If you’re looking for a treat that tastes like a slice of fall with every bite, Caramel Apple Fudge is about to become your new obsession. This irresistible dessert captures the nostalgia of caramel-dipped apples and warm apple pie, all lovingly swirled together into creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a super simple stovetop method, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this recipe comes together. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or as a sweet homemade gift, Caramel Apple Fudge is sure to wow everyone lucky enough to snag a piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few pantry staples create such a showstopping treat! Each ingredient in Caramel Apple Fudge plays a unique role, from creaminess and spice to that signature sweet swirl. Here’s how everything comes together to make each bite unforgettable:
- White chocolate chips: The creamy, meltable base gives the fudge its rich, velvety texture and sweet vanilla notes.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and keeps the fudge soft and smooth.
- Apple pie filling (finely chopped): Brings real apple chunks and a hint of tartness for that classic autumn flavor—chop it small for the perfect texture!
- Cinnamon: Warms up each bite and enhances the apple and caramel flavors.
- Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way, adding cozy spice and depth.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings everything together.
- Caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): Swirled and drizzled for that gooey, golden magic—use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens up all the sweetness and balances the fudge perfectly.
How to Make Caramel Apple Fudge
Step 1: Line Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift out your finished Caramel Apple Fudge later—no sticky mess or crumbling edges.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly—patience is key here—until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth. This forms the creamy canvas for all your delicious flavors.
Step 3: Add the Apples and Spices
Next, toss in the finely chopped apple pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and that pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the fruit and spices are evenly distributed. Your kitchen will already start to smell like an autumn wonderland!
Step 4: Swirl in the Caramel
Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the caramel sauce. Don’t overmix—you want distinct ribbons of caramel running through the fudge, not a uniform mixture. Those gorgeous swirls are what make this fudge extra tempting.
Step 5: Pour, Decorate, and Chill
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the surface, then grab a toothpick and drag it through the caramel to create beautiful swirls. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the fudge is completely set and sliceable.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once the Caramel Apple Fudge is firm, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Cut into bite-sized squares and get ready for plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from your lucky taste-testers!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Fudge
Garnishes
A little extra flourish goes a long way with Caramel Apple Fudge! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cinnamon, or a few finely chopped toasted pecans for crunch. You can even add a tiny apple slice or cinnamon stick on the platter for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
This fudge is rich and sweet, so pair it with something light and bright. A platter of crisp apple slices, a bowl of fresh berries, or a mug of hot apple cider balances out the decadent flavors and keeps the treat feeling special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Caramel Apple Fudge squares in pretty paper wrappers for a bake sale or gift box, or stack them on a rustic wooden board at your next fall gathering. For a fun twist, serve mini fudge pieces in cupcake liners with toothpicks for easy snacking—perfect for parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Caramel Apple Fudge fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to one week, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks or special occasions.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, this fudge freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual squares in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving, and they’ll taste just as dreamy as the day you made them.
Reheating
Caramel Apple Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no real need to reheat. But if you love a slightly softer texture, let the fudge sit out on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving. Just don’t microwave it, or you’ll lose those lovely swirls and creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling adds a special touch to Caramel Apple Fudge. Just be sure to chop the apples finely and avoid adding too much extra liquid, so the fudge sets up nicely.
What kind of caramel sauce works best?
Any smooth, pourable caramel sauce will work beautifully. Store-bought caramel is perfect for convenience, but if you love making caramel from scratch, your homemade version will shine in the fudge.
Can I make Caramel Apple Fudge without white chocolate chips?
White chocolate chips are key for the creamy texture and sweet flavor. Swapping them out will change the fudge’s consistency, so for best results, stick with white chocolate as your base.
How do I keep my fudge from getting too soft?
If your fudge turns out softer than you’d like, try reducing the apple pie filling to 1/3 cup next time. Make sure the filling is well-drained and finely chopped, and always keep the fudge chilled until ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch of Caramel Apple Fudge. Just be sure to leave extra time for the fudge to chill and set completely.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Caramel Apple Fudge—the way it brings together the best parts of fall in one creamy, dreamy bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family. Once you taste that sweet swirl of caramel and apple, you’ll want to make it a year-round favorite!
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Caramel Apple Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 25 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the creamy, luscious Caramel Apple Fudge, a no-bake dessert that combines smooth white chocolate, warm spices, and sweet apple pie filling with swirls of rich caramel sauce. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a rich, flavorful fudge that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup apple pie filling, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out once set.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring constantly to create a smooth blend without burning.
- Add Flavorings and Apple Filling: Stir in the finely chopped apple pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and the mixture is uniformly smooth.
- Incorporate Caramel: Remove the mixture from heat and gently fold in the 1/2 cup caramel sauce, swirling it through the fudge mixture without completely mixing to create lovely caramel ribbons.
- Pour and Decorate: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and use a toothpick to create decorative swirls.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours or until firm enough to cut cleanly.
- Serve: Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan and cut into approximately 25 squares to serve.
Notes
- Use either homemade or canned apple pie filling—chop finely for best texture.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a firmer fudge, reduce the amount of apple pie filling to 1/3 cup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
