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The Ultimate Easy and Creamy Salted Caramel Fudge (Perfect for Gifting)

A stack of rich, brown squares of homemade salted caramel fudge topped generously with flaky sea salt.

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Make rich, chewy salted caramel fudge with this simple recipe. Achieve the perfect sweet and salty balance for a decadent homemade treat ideal for holidays or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus more for topping
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, butter, and light corn syrup.
  3. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
  4. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the tip does not touch the bottom.
  5. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until the mixture reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit (Firm Ball stage). This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
  7. Stir in the vanilla extract and the 1/2 teaspoon of coarse sea salt until combined.
  8. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the chocolate chips placed in a separate, heat-safe bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
  9. Stir the chocolate and caramel mixture gently until it is completely smooth and glossy. Do not overmix.
  10. Pour the fudge into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  11. Sprinkle the top lightly with additional coarse sea salt.
  12. Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Do not refrigerate, as this can affect the texture.
  13. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into small squares.

Notes

  • For the best, chewiest texture, use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching the milk solids.
  • Use high-quality sea salt for the topping; the flakes provide a better visual and flavor contrast than fine table salt.
  • If you want a quicker set time, you can chill the fudge for 1 hour, but allow it to come back to room temperature before cutting for the creamiest result.
  • This rich buttery fudge makes excellent homemade fudge for gifts when wrapped individually in wax paper.

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