Caramel Apple Fudge Delight is the perfect marriage of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. This delightful treat combines the rich taste of caramel, the tang of fresh apples, and the lusciousness of fudge into a single, crowd-pleasing dessert. Itโs ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just when you want a sweet pick-me-up.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires only a few simple steps and basic ingredients.
- Perfect for Fall: Combines the quintessential flavors of caramel and apple for an autumn-inspired treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert thatโs universally loved and a hit at any event.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to match your flavor preferences.
- Great Texture: A wonderful mix of creamy fudge with bits of apple for contrast.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- White chocolate chips
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Diced apples (firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith work best)
- Caramel sauce
- Sea salt (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Line a square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the fudge and use a knife or skewer to create swirls.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 16 squares of fudge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Spiced Flavor: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced note.
- Chocolate Base: Swap white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Fruit Swaps: Substitute diced apples with pears or dried cranberries for a different fruity twist.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate and condensed milk alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual fudge squares in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: This fudge is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Itโs best to use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the fudge.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe.
3. How do I prevent the fudge from sticking to the dish?
Line the dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, itโs a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
5. What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can use chopped white chocolate bars as an alternative.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
7. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the sea salt topping if you use salted butter to avoid it being overly salty.
8. Can I omit the caramel sauce?
While the caramel enhances the flavor, you can omit it or substitute it with chocolate or fruit syrup for a different twist.
9. How long does it take to set?
The fudge takes about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator.
10. Can I use a different kind of milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy texture, so substitutions may alter the final result.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Fudge Delight is a simple yet impressive dessert thatโs sure to become a favorite. With its creamy texture, delightful apple bits, and swirls of caramel, this fudge is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, itโs a sweet treat youโll love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!
PrintCaramel Apple Fudge Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and indulgent dessert combines the creamy goodness of fudge with the sweet-tart flavors of caramel apples. Itโs a perfect treat for fall gatherings or as a decadent snack anytime you crave something sweet. With layers of caramel, apple, and chocolatey fudge, itโs a delight in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Fudge Base:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed pecans or walnuts
- Drizzle of white chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Fudge Base:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and pour the mixture into a lined 8ร8-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Cook the Apple Layer:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Layer the Apples:
- Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over the fudge base.
- Add the Caramel Topping:
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple layer. Sprinkle sea salt if desired.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is firm.
- Add Optional Toppings and Serve:
- Once set, drizzle white chocolate and sprinkle crushed nuts if using. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- For an extra festive look, sprinkle with colorful fall-themed sprinkles.
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