Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence: caramel coffee fudge! I remember the first time I made it – my kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of melting chocolate and rich caramel, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste. The combination of coffee and caramel is truly magical! When you take a bite, the creamy fudge melts in your mouth, perfectly balancing that deep coffee flavor with the sweet, buttery notes of caramel. It’s a luxurious treat that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Trust me, once you try making this fudge, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. It’s perfect for sharing, or you know, just keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients for Caramel Coffee Fudge
Alright, let’s gather the magic ingredients that’ll bring this caramel coffee fudge to life! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This is the creamy base that makes the fudge so rich. Make sure it’s full-fat for that luscious texture!
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can’t go wrong with classic chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and provide that dreamy chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup caramel sauce: I love using store-bought for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel is absolutely divine!
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee: Use your favorite coffee! Stronger brews will give you a more robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and rounds out the sweetness. Trust me, don’t skip it!
Gather these, and you’re all set to create something irresistible! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Caramel Coffee Fudge
Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this caramel coffee fudge! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love every step. Here we go:
- First, line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will help you lift out the fudge easily later – trust me, you don’t want to lose any of this goodness!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and caramel sauce over low heat. Stir them together gently as they melt. Be patient here; we don’t want the chocolate to scorch!
- Once everything is melted and super smooth, take it off the heat. Now, it’s time to add the brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Next, pour that luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This is the moment when you can really feel the excitement building!
- Finally, pop the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until the fudge is set. Once it’s firm, cut it into squares, and get ready to indulge!
And there you have it! Enjoy the anticipation while it chills – it’s worth every minute!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of coffee and caramel creates a rich, indulgent taste that’s hard to resist!
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a decadent treat in no time.
- Perfect for sharing: Cut into bite-sized squares, it’s a great treat for gatherings, parties, or just enjoying with your loved ones.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add-ins to make it your own!
- Made with love: There’s something special about homemade fudge that store-bought just can’t replicate.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your caramel coffee fudge turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Use low heat: Melting chocolate can be tricky! Keep the heat low to avoid burning. Stir gently and be patient – good things take time!
- Chill thoroughly: Let your fudge sit in the fridge for the full 2 hours. If you rush it, you might end up with a gooey mess instead of firm, sliceable fudge!
- Experiment with coffee: Don’t be afraid to play with different coffee flavors! A hazelnut or vanilla coffee can add a delightful twist to the fudge.
- Check the consistency: If your fudge seems too soft after chilling, just pop it back in the fridge for a bit longer. It should be firm enough to hold its shape when cut.
- Sea salt topping: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before it sets! It really enhances that sweet and salty balance.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be creating fudge that will wow everyone! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations on Caramel Coffee Fudge
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this caramel coffee fudge! Here are some variations that I absolutely love:
- Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. They add a lovely texture and flavor contrast!
- Chocolate Swirl: Before pouring the fudge into the dish, reserve a bit of the melted chocolate mixture and swirl it in for a marbled effect. It’s as pretty as it is delicious!
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the mixture for a refreshing mint chocolate fudge. Perfect for the holidays!
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick that complements the coffee beautifully!
- Caramel Pecan: Use caramel bits instead of sauce for a chewier texture, and mix in toasted pecans for that classic turtle candy flavor.
Feel free to get creative and make this fudge truly your own! Each variation brings a new twist that’s just as delightful!
Nutritional Information for Caramel Coffee Fudge
When you’re indulging in this caramel coffee fudge, it’s good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Each piece is approximately 150 calories and contains 7g of fat, with 2g of protein and 20g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 18g of sugar in each delightful square. Remember, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. So go ahead, enjoy this sweet treat while keeping those numbers in mind!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your caramel coffee fudge is super easy, and I want to make sure you enjoy every last bite! Once it’s set and cut into those delightful squares, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long – they’re just too good!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the fudge. Just layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat – they’re perfect chilled! Trust me, you’ll love that creamy texture right from the fridge!
FAQ About Caramel Coffee Fudge
I know you might have some burning questions about this delicious caramel coffee fudge, so let’s dive right in!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to, you can definitely experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge. Just keep in mind that it might change the overall taste a bit!
What if I don’t have brewed coffee?
No worries! If coffee’s not your thing or you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with a strong brewed tea or even a coffee-flavored syrup for that same kick. You do you!
How do I know when the fudge is set?
You’ll want to give it at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. When it’s firm to the touch and holds its shape when you cut into it, you’re all set! Trust me, the wait will be worth it.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust your chilling time accordingly. You’ll have even more of this creamy, dreamy fudge to share (or keep for yourself, no judgment here!).
Is this fudge suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This caramel coffee fudge is vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t contain any meat or meat by-products. Just check your chocolate chips and caramel sauce to ensure they’re also vegetarian.
Got more questions? Feel free to ask! I’m here to help you whip up the best caramel coffee fudge ever!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this luscious caramel coffee fudge, let’s talk about the perfect pairings! I love serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to enhance those coffee flavors. You could also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for that gourmet touch! Trust me, these simple additions take your fudge experience to a whole new level of indulgence!
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Caramel Coffee Fudge: 5 Irresistible Variations to Try
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy treat combining coffee and caramel flavors in a fudge form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and caramel sauce over low heat.
- Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add brewed coffee and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can be topped with sea salt for extra flavor.
- Use strong coffee for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: caramel coffee fudge
