Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe

Dreamy Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe: Sweet Indulgence Awaits

Sweet, creamy caramel coffee fudge sends waves of decadent comfort through every single bite.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore this rich, indulgent treat that blends smooth coffee notes with golden caramel undertones.

Dark and dreamy, this fudge promises a luxurious experience for anyone seeking an extraordinary confection.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that speaks volumes about culinary creativity.

Layers of deep flavor melt together, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes taste buds.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and robust coffee essence.

Prepare to transform an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary moment of pure deliciousness.

Caramel Coffee Fudge: Sweet & Rich Reasons

  • No advanced baking skills needed, perfect for beginners wanting to create a gourmet dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a speedy treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Flexible recipe allows personalization with different coffee strengths, salt variations, or optional caramel drizzle to suit individual taste preferences.
  • Impressive gourmet dessert that looks professionally made but requires simple home cooking skills, guaranteed to surprise and delight friends and family.

Everything for Caramel Coffee Fudge

Fudge Base:
  • Sugar: A sweet ingredient that helps create the smooth and rich texture of the fudge.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a creamy consistency in the fudge.
  • Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugar while creating a smooth base.
  • Chocolate Chips: The primary flavoring that gives the fudge its deep chocolate taste and creamy texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Coffee Powder: These ingredients add depth and complexity to the fudge's flavor profile.
  • Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the fudge.
Finishing Touches:
  • Caramel Sauce, Parchment Paper: The caramel sauce provides an extra layer of sweetness, while the parchment paper helps with easy removal and serving of the fudge.

Tools for Perfect Fudge Every Time

  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for combining and cooking ingredients smoothly.
  • Candy Thermometer: Essential for precise temperature tracking during fudge-making.
  • 8-inch Square Baking Pan: Perfect for creating uniform fudge squares.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove fudge and prevents sticking.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting fudge into clean, even squares.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Making Decadent Caramel Coffee Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Sweet Base

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk

Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 3: Bring To Boiling Point

Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Attach a candy thermometer to monitor temperature precisely.

Step 4: Simmer To Perfect Stage

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage), which typically takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate

Remove saucepan from heat and immediately add chocolate chips.

Stir continuously until chips melt completely and mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor Profile

Incorporate:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Coffee powder
  • Sea salt

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 7: Transfer To Pan

Pour the rich, glossy mixture into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 8: Drizzle Caramel

Generously drizzle caramel sauce across the top of the fudge, creating beautiful swirls and patterns.

Step 9: Set And Chill

Allow fudge to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator.

Chill for approximately 2 hours until completely set.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Remove fudge from pan using parchment paper edges.

Cut into elegant squares and serve at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Top Tips for Coffee-Infused Fudge

  • Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to ensure precise soft-ball stage cooking without burning the mixture.
  • Dissolve coffee powder completely and consider using espresso powder for a more intense, rich coffee essence.
  • Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to create beautiful, seamless patterns across the fudge surface.
  • Keep fudge refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Caramel Fudge Twist Ideas

  • Espresso Hazelnut Fudge: Replace coffee powder with ground espresso and mix in chopped roasted hazelnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Fudge: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use dark chocolate chips for a healthier, lower-calorie version.
  • Vegan Coconut Coffee Fudge: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut cream, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace caramel sauce with coconut caramel.
  • Salted Maple Fudge: Replace sugar with maple syrup, use maple extract instead of vanilla, and sprinkle extra flaky sea salt on top for enhanced flavor profile.

Presenting Caramel Coffee Fudge to Guests

  • Sweet Coffee Companion: Pair this fudge with a steaming espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich coffee flavor.
  • Dessert Platter Delight: Create an elegant dessert tray with sliced fudge, fresh berries, and whipped cream for a stunning presentation.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual fudge pieces in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gourmet gift that's sure to impress.
  • Decadent Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the fudge over vanilla or coffee ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Store Fudge for the Week

  • Store fudge in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 2 weeks, maintaining texture and preventing sticky surfaces.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 3 months without losing flavor or quality.
  • Store in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Separate pieces with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Unwrap carefully to preserve presentation.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of coffee powder?

Yes, instant coffee works perfectly. Just dissolve it completely before adding to the fudge mixture for the best flavor.

  • Why do I need a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer ensures your fudge reaches the exact soft-ball stage at 235F, which is crucial for the perfect texture and consistency of the fudge.

  • How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?

Stir the sugar mixture gently and consistently, and avoid scraping the sides of the pan while cooking. This helps prevent sugar crystallization and keeps the fudge smooth.

  • Is it possible to make this fudge without dairy?

Traditional fudge requires dairy, but you can experiment with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based milk, though the texture might slightly change.

Print
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Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe

Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Classic caramel coffee fudge delivers rich, indulgent flavors perfect for dessert lovers. Sweet layers blend creamy textures with bold coffee notes that will delight coffee enthusiasts and satisfy sweet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (250g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (240g) caramel sauce

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Flavor Enhancers and Optional Add-ins:

  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a foundational layer by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal.
  2. Combine sugar, heavy cream, and whole milk in a medium saucepan, positioning over medium heat and stirring intermittently until sugar completely dissolves.
  3. Elevate heat to medium-high, bringing the liquid mixture to a rolling boil while carefully monitoring temperature with a candy thermometer.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer and concentrate, tracking the temperature until it precisely reaches 235F (118C), indicating the soft-ball stage.
  5. Remove saucepan from heat source, introducing chocolate chips and gently stirring until completely melted, creating a silky smooth consistency.
  6. Incorporate aromatic elements by blending vanilla extract, robust coffee powder, and delicate sea salt into the molten mixture.
  7. Carefully transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, glossy surface.
  8. Embellish the fudge with artful caramel sauce drizzles, creating an elegant marbled effect across the top.
  9. Allow the fudge to cool naturally at room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator for approximately 2 hours until completely set and firm.
  10. Slice into precise squares, presenting a decadent confectionery treat ready for indulgence.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality chocolate chips for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire fudge experience.
  • Use fresh, strong coffee powder to enhance the deep coffee notes and create a more robust taste profile.
  • Ensure precise temperature control when cooking the mixture to achieve the perfect soft-ball stage, which guarantees smooth, creamy fudge texture.
  • Experiment with different types of salt like flaky Maldon or Himalayan pink salt to add unexpected depth and complexity to the caramel coffee fudge.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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