Caramel Coffee Fudge

Introduction

Caramel Coffee Fudge is one of those decadent treats that brings together the best of both worlds—rich, smooth caramel and the deep, robust flavor of coffee. I stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy afternoon and decided to give it a try. The result was a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with just the right balance of sweetness from the caramel and a subtle coffee kick that lingers with each bite. My family absolutely loved it, and it didn’t take long for the entire batch to disappear! What makes this fudge even better is how simple it is to make. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create an indulgent treat that’s perfect for gift-giving or satisfying your own sweet tooth. If you’re a fan of both coffee and caramel, this fudge will quickly become your new favorite dessert.

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

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is important for cleanly removing the fudge once it’s set.
2. Dissolve the Coffee: In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee granules with hot water. Stir until the coffee is fully dissolved and set it aside.
3. Make the Fudge Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Coffee and Vanilla: Once the fudge base is smooth, stir in the dissolved coffee mixture and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined, ensuring the coffee flavor is evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
5. Create the Caramel Swirl: Pour half of the coffee fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the fudge layer. Pour the remaining fudge mixture on top and spread it evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top and use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel through the fudge, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
6. Add a Touch of Salt (Optional): For a sweet and salty contrast, lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the fudge. This step is optional but highly recommended to enhance the flavors.
7. Set the Fudge: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm and completely set.
8. Serve: Once the fudge has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Cut into squares or small pieces and serve.
9. Enjoy: Take a bite and relish the smooth, creamy texture of the caramel coffee fudge. The rich caramel flavor blends perfectly with the subtle coffee notes, making for a heavenly treat! ☕️✨

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 16 squares (based on 8×8 pan)
• Calories per serving: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including setting time)
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a Dessert: Enjoy this rich caramel coffee fudge as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack during the day.
• Perfect for Gifts: This fudge makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or just as a thoughtful gesture for friends and family.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Since the fudge has coffee in it, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or even tea.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve the fudge with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• On a Dessert Platter: Place the fudge alongside other treats like cookies, truffles, and brownies for a beautiful dessert spread.

Additional Tips

1. Use High-Quality White Chocolate: The white chocolate chips are the base of this fudge, so using high-quality chocolate will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
2. Adjust the Coffee Strength: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, add a bit more instant coffee granules to the mixture. Conversely, if you want a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount of coffee.
3. Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you have the time, making homemade caramel sauce will elevate this fudge even further. It adds a more robust caramel flavor.
4. Chill Faster with the Freezer: If you’re in a hurry, you can place the fudge in the freezer for about 1 hour instead of the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
5. Use a Knife for Swirling: When swirling the caramel through the fudge, use a sharp knife or toothpick for a cleaner, more defined swirl pattern.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Coffee Caramel Fudge: Add a layer of semi-sweet or dark chocolate fudge between the coffee fudge layers for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Caramel Coffee Fudge: Stir in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the fudge mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Caramel Coffee Fudge: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips, coconut milk, and a plant-based caramel sauce for a vegan version of this fudge.
• Mocha Caramel Fudge: If you enjoy a more intense coffee flavor, replace the instant coffee with espresso powder for a true mocha taste.
• Salted Caramel Coffee Fudge: Enhance the flavor by adding more sea salt to the top, or use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for an even stronger salty-sweet contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: This fudge pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a rich mug of hot chocolate, making it the ultimate treat on a cozy evening.
• With a Fruit Salad: For a lighter contrast, serve this fudge with a fresh fruit salad, such as a mix of berries, oranges, and apples.
• As a Gift Basket Addition: Combine this fudge with other homemade treats like cookies, biscotti, and chocolate truffles to make a delightful gift basket for special occasions.
• Serve with a Cheese Platter: For a savory twist, pair the fudge with a cheese platter, especially one that includes rich cheeses like brie or blue cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch ahead of time, you can freeze the fudge. Simply wrap the individual pieces in wax paper or parchment, and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating it to keep it firm and prevent melting.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate? Yes, but the flavor will be much different. Dark chocolate will give the fudge a richer, less sweet taste.
2. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee? Yes, instant coffee is perfect for this recipe since it dissolves easily into the mixture.
3. Can I add alcohol to this fudge? Yes, you can add a splash of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, for an adult twist on this fudge.
4. Can I make this fudge without caramel? Yes, you can skip the caramel for a simpler coffee-flavored fudge, or add chocolate swirls instead.
5. Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk? You can use coconut milk or evaporated milk with added sugar for a dairy-free alternative.
6. What’s the best way to cut the fudge? Use a sharp knife and lightly warm it under hot water to make clean, smooth cuts.
7. Can I use homemade caramel sauce? Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will give the fudge a richer flavor and make it even more special.
8. How can I make this fudge creamier? Add a tablespoon of butter to the mixture for a creamier texture.
9. Can I make this fudge without vanilla extract? While vanilla enhances the flavor, it’s optional. You can omit it or substitute it with almond extract for a different twist.
10. Can I make this fudge in advance? Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. It will keep well in the fridge for several days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion
Caramel Coffee Fudge is a luscious, indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds—sweet caramel and bold coffee. With its creamy texture, subtle coffee flavor, and smooth caramel swirls, this fudge is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy it on a lazy afternoon or share it as a gift, this simple yet decadent fudge is guaranteed to impress. Try making it today and savor the delicious blend of flavors!

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