Caramel Apple Fudge

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Caramel Apple Fudge: A Taste of Autumn Bliss!

Get ready to indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with this incredible Caramel Apple Fudge! This rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet treat perfectly captures the essence of crisp autumn days and harvest celebrations. Imagine sinking your teeth into a velvety smooth fudge, bursting with notes of sweet apple and luscious caramel – it’s pure bliss in every bite!

This fudge is incredibly decadent and surprisingly simple to make, especially when following this clear recipe. It’s an ideal dessert for sharing at fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly evening. The combination of sweet sugars, rich butter, and creamy evaporated milk creates a fudge that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the added apple and caramel magic makes it truly unforgettable.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ⅔ cup evaporated milk (from a can, not sweetened condensed milk)
  • 1 cup marshmallow creme (like Fluff) or mini marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon apple extract or flavor (optional, for intensified apple flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped (about 10-12 individual caramels), or pre-made caramel sauce for swirling
  • Optional: ¼ cup finely diced dried apple bits or chopped pecans for texture

Equipment:

  • Heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • 9×9 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the paper/foil.
  2. Combine & Cook Sugars: In the heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, unsalted butter pieces, and evaporated milk. Stir over medium heat constantly until the sugars are completely dissolved and the butter is melted.
  3. Bring to a Boil: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Do not stir after it begins boiling.
  4. Cook to Temperature: Continue to boil without stirring until the candy thermometer reaches 235°F (113°C), which is the soft-ball stage. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes once boiling starts.
  5. Remove from Heat & Add Remaining Ingredients: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the marshmallow creme (or mini marshmallows), vanilla extract, optional apple extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the marshmallow creme is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Work quickly.
  6. Swirl in Caramel: Pour about three-quarters of the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spoon small dollops of the unwrapped soft caramel candies (or drizzle caramel sauce) over the fudge. Then, pour the remaining fudge over the caramel. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel through the fudge. If using dried apple bits or pecans, sprinkle them in now or mix them into the fudge before pouring.
  7. Chill to Set: Gently spread the fudge evenly in the pan. Do not scrape the sides of the pan, as this can cause crystallization. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely firm.
  8. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment paper/foil overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations:

  • Accurate Temperature is Key: Using a reliable candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge consistency. Don’t eyeball it!
  • Don’t Scrape the Sides: When pouring, avoid scraping down the sides of the saucepan, as this can introduce sugar crystals that make the fudge grainy.
  • Toasted Nuts: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, lightly toast any nuts (like pecans or walnuts) before adding them to the fudge.
  • White Chocolate Swirl: Instead of caramel, melt some white chocolate chips and swirl them through the fudge for a different flavor profile.
  • Gourmet Topping: Drizzle melted caramel and a touch of flaky sea salt over the set fudge for an elevated look and taste.

This Caramel Apple Fudge is a wonderfully rich, creamy, and inviting treat that brings the cozy essence of autumn to any occasion. Enjoy this delightful taste of the season!

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