Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of dark rich fudge, with pockets of caramel, the sweetness countered with a layer of semi dark chocolate! Well, that's what you get with this homemade Chocolate Caramel Fudge recipe!
Just look at those dribbles of caramel oozing from the cubes of decadent fudge! Who could resist a piece, or two, of firm fudge with pockets of sweet smooth caramel!
I'm a huge fan of making my own fudge, you only need to ask Mr E's work colleagues who are more than happy to sample it! Of course a traditional Vanilla Fudge is really good, but if you fancy something a little more elaborate then do check out our other fudge recipes, such as this Homemade Coffee and Walnut Fudge which marries together a popular flavour combination, Whisky Fudge which carries a wonderful burst of flavour, or this Double Chocolate Fudge with Mini Eggs which is perfect as an Easter Treat.
And let's not forget our Raspberry and White Chocolate Fudge which is incredibly popular, with good reason!
How to make traditional fudge.
There are a few ways that you can make your own fudge, such as in a microwave the method we used with our Cheat's Chocolate Orange Fudge, in a slow cooker, or even some really simple no cook fudge recipes (which I've seen on the net but have yet to try). But being a traditional sort of girl I really do like the results that boiling the ingredients gives.
I realise that some some people may shy away from making fudge this way, but if you give it your complete attention and keep vulnerable people (as well as pets) out of the way, then the traditional fudge making method is certainly one to try.
If you're new to making fudge I really would recommend investing in a good quality sugar thermometer. The thermometer that I've been using with success for over 12 months is called a Thermospaula. One of the many great things about it is that the thermometer is built into the spatula meaning that, as with many sugar thermometers which are clipped to the side of the pan and often slide down, there is no risk of it taking a false reading of the bottom of the pan. It's also geat when it comes to tempering chocolate too, as well as making custard or taking the temperature of roasting meat!
If, however, you'd like to make the confectionery without a thermometer, there are a number of visual clues when making fudge which you can read about in my Double Chocolate Fudge recipe post.
So, here's how to make Chocolate Caramel Fudge.
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Caramel Fudge
Equipment
- large heavy based pan which holds at least 3 litres
- sugar thermometer
- 20x20cm (8 x 8in) shallow pan
Ingredients
for the caramel
- 100 ml water (4floz)
- 225 g caster sugar (8oz)
- 200 ml double cream (7floz)
for the fudge
- 400 ml double cream (14floz)
- 135 ml milk (4½floz)
- 135 g butter (4½oz)
- 400 g light muscovado sugar (14oz)
- 200 g white caster sugar (7oz)
To Complete
- 150 g milk or plain chocolate (5oz)
- 100 ml double cream (3½floz)
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
Make the caramel
- Place the water into a pan (roughtly a 1L milk pan). Add the sugar carefully aiming not to splash it up the sides of the pan. Set the pan over a low to moderate heat to allow the sugar to dissolve into the water. Once dissolved, increase the heat under the pan a little. Without stirring allow the sugar to caramelise whilst the water evaporates. Once it is a moderate brown colour (similar to the brown of a corrugated cardboard boadd the cream. Be aware that the mixture will react to the cold of the cream by rising up the pan. Stir. Continue stirring until the caramel has reached 104℃ / 219℉ (see note b below). Pour the caramel into a bowl and set too cool.
Make the fudge
- Lightly grease and fully line the brownie tin. Ensure that the greaseproof paper goes beyond the rim of the pan, this will help to remove the fudge once it has firmed up.
- Place the double cream, milk, butter and sugars into a large heavy based pan. Place over a low heat to allow the ingredients to melt. Constantly stir using a wooden spoon. Ensure all of the ingredients have completely melted before moving onto the next stage - you should no longer hear or feel the granulation of the sugar. Pay particular attention to the 'corner' of the pan when listening for sugar granulation.
- Set the digital thermometer to 117C /242F and attach it to the side of the pan. Ensure that the thermometer is secure and not touching the base of the pan. (Alternatively use a thermospatula which has the thermometer built into the spatula, or see note f below).
- Increase the heat under the pan to allow it to come to the boil whilst stirring all of the time. Boil the mixture, whilst continuing to stir, until it reaches 117C / 242Please be careful - the mixture is very hot! You may find it helpful to wear an oven mitt in case of splashes from the sugar.
- Once the required temperature has been reached, remove the pan from the heat and leave it undisturbed to cool down to 110C / 230This will only take a couple of minutes.
- Beat the mixture with the wooden spoon vigorously until it is no longer shiny.
- Pour the half of the fudge mixture into the prepared tin. Smooth it into the corners. Spoon blobs of the cooled caramel onto the fudge. Use a knife to marble it into the fudge (see note e below). Top with the remaining fudge. Spread the top layer of fudge out with the back of a spoon. Add a few more drops of caramel and use the knife to ripple into the fudge. Smooth the surface of the fudge with the back of a spoon as best you can (it will be getting thicker at this stage).
- Set aside to cool at room temperature for at least three hours to firm up.
To complete
- Pour the cream into a small pan and set over a medium heat. Allow the cream to heat through but avoid letting it boil. Meanwhile break the chocolate into small pieces. Add the chocolate pieces to the hot cream. Use a teaspoon to stir the ganache, gradually the chocolate will melt and the ganache will become smooth.
- Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the set fudge. Use the back of a spoon to level it off. Scatter over sprinkles (optional). Set aside to firm up.
- Once fully cold and firm use the excess greaseproof paper as handles to remove the fudge from the tin. Use a sharp knife to slice the fudge into bite sized pieces.Enjoy!
Notes
Cook's Tips
a) Remember, melted sugar is incredibly hot! Do stir the fudge syrup carefully so as to avoid splashing yourself.b) Keep animals, children and other vulnerable people out of the way when making fudge and caramel.c) When heating the mixture and waiting for it to reach 117C / 242F it will feel as though the temperature is stuck at around 104C / 220F for ages. Be patient and keep stirring, it will eventually move and will then increase fairly rapidly.d) You will have about half of the caramel left over. The excess could be used to decorate a cake, or it could be enjoyed drizzled over ice cream. Cover the left over caramel (or pour into an airtight container) and store in the fridge for upto 2 wks.e) If you're making fudge without a thermometer, it can be tested by dropping a small amount of fudge into a glass of cold water. It will form a 'soft ball' (or if you prefer your fudge a little firmer aim for 'firm ball' stage) when it is ready. Have a few drinking glasses by your oven hob filled with cold water before starting to make your fudge. Before testing wait for the molten sugar to climb up the sides of the pan and then drop back down. Boil for a further 3-4 minutes and then start to test.Store
Once portioned, store the fudge in an airtight container in a cool place. It will last for up to 2 weeks if stored in the fridge. Allow it to come back to room temperature before eating.Nutrition
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
Oooh what a lovely flavour combination. I know quite a few people that would love this - my husband being top of the list!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
MR B is rather partial to Chocolate and caramel too.
Jenny says
oooooh Angela I would be so thrilled to have some of these on Valentines day - heck any day to be fair. Your homemade chocolates are always so beautiful x x
Nickki says
I’ve been dreaming of this fudge ever since I saw it Instagram - it looks SO good! I’ve pinned the recipe and will definitely give it a try soon �� Many thanks, Nicola x
Patrick Looney says
This is all I need for Valentines Day!
Recipes Made Easy says
very decadent I bet the contrast in textures between the fudge and the caramel is delicious.
Johanna GGG says
wow I admire your fudge making skills - looks amazing and so delicious - chocolate caramel would be my fave flavour combo I think
Monika Dabrowski says
This is lovely, as always, looks so professional, the gooey caramel inside sounds great! If you ever decide to open up a little dessert shop let me know, I'd be a regular customer:)
Kate Glutenfreealchemist says
Ooh yes..... I can 'Imagine sinking my teeth into a piece of dark rich fudge, with pockets of caramel'...... But to be sure, I think you need to send some over ASAP! x
Kat BakingExplorer says
Yes please!!! This sounds amazing!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
Thanks for another crazy addictive fudge recipe Angie!! I just realized you have so many amazing fudge recipes here! I really need to buy myself a thermospatula to try a couple of these 🙂