Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s dangerously good. Seriously, this Caramel Coffee Fudge is a flavor explosion in every bite. Imagine the rich, comforting taste of coffee swirled with the sweet, buttery goodness of caramel, all in a fudge that melts in your mouth. It’s like a cozy latte met a dreamy dessert and they decided to have a party in your kitchen. If you love the classic appeal of chocolate fudge, prepare to be completely blown away; this caramel coffee version takes things to a whole new level of deliciousness! And the best part? It’s way easier to make than you might think!

What is caramel coffee fudge?

So, what exactly *is* Caramel Coffee Fudge? Think of it as your favorite creamy fudge, but infused with the warm, inviting flavors of coffee and caramel. It’s essentially a smooth, dense confection that combines sweetened condensed milk, chocolate (white chocolate works especially well here!), caramel, and a good shot of coffee. The coffee adds a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel, creating a fudge that’s rich, complex, and utterly irresistible. It’s not too hard, not too soft, just perfect to satisfy that sweet craving that hits sometimes. It’s also fantastic to have on hand for a quick gift – wrap it up in cellophane, tie with a ribbon, and you have a present that everyone will love!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are a million reasons why you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Caramel Coffee Fudge, but I’ll try to keep it brief. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. The combination of coffee and caramel is like a warm hug for your taste buds. What I love most about this is how the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the caramel, preventing it from becoming cloying. It’s a beautiful dance of flavors! And if you enjoy a good mocha, I have a feeling you will enjoy this recipe.
Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple. You don’t need any fancy equipment or culinary expertise to whip up a batch. Trust me; if I can do it, you can too! Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. The ingredients are all pretty standard pantry staples, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a gourmet-worthy dessert.
But perhaps the best thing about this fudge is its versatility. You can enjoy it straight from the fridge, crumble it over ice cream, or even melt it into a rich, decadent sauce. If you’re a fan of my Salted Caramel Brownies, you’re going to adore this Caramel Coffee Fudge. It’s like the fudge version of those brownies, but with a caffeine kick! This recipe stands out for its incredibly smooth texture, and the way the caramel blends with the coffee to create a rich, almost intoxicating aroma while it’s setting in the fridge.

How do you make caramel coffee fudge?

Quick Overview

Making this Caramel Coffee Fudge is easier than you think! You’ll start by melting together sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, and butter in a saucepan. Then, you’ll stir in the caramel and coffee extract, pour the mixture into a lined baking pan, and let it set in the fridge. It’s a no-bake recipe, which means no oven is required! This also makes it the perfect solution when you need something quick and don’t want to turn on the oven in the summer time. The biggest advantage? The fudge sets up beautifully every single time.

Ingredients

For the Fudge:
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 2 cups white chocolate chips (high-quality makes a difference!)
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup caramel bits (or chopped caramel candies)
* 2 teaspoons coffee extract (adjust to taste – I like a strong coffee flavor!)

Optional Toppings
* Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
* Espresso beans (for garnish)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prep Pan

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to remove the fudge later. Make sure the parchment paper fits nicely and has some flaps hanging over, you’ll thank me when it comes time to take out the fudge!

Step 2: Melt

In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until everything is melted and smooth. Be patient, and don’t crank up the heat, or the chocolate might scorch! Keep stirring until it’s all creamy and luscious. This step is important because you want to be sure there are no lumps or burnt chocolate bits, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Stir In

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the caramel bits and coffee extract until well combined. Why don’t caramel bits melt? What is the best texture for fudge? I find that stirring slowly and deliberately helps get everything really incorporated and you don’t have to.

Step 4: Pour

How do you spread fudge mixture in a baking pan? If you want to get fancy, you can swirl in some extra melted caramel at this point. How do you smooth it out with a spatula?

Step 5: Chill

Sprinkle the top of the fudge with coarse sea salt and espresso beans, if desired. Then, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is smooth. I often leave it in overnight, especially if I’m making it early in the morning.

Step 6: Slice

Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. I like to use a warm knife for clean cuts. Cut into small squares and serve.

What should I serve it with?

Caramel Coffee Fudge is delicious all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other flavors. What are some other treats?For Breakfast:How do you serve fudge with your morning coffee?For Brunch:Add fudge to your brunch spread for a decadent dessert option.As Dessert:Serve the fudge after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. I have crumbled a piece on top of my coffee at night.For Cozy Snacks:What is better than a square of fudge and iced tea? What are some good desserts to enjoy while watching a movie? I love to make this fudge around the holidays and serve it alongside other festive treats. Is it always a crowd pleaser?

How do I make caramel coffee fudge?

How do I make Caramel Coffee Fudge? What’s your top advice?Chocolate: What is yourWhy is white chocolate so good? It melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor. Why are cheaper chocolate chips harder to melt?Coffee Extract: coffee extractStart with 2 teaspoons of coffee extract and adjust to taste. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, add more.Caramel Bits:If you can’t find caramel bits, use chopped caramel candies instead. Just make sure to chop them finely so they melt more easily. I have also found that chewy caramels melt easier than hard caramel.Salt Sprinkle: Don’t skip the coarse sea salt! It enhances the flavors of the caramel and coffee and adds a nice salty-sweet contrast.
Cutting Tips:Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into clean squares. How do I use a knife under hot water for best results? Why doesn’t it stick to the blade?Storage:Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the fudge turned out even. The extra saltiness really complemented the sweetness of the caramel. What was a happy accident, but I’ve been using salted butter ever since!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you store caramel coffee fudge? What do you need to know before starting a business?Room Temperature: Room You can store the fudge at room temperature for a day or two, but it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator for longer storage. I live in a pretty warm climate, so I don’t like to leave it out if I can help it.
Refrigerator Storage:Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. How do I keep a plant from drying out?What is the best way For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the fudge, it’s best to wait until after thawing to add the salt sprinkle. This will prevent the salt from dissolving and making the fudge soggy.
I usually make a big batch of this fudge around the holidays and freeze half of it for later. It’s a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

While this recipe doesn’t contain any gluten, it’s essential to check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially the white chocolate and caramel bits. Some brands may contain traces of gluten.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate or dark chocolate would both be delicious in this fudge. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different. The coffee flavor will be more pronounced with dark chocolate, and the fudge will be richer overall.

Can I use instant coffee instead of coffee extract?

Yes, you can, but the flavor won’t be as intense. I would recommend dissolving 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 1 tablespoon of hot water before adding it to the fudge mixture. You can also add more to taste, but be careful not to add too much liquid, or the fudge may not set properly.

What if my caramel bits don’t melt completely?

That’s perfectly fine! The unmelted caramel bits add a nice chewy texture to the fudge. However, if you prefer a smoother fudge, you can try microwaving the caramel bits for a few seconds before adding them to the fudge mixture. Just be careful not to overheat them.

How can I make this vegan?

You can make this fudge vegan by using vegan white chocolate chips, vegan caramel candies, and a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative (like coconut condensed milk). Also, use a vegan butter substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to Caramel Coffee Fudge recipe! I can’t emphasize how much this is worth a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, and ridiculously easy to make. If you’re looking for a new dessert to add to your repertoire, this is it. If you love this recipe, make sure to check out my other fudge variations and caramel-inspired desserts for more sweet treats! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! And if you put your own spin on things, I’d love to hear about that too.