Ingredients for Caramel Fudge Bars
To make the best caramel fudge, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or corn syrup)
- 400g white chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional:
- Sea salt flakes for the top
- Extra drizzle of caramel sauce
These ingredients work together to create a rich, creamy caramel base. White chocolate helps the fudge set while remaining smooth, while brown sugar and syrup add depth and a true caramel flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Line a small square baking dish (8×8 inch / 20×20 cm) with parchment paper. Leave extra paper hanging over the edges so you can lift the fudge out easily after it sets. This step guarantees clean edges like the ones in your picture.
2. Melt the base ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine:
- The condensed milk
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Golden syrup
Place the pan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture melts. You want the sugar to dissolve fully and the butter to blend smoothly into the condensed milk. The mixture will begin to thicken and turn glossy.
Avoid boiling—keep the heat steady and moderate.
3. Stir until smooth and caramelized
Once everything is melted, continue stirring the mixture for 5–7 minutes. It will turn into a rich caramel color and become thicker. Stirring prevents the sugar from sticking or burning on the bottom.
You’re aiming for a slow bubble, not a rapid boil. Consistent stirring also ensures the fudge ends up silky instead of grainy.
4. Add the white chocolate
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the chopped white chocolate immediately and stir until completely melted. The heat from the caramel will melt the chocolate smoothly, creating a creamy mixture that begins to thicken as it cools.
Stir in:
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
5. Pour and smooth the fudge
Once the mixture is silky and lump-free, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the top evenly. You can also tap the dish on the counter lightly to remove air bubbles.
If you want salted caramel fudge, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top now.
6. Chill until firm
Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best texture. The fudge will set into a firm, sliceable block, just like the clean squares in your image.
Once chilled, lift it out using the parchment paper and cut into even squares using a sharp knife.
How to Achieve Perfect Fudge Texture
Caramel fudge is all about the texture—soft but firm, dense but creamy. Here are some tips to help your fudge turn out perfect every time:
- Stir constantly during cooking so the sugar melts evenly.
- Don’t boil too hard—fast boiling causes graininess.
- White chocolate must be fully melted to avoid lumps.
- Chill long enough, or the fudge won’t hold its shape.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
A smooth, glossy surface like the one in your picture means the mixture didn’t burn, didn’t separate, and was stirred properly.
Why This Caramel Fudge Recipe Works
This recipe has become popular because it is simple, fool-proof, and delivers a gourmet-level dessert with just a few ingredients. The melted butter and sugar blend beautifully with condensed milk to form a creamy base, and the white chocolate stabilizes the fudge once cooled.
This combination creates a perfect caramel color—not too dark, not too pale—and gives the fudge a buttery richness with a perfectly smooth finish. It cuts cleanly, holds its shape, and doesn’t crumble, making it ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings.
Serving Ideas
Caramel fudge is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these ideas:
- Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts
- Dip pieces into melted chocolate
- Crumble over ice cream
- Wrap pieces individually for homemade gifts
Its versatility makes it suitable for holidays, parties, and everyday treats.
How to Store Caramel Fudge
To keep your fudge fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze for up to 3 months
When freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
Conclusion
These caramel fudge bars are everything a dessert lover dreams of—rich, creamy, smooth, and deeply flavored. The recipe is incredibly easy, uses inexpensive ingredients, and produces results that look and taste gourmet. It’s impossible not to impress guests when you serve these perfect caramel squares that melt on the tongue.