

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The beauty of making fudge at home is in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complex ingredients or advanced kitchen tools to achieve a delicious result. Salted caramel fudge is the perfect recipe to start with if you’re new to making homemade sweets. It’s an easy, no-fuss dessert that requires only a bit of patience while the caramel thickens. Plus, the end result is a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth treat that rivals anything you’d find at a high-end dessert shop.

Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible salted caramel fudge recipe that’s bound to become your new go-to treat for special occasions, holidays, or just whenever you need something sweet.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. This simple recipe relies on just six ingredients, most of which you likely have in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 240 ml (1 cup) sweetened condensed milk
• 180 grams (1 cup) brown sugar
• 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup (Note: Golden syrup can be found in most supermarkets or online, but if you can’t find it, light corn syrup or even honey will work as a substitute.)
• 200 grams (1 and 1/3 cup) good quality white chocolate, broken into pieces
• Sea salt (Use coarse sea salt for the best result — it adds an extra layer of texture and enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.)

These six ingredients combine to create a smooth, creamy fudge with the perfect balance of sweetness and a delightful salty contrast. The sweetened condensed milk gives the fudge a rich, smooth base, while the butter provides that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor, while golden syrup (or an alternative) gives the fudge that perfect caramelized sweetness.

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s go over the preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This salted caramel fudge is so simple to make that even beginner cooks will have no trouble whipping it up. The steps are straightforward, and the results are undeniably delicious. Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly breakdown:

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by greasing an 8-inch square pan with butter or oil. Then, line the pan with parchment paper or baking paper for easy removal later. This will ensure the fudge doesn’t stick to the pan when it sets, and the parchment paper will also make it easier to lift the fudge out once it’s fully cooled.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, add the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to combine the ingredients. This step is important because you want to dissolve the sugar completely and melt the butter without overheating or burning the mixture. Stir continuously until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Once the ingredients have melted and combined, increase the heat to medium. Keep stirring as the mixture begins to simmer. You’ll notice that it will slowly thicken — this is the point where the caramel flavor starts to develop. It should take around 5-6 minutes for the mixture to reach the right consistency.

To check if the mixture has thickened enough, dip a spoon into it. If it coats the back of the spoon without running off immediately, it’s ready to move on to the next step. The longer you cook it, the thicker the fudge will be, but be careful not to let it boil too vigorously or burn.

Step 4: Add the White Chocolate

Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the white chocolate pieces. The residual heat from the caramel mixture will melt the chocolate, creating a smooth, creamy fudge base. Keep stirring until all the white chocolate is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.

White chocolate is key to giving this fudge its rich, creamy texture. If you use a lower-quality white chocolate, the fudge may turn out too thick or gritty, so be sure to use good-quality chocolate for the best results.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Now that your caramel and white chocolate mixture is fully combined, pour the fudge into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top so it’s evenly distributed. The fudge will have a thick consistency at this point, but you can still work with it to create an even layer.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Sea Salt

Once the fudge is in the pan, it’s time for the final touch — the sea salt. Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse sea salt evenly over the top of the fudge. This will bring out the caramel’s natural sweetness and add a satisfying contrast to the richness of the fudge. Don’t skimp on the salt; it’s an essential element that makes this treat truly stand out. The salt should stick to the top of the fudge, adding texture and enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Now comes the most challenging part: waiting. Place the pan in the fridge and allow the fudge to chill for at least 3-4 hours. For the best results, let it set overnight. The fudge will firm up in the fridge and develop a smooth, sliceable texture.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

After the fudge has set, remove the pan from the fridge and use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares or rectangles. You can cut them into thick or thin pieces, depending on your preference. The fudge should have a firm, creamy texture that’s easy to cut and serve.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Making fudge is a fun and straightforward process, but there are a few key tips that will help ensure your fudge turns out perfectly every time:

• Be patient when simmering: It’s important to let the caramel mixture simmer for the right amount of time to develop a thick, rich texture. Don’t rush this step. If you’re unsure, just keep stirring and keep an eye on the consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon and not run off quickly.
• Avoid high heat: If you turn the heat too high, you risk burning the sugar or butter. Keep the heat on medium and stir continuously to ensure even cooking.
• Use good-quality white chocolate: The white chocolate is a key ingredient in this recipe, so make sure you use a high-quality product that will melt smoothly and create a creamy texture.
• Don’t skip the sea salt: The sea salt isn’t just a garnish — it’s what makes this fudge so unique. It balances out the sweetness and adds a lovely crunch, so be generous with it.
• Let it set fully: For the best texture, be sure to let the fudge chill in the fridge until it’s firm. It might be tempting to cut into it right away, but the fudge will be much easier to slice and enjoy when it’s fully set.

Serving Suggestions

Salted caramel fudge is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways you can serve it to elevate the experience:

• Pair with a warm drink: Serve the fudge alongside a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. The rich, creamy texture of the fudge complements the warmth of these drinks beautifully.
• Add to a dessert platter: If you’re serving this fudge at a party or gathering, arrange it on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, or cake slices.
• Drizzle extra caramel: For an even more decadent treat, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the fudge before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor that caramel lovers will adore.
• Top with whipped cream: For a festive twist, top a square of fudge with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This makes for an indulgent dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover fudge, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. The cool temperature will keep the fudge firm and fresh.
• Freeze: If you want to store the fudge for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the fudge in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. The fudge can be frozen for up to a month. To enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

Salted caramel fudge is the ultimate easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for beginners. With just six ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a rich, creamy treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, this fudge is guaranteed to satisfy.

The combination of sweet caramel, smooth white chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt makes this fudge irresistible. Try it out today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see how you enjoy this simple yet decadent treat!