Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe
If you’re hunting for a decadent treat that marries the creamy richness of fudge with the bold kick of coffee and the buttery sweetness of caramel, Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge is about to become your new obsession. In just a handful of minutes, you can whip up a tray of silky, melt-in-your-mouth squares that look and taste like something from a gourmet shop, but are blissfully easy to make at home. Whether you’re craving a snazzy sweet treat to pair with your afternoon latte or want a dessert that never fails to impress at a gathering, this recipe is your secret weapon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge is how the simplest pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role: from lending structure to providing that dreamy caramel-coffee flavor and an irresistible, glossy finish.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds intense creaminess and binds the fudge together while lending sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Melt into the condensed milk to form the base, providing that classic smooth fudge texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Swirled right in, this gives each bite a rich, buttery-sweet caramel flavor you just can’t resist.
- Instant Espresso Powder: The not-so-secret ingredient—a little goes a long way, delivering deep coffee notes that perfectly balance the sweetness.
- Butter: Just a bit goes in for silkiness and rich flavor, making the fudge even more luscious.
- Pinch of Salt: It elevates every other flavor, ensuring the fudge doesn’t become overly sweet.
- Optional Toppings: Think flaky salt, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of cocoa powder—these amplify the final presentation.
How to Make Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit of overhang on the edges. This helpful trick means you’ll be able to lift the finished fudge out in one neat piece and will save you from sticky cleanup later on.
Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan set over gentle heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and butter. Stir constantly as everything melts together. You want a silky, glossy mixture without any lumps—watch it closely, as it can scorch quickly if left unattended.
Step 3: Add Coffee Goodness
Sprinkle in the instant espresso powder and a pinch of salt. Stir until the coffee granules completely dissolve, tinting your fudge mix a gorgeous caramel-coffee color and infusing it with the essence of your favorite café drink.
Step 4: Swirl in the Caramel
Remove the pan from heat and pour half of the caramel sauce into the fudge base. Gently fold it in for a soft ripple effect, then transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Drizzle the remaining caramel on top and use a skewer or knife to create pretty swirls. The marbled look is part of what makes Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge so striking on the plate.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop your tray into the refrigerator and resist the urge to peek for at least 2–3 hours, or until fully set. Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift out the slab and cut into squares. Every piece reveals gorgeous waves of caramel and that telltale coffee aroma.
How to Serve Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge
Garnishes
For that extra flourish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before the fudge sets, or go bold with crushed chocolate-covered coffee beans or delicate curls of dark chocolate. Each garnish not only looks beautiful but brings bursts of flavor and crunch to your Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these lush fudge squares with a steaming cup of espresso, an icy frappe, or a creamy vanilla latte for latte meets dessert heaven. If you’re serving a larger spread, pair them with buttery shortbread or fresh berries for contrast and bite-sized balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends by nestling the fudge squares in decorative paper cups, arranging them on a fancy platter, or even packing a few pieces in a cute box for an edible gift. For a party, try setting out a selection of fudge flavors and let Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your freshly made fudge will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen runs warm, stashing it in the fridge keeps each piece firm and satisfying.
Freezing
For longer storage, Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge freezes like a dream. Wrap pieces individually in wax paper and seal in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months; just thaw briefly in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
While this fudge is designed to melt in your mouth, not in your hands, if it’s too cold straight from the fridge, leave it at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the caramel weep and affect the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?
Stick with instant espresso powder for the boldest coffee punch. Brewed coffee adds too much liquid, which can upset the fudge’s delicate balance and change the texture.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
No fancy tools here! Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge is all about simplicity. Just keep your heat low and stir constantly while melting to prevent burning.
Can I swap the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate?
You can, but white chocolate lets the caramel and coffee flavors shine brightest. Dark or milk chocolate will make a fudgier, richer square but will mellow out the signature caramel-coffee kick.
Is there a dairy-free version of this fudge?
Absolutely! Try using dairy-free condensed milk and vegan chocolate chips. Just check labels to ensure all ingredients are milk-free, and use a vegan caramel or homemade alternative.
My fudge didn’t set firm enough—what went wrong?
Usually, it’s a temperature issue or too much caramel mixed in. Next time, make sure to fully melt your chips and heat just until smooth, and avoid adding extra liquid outside the recipe’s measurements. Firm chilling is also key!
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like the burst of flavor and instant comfort you get from a square of Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge. It’s unfussy to make, unforgettable to eat, and easily tailored to any occasion. Give yourself (and loved ones) a little treat—they deserve it, and so do you!
Print
Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and sweet caramel with this easy-to-make Quick Caramel Coffee Fudge recipe. It’s the perfect treat for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Fudge:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Fudge: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in instant coffee, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into a lined pan and spread evenly.
- Add the Topping: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until set, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- You can customize this fudge by adding your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts or sea salt.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave, Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
