Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried caramel coffee fudge yet, you’re in for a real treat! The rich, buttery sweetness of caramel paired with the bold kick of coffee creates a confection that’s absolutely irresistible. I remember making this fudge for a family gathering once, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could cut it into squares! Every bite is like a cozy hug in dessert form, perfect for coffee lovers who crave something sweet and satisfying. Trust me, once you make this caramel coffee fudge, it’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion. It’s that good!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar – This is the base for our fudge, adding that sweet, caramel flavor we all love.
- 1/2 cup butter – Unsalted is best here, as it gives that rich creaminess to the fudge.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This is what makes our fudge melt-in-your-mouth smooth!
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee – Make it strong for that delightful coffee kick. I love using a dark roast!
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works great, adding depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the sweetness and adds warmth to the fudge.
How to Prepare Caramel Coffee Fudge
Making caramel coffee fudge is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be indulging in this sweet, decadent treat in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan and combine the sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed.
- Now, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, making sure you stir it constantly. This is crucial to prevent the sugar from burning. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, so don’t wander off!
- Once it reaches a boil, let it cook without stirring for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it turn a lovely golden color – this is the magic of caramel happening! Just be careful not to overcook it; keep an eye on the time!
- After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. This is where the fun begins! Carefully stir in your brewed coffee and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble a bit, so stir gently.
- Next, add the chocolate chips into the mix. Stir until they’re completely melted and everything is smooth. The aroma at this point is pure bliss!
- Pour the luscious mixture into a greased pan, spreading it evenly. I usually use an 8×8-inch pan, but feel free to choose a size that fits your preference.
- Now, the hardest part – let the fudge chill in the refrigerator until it’s set, which usually takes about 2 hours. Patience is key here!
- Once it’s firm, cut it into squares and get ready to enjoy this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – You can whip up this fudge in under 30 minutes, and then just let it chill!
- Rich, indulgent flavors – The combination of coffee and caramel creates a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for coffee lovers – If you’re a fan of coffee, this fudge is a dream come true with its robust flavor.
- Versatile for customization – Feel free to mix in nuts, sprinkle some sea salt on top, or switch up the chocolate type for a personal twist!
- Great for sharing – This recipe yields 24 pieces, making it perfect for parties, get-togethers, or just to keep on hand for your sweet cravings.
- Store well – It keeps in an airtight container, so you can enjoy it for days to come (if it lasts that long!).
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your caramel coffee fudge turns out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips that I swear by:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use the best quality butter and chocolate chips you can find. It really makes a difference in flavor! I love using a high-quality dark chocolate for that rich taste.
- Watch the Temperature: When bringing the mixture to a boil, keep the heat at medium. Too high, and you risk burning the sugar. Trust me, burnt sugar is not the flavor you want in your fudge!
- Stir Constantly at First: In the beginning, when heating the sugar, butter, and cream, make sure to stir constantly. This prevents any burning or sticking, which can ruin all your hard work!
- Don’t Overcook: The five-minute cooking time is crucial for achieving that perfect caramel texture. Set a timer and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You want it golden and bubbly, but not too dark!
- Chill Properly: Make sure to let the fudge chill completely in the refrigerator until it’s firm. If you cut it too soon, it might be too soft. Patience is key here!
- Storage Secrets: Store your fudge in an airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious. It can last up to a week in the fridge, but I doubt it’ll last that long in your house!
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Add in some chopped nuts for crunch or sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that sweet and salty combo. The possibilities are endless!
Variations
One of the best things about this caramel coffee fudge is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
- Chocolate Choices: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Each type brings its own sweetness and character!
- Nuts Galore: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the mix for a delightful crunch. It’s a great way to add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the fudge beautifully.
- Sea Salt Sprinkling: For a sweet and salty twist, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before chilling. It adds a gourmet touch that really elevates the flavors!
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with flavored coffee! Using hazelnut or vanilla coffee can add an extra layer of taste to your fudge that’s simply divine.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top after cutting it into squares for an even more indulgent treat. It’s a surefire way to impress your friends and family!
- Spice It Up: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the mixture for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fudge’s sweetness.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious variations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your caramel coffee fudge properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious for as long as possible. After your fudge has completely chilled and set, cut it into squares and transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the pieces to prevent sticking—trust me, it makes a world of difference! You can keep your fudge in the refrigerator for up to a week, but I can almost guarantee it won’t last that long in your house.
If you need to store it for even longer, you can freeze the fudge! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll hold up well in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply take out what you need and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. No need to reheat, as it’s delightful served chilled or at room temperature!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these are just approximate figures. Here’s what you can expect per piece of this delicious caramel coffee fudge:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Remember, these values are just a guideline. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy your indulgent treat without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use decaf coffee for this fudge?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the caffeine, using decaf coffee will still give you that delicious coffee flavor without the buzz. It’s a great option if you’re making it for kids or anyone sensitive to caffeine.
What if my fudge doesn’t set?
If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it might be due to not cooking it long enough or not reaching the right temperature. Don’t worry! You can try reheating it gently and adding a bit more sugar to help it firm up, then let it chill again.
Can I make this fudge without chocolate chips?
Sure! If you want to skip the chocolate chips, you can add more caramel flavor by increasing the amount of butter or even drizzling caramel sauce on top after cutting. Just remember, it will be a bit different without the chocolate richness!
How do I know when my fudge is done cooking?
The fudge is done when it turns a lovely golden color and has thickened up. A good test is to drop a bit of the mixture in cold water; if it holds its shape, you’re good to go! Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Can I add flavorings like almond or hazelnut extract?
Yes, definitely! Adding a teaspoon of almond or hazelnut extract can elevate the flavor even more. Just be cautious with the amount, as these extracts can be quite potent. A little goes a long way!
Caramel Coffee Fudge: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and sweet treat combining coffee and caramel flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in brewed coffee and vanilla extract.
- Add chocolate chips and mix until melted.
- Pour mixture into a greased pan.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Customize with nuts or sea salt on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramel coffee fudge
