Caramel Apple Fudge Delight

The smell of caramel and apples together feels like fall wrapped in sweetness.
This Caramel Apple Fudge Delight is rich, creamy, and has that perfect mix of tart apple and smooth caramel in every bite.

I made it on a cool evening, and the first taste brought instant smiles all around.
It’s soft, buttery, and melts like a dream on your tongue.

If you love cozy desserts with a little autumn magic, this one’s for you.
Let’s make it and taste that sweet caramel apple comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Treat: Captures the essence of caramel apples in creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge.
• Easy to Make: Simple stovetop method with no candy thermometer required.
• Great for Gifting: Makes beautiful homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Crowd Pleaser: The combination of caramel, apple, and white chocolate appeals to everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours

Servings: This recipe makes about 64 pieces of fudge (1-inch squares). Perfect for sharing at gatherings or wrapping up as gifts.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginner candy makers. The marshmallow cream helps ensure smooth, creamy fudge every time.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for cutting

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Fudge Delight

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that create extraordinary flavor. The apple cider reduces down to concentrate the apple taste, while warm spices add depth and the white chocolate provides creamy sweetness. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Sugar: Granulated white sugar forms the base of the fudge.
• Brown Sugar: Adds molasses notes that complement the caramel flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and smooth texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
• Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider brings authentic apple flavor.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• White Chocolate Chips: Melts into the mixture for creamy sweetness.
• Marshmallow Cream: Ensures smooth, foolproof fudge texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Dried Apple Slices: Optional garnish for decoration and extra apple flavor.

Variations for Caramel Apple Fudge Delight

• Add Pecans: Fold in toasted chopped pecans for crunch and nutty flavor.
• Drizzle with Caramel: Top finished fudge with store-bought caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Use Apple Pie Spice: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with apple pie spice blend.
• Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the fudge sets for salted caramel flavor.
• Try Different Chips: Swap white chocolate for butterscotch chips or cinnamon chips.

How to Make Caramel Apple Fudge Delight Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes removing the fudge easy once it sets.

2. Reduce the Apple Cider

In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces by half. This concentrates the apple flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Cook the Sugar Mixture

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and reduced apple cider. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. Add Spices and Chocolate

Remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the white chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and smooth.

5. Mix in Marshmallow Cream

Add the marshmallow cream and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined and smooth.

6. Pour and Set

Immediately pour the fudge into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. If using dried apple slices for garnish, press them gently into the surface now.

7. Chill and Cut

Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours until completely firm. Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.

Serving and Decoration

Caramel Apple Fudge Delight looks beautiful when presented properly. Arrange squares on a decorative platter for parties. For gifting, place pieces in small boxes lined with wax paper, or arrange in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Garnish with thin dried apple slices on top of each square for an elegant touch. The fudge also looks stunning drizzled with additional caramel sauce or dusted lightly with cinnamon.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Fudge Delight

This fudge works wonderfully in many settings:

• As Dessert: Serve small squares alongside coffee or hot apple cider.
• For Parties: Display on a dessert table with other fall treats.
• Gift Giving: Package in decorative boxes for teachers, neighbors, or hostess gifts.
• Holiday Treats: Include in holiday cookie boxes or candy trays.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a piece with tea for a sweet pick-me-up.

Storing Caramel Apple Fudge Delight

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerated: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container.
• Frozen: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider from the produce section has better flavor than shelf-stable juice.
• Don’t Skip Reducing the Cider: This step concentrates the apple flavor for better taste.
• Stir Constantly: When boiling the sugar mixture, constant stirring prevents scorching.
• Work Quickly: Once you remove the pan from heat, work fast as the fudge begins to set.
• Line Your Pan Well: Proper lining makes removing and cutting the fudge much easier.
• Let It Set Completely: Patient chilling ensures clean cuts and proper texture.
• Use a Sharp Knife: Warm your knife under hot water, dry it, then cut for the cleanest edges.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Piece (1 square)
Calories	95
Total Fat	3.5g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	8mg
Sodium	15mg
Total Carbohydrates	16g
Sugars	14g
Protein	0.5g

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 64 servings.

Caramel Apple Fudge Delight FAQs

Can I make this without a candy thermometer?
Yes. This recipe uses the marshmallow cream method, which does not require a candy thermometer. Just boil the sugar mixture for exactly 5 minutes.

Why is my fudge grainy?
Graininess happens when sugar crystals form. Make sure to stir constantly while boiling and work quickly once you remove the pan from heat.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Apple cider has more complex flavor than juice, but in a pinch, you can use unfiltered apple juice. Reduce it the same way.

How do I know when the cider is reduced enough?
Measure before and after. You want to go from 1 cup to 1/2 cup. It should look slightly thicker and darker.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a 9×13-inch pan instead. The cooking time stays the same, but you may need to chill longer.

Why won’t my fudge set?
Make sure you boiled the sugar mixture for the full 5 minutes. Also ensure your marshmallow cream is fresh and not expired.