Irresistible Salted Caramel Fudge: The Easiest 6-Ingredient Recipe for Homemade Perfection

Prepare to be amazed by this incredible Salted Caramel Fudge recipe! With just 6 simple ingredients, you can create the most decadent, smooth, and utterly irresistible fudge right in your own kitchen. This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their baking experience, can achieve perfect results every time.

This Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe is a true masterpiece of flavor, perfectly balancing sweet and salty notes with an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. As a busy parent with eight children, I understand the need for quick, reliable, and delicious dessert recipes that can cater to many occasions. Fudge is consistently a top request in our household, and this easy salted caramel version has quickly become a family favorite.

Gone are the days when Fudge Recipes were reserved exclusively for Christmas. This simple recipe makes it a year-round delight! If you enjoy making homemade fudge, you might also love our Tiger Butter Fudge for its striking appearance and rich flavor, or our convenient Crock Pot Fudge for a truly hands-off approach.

Why Make This Easy Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe?

This fudge recipe stands out for its incredible simplicity and flawless results. Unlike many traditional fudge recipes that demand precision and a candy thermometer, this method requires absolutely no special equipment. The entire process takes place in a single saucepan on your stovetop, making cleanup a breeze. You simply heat the ingredients, stir until the mixture thickens to the right consistency, and then allow it to chill. It’s a truly foolproof way to make exquisite homemade fudge!

The beauty of this recipe extends beyond its ease. Homemade fudge, especially this sweet and salty caramel delight, is a wonderful treat for any occasion. We adore serving it during the holidays, at family gatherings, or simply as an after-dinner indulgence. It also makes for thoughtful and cherished homemade gifts for neighbors, friends, and teachers. The effort of a homemade dessert truly shows how much you care, and this fudge is sure to impress everyone who tries it. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it an instant crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Key Ingredients for Decadent Fudge

Achieving perfectly smooth and flavorful salted caramel fudge starts with a few key ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that rich, creamy texture and irresistible taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is the secret to our fudge’s incredible richness and creamy consistency. It provides the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for complex sugar cooking.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also a delightful caramel note and a depth of flavor that complements the ‘salted caramel’ profile. You can even use our Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe for an extra touch!
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your fudge, especially when adding extra sea salt. It contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel and helps the fudge set perfectly.
• Golden Syrup or Light Corn Syrup: These ingredients are crucial for preventing crystallization, which can lead to grainy fudge. They help ensure your fudge remains smooth and glossy. You can use either option you prefer based on availability.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for enhancing all the other flavors and, of course, for the “salted” aspect of salted caramel. It beautifully contrasts the sweetness, making the caramel notes shine.
• White Chocolate Melts: White chocolate melts are preferred here because they melt incredibly smoothly and evenly, contributing to the fudge’s silky texture. Using high-quality melts will make a noticeable difference in the final product.

You can find the precise measurements for each ingredient in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Fudge Variations: Substitutions and Additions

One of the joys of making homemade fudge is the ability to customize it to your taste! While this salted caramel fudge recipe is perfect as is, here are some delightful substitutions and additions you can explore to make it uniquely yours:

• Coarse Sea Salt Flakes: For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle coarse sea salt flakes over the top of the fudge once it’s poured into the pan and before it sets. This not only looks stunning but also provides a pleasant textural contrast and amplifies that delicious sweet and salty balance.
• Milk, Dark, or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: While white chocolate melts ensure a very smooth consistency, you can certainly experiment with other types of chocolate. Swapping white chocolate melts for milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips will alter the flavor profile significantly, creating a richer, more traditional chocolate fudge with caramel notes. Chocolate fudge, in any form, is always a family favorite!
• Brown Sugar Varieties: Feel free to use either dark brown sugar or light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will lend a deeper, more intense molasses and caramel flavor, resulting in a richer fudge. Light brown sugar will produce a slightly milder caramel taste. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, fold in about half a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the fudge mixture just before pouring it into the prepared pan. The nutty flavor beautifully complements the caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract (added along with the chocolate melts) can enhance the overall flavor profile, adding another layer of warmth and sweetness.
• Caramel Drizzle: After the fudge has set and before slicing, you can drizzle extra caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought) over the top for an even more decadent presentation and flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Fudge

Making this incredible salted caramel fudge is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth, delicious batch every time. The key is gentle heat and consistent stirring!

Step 1 – Prepare the Mixture: Begin by adding the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup (or golden syrup), and a pinch of salt to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Using a low heat setting, stir all the ingredients together continuously until all the sugar has completely dissolved. This step is crucial for preventing grainy fudge. Cook until the mixture starts to thicken slightly, usually within 3-5 minutes.

Step 2 – Incorporate Chocolate: Once the mixture has thickened and the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the white chocolate melts (or chips if using). Stir continuously and vigorously until the chocolate has completely melted and is fully incorporated into the caramel mixture, creating a smooth and glossy fudge base.

Step 3 – Pour and Cool: Before you start cooking, make sure you have an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, extending over the sides to create “handles” for easy removal. Once the fudge mixture is smooth, pour it evenly into your prepared pan. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. After it has cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and then transfer it to the refrigerator.

Step 4 – Chill and Serve: For the best results, allow the fudge to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the fudge to firm up properly, making it easy to slice into clean, beautiful squares. Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper handles, cut into your desired size, and enjoy your homemade salted caramel treat!

Expert Recipe Tips for Homemade Fudge

Achieving consistently perfect, smooth, and delicious fudge is easy with a few simple tips. These insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your salted caramel fudge is a showstopper every time.

• Quality White Chocolate Makes a Difference: I highly recommend using high-quality white chocolate melts for this recipe. Melts are formulated to melt more smoothly and evenly than standard white chocolate chips, which can sometimes contain stabilizers that prevent a silky texture. If you can only find white chocolate chips, choose a premium brand and chop them into smaller pieces before adding to aid in melting. This will help prevent any grainy texture in your finished fudge.
• Stovetop Method is Best: While microwaving seems tempting for speed, this fudge recipe truly shines when made on the stovetop. The consistent, controlled heat of a saucepan allows the brown sugar to fully dissolve, which is absolutely critical for preventing a grainy fudge texture. Stirring frequently over low heat ensures an even cook and proper sugar dissolution, resulting in that wonderfully smooth, creamy consistency we all love.
• Mastering the Perfect Fudge: For even more in-depth knowledge and techniques, I encourage you to read our comprehensive guide: 5 Tips to Make the Perfect Fudge Recipe. This resource covers everything from ideal temperatures to common mistakes and how to fix them, ensuring your fudge is always picture-perfect.
• Prepare Your Baking Dish Thoughtfully: To make removing and cutting your fudge effortless, always line your square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on two sides so you can easily lift the entire slab of fudge out of the pan once it has set. For extra insurance against sticking, you can also lightly spray the parchment paper and sides of the pan with cooking spray. This preparation makes cutting uniform slices a breeze and prevents any messy struggles.
• Patience During Cooling: Do not rush the cooling and setting process. Allowing the fudge to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating helps it set more evenly and prevents condensation, which can affect texture. The full 4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge is essential for achieving a firm, sliceable fudge.
• Clean Cuts: Once the fudge is fully chilled, use a sharp, warm knife to cut into squares. You can run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for exceptionally clean edges.

Troubleshooting: How Do You Harden Fudge?

One of the most common questions when making fudge is, “Why isn’t my fudge setting?” The primary reason fudge ends up soft or fails to harden properly is often that the sugar mixture was not cooked long enough to reach the correct temperature and consistency. Although this particular recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer, it’s still crucial to cook the mixture until it visibly thickens as described in the instructions.

If you find yourself with soft fudge even after chilling, don’t despair! Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Extended Refrigeration: First, try placing your fudge back in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Sometimes, it just needs a little more time to firm up.
• Freezer Boost: If refrigeration isn’t enough, transfer the pan of fudge to the freezer for several hours. The colder temperature can often help solidify a softer batch. Once firm, you can remove it from the freezer and store it in the fridge or at room temperature.
• Reheating (as a last resort): In extreme cases where the fudge is very soft and doesn’t set at all, you might be able to carefully reheat it. Gently melt the fudge mixture in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for a few extra minutes until it thickens more significantly, then pour it back into a prepared pan and chill again. Be very careful not to burn it during this process.

Always ensure you follow the recipe steps exactly, especially the cooking and thickening stages, to ensure your fudge sets to that perfect, sliceable consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fudge

How to Store Fudge:

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade fudge fresh and delicious. I recommend separating layers of fudge with parchment paper inside an airtight container. This prevents the pieces from sticking together and helps maintain their freshness. Fudge can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for even longer. If your container doesn’t have a tight-fitting lid, make sure to wrap the entire block of fudge or the container itself with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can you Freeze Fudge?

Absolutely! Freezing fudge is an excellent way to prepare ahead for parties or to preserve a large batch. This is incredibly handy if you’re making it for a special event, as you can bake it well in advance to save time on the actual day. For detailed instructions, check out our guide on Can You Freeze Fudge. To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. I would still use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Stored properly, homemade fudge can last in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before serving.

What causes grainy fudge?

Grainy fudge is typically caused by sugar crystallization. This happens if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved before the mixture thickens, or if sugar crystals adhere to the sides of the pan and fall back into the mixture. To prevent this, ensure you stir constantly over low heat until all sugar is completely dissolved in Step 1, and avoid scraping the sides of the pan once the mixture starts to boil. Using corn syrup or golden syrup, as included in this recipe, also helps to inhibit crystallization.

How long does homemade fudge last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, homemade fudge can last for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature, or up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. If you choose to freeze it, it can maintain its quality for about a month. Always ensure it’s protected from air to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.

More Delightful & Easy Fudge Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with how simple and delicious homemade fudge can be, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of easy fudge recipes to explore. Here are some of our other top picks that are sure to become new favorites in your recipe collection:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Fudge: A classic combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, this fudge is a timeless treat that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe: Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of sugar cookies transformed into a melt-in-your-mouth fudge. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave that comforting cookie taste.
• Tips to make the Perfect Fudge: Master the art of fudge-making with our essential tips and tricks, ensuring every batch is flawlessly smooth and delicious.
• The World’s Best Fudge: A bold claim, but this recipe consistently delivers a rich, creamy, and irresistible fudge that lives up to its name.

We truly hope you enjoy making this Easy Salted Caramel Fudge as much as we do. It’s a truly special treat that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring by yourself. If you try this recipe, please make sure to let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment and a rating below. We absolutely love hearing from you and seeing your delicious creations!

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Salted Caramel Fudge

4.83 from 39 votes

Salted caramel fudge recipe has only 6 ingredients for the most decadent fudge. This recipe is so easy and anyone can make this!

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Refrigerate 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 24

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 114

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 oz
• ▢ 1 cup Brown Sugar
• ▢ 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter 1 stick
• ▢ 2 Tbsp Golden Syrup or Light Corn Syrup
• ▢ 1/4 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 cup White Chocolate Melts

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Instructions

• Line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper.
• Place the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in a large sauce pan. Heat on low and stir until all the sugar has been dissolved. Watch closely so that the mixture does not burn.
• Increase the heat to medium and cook in the sauce pan for 3-5 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Again watch the mixture closely so it does not burn.
• Then remove the mixture form the heat, stir in the white chocolate melts and continue to stir until all the chocolate chips have melted.
• Then transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature and then cover the pan and move the pan to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Once the fudge has fully set, cut and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 114kcal, Carbohydrates 15g, Protein 1g, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 12mg, Sodium 35mg, Potassium 35mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 15g, Vitamin A 121IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 24mg, Iron 1mg

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