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Rich and Chewy Salted Caramel Fudge

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

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Make this rich, chewy salted caramel fudge for a sweet and salty dessert that is perfect for holiday gifts or simple indulgence.

Ingredients

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

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 medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, granulated 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, until the mixture reaches 234 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage). This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let it boil over.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and the 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
  7. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Do not scrape the sides of the pan.
  8. Let the fudge cool undisturbed at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it is mostly set but still slightly soft.
  9. Sprinkle the top evenly with additional coarse sea salt.
  10. Allow the fudge to cool completely and firm up at room temperature for several hours, or chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour for faster setting.
  11. Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into small squares.

Notes

  • For the best texture, avoid stirring the mixture once it reaches a boil until it reaches the target temperature.
  • If you want a quicker set, chill the fudge in the refrigerator, but allow it to come close to room temperature before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
  • Use high-quality sea salt for the topping to get that distinct salty contrast against the sweet caramel.

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