Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling if you like salted caramel)
- 1 ½ cups chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or cashews work great)
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pan
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the fudge later.
- Lightly butter or spray the parchment so the caramel doesn’t stick.
- Melt the Butter & Sugar
- In a large heavy-bottom saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Cook the Caramel
- Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula until the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, slowly stir in the heavy cream.
- Reduce heat slightly and continue cooking, stirring often, until the caramel reaches 238–242°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Be patient—this can take 15–20 minutes. Don’t rush it or you risk burning the caramel.
- Add Flavor & Nuts
- Once the right temperature is reached, remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour & Set
- Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture into your prepared pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.
- Let it sit at room temperature until firm (at least 4–6 hours or overnight).
- Cut into Squares
- Once fully set, lift the caramel fudge out using the parchment paper.
- Cut into small squares with a sharp, buttered knife.
- Store in an airtight container (layered with parchment) at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the fridge for longer.
Tips & Variations:
- Nut-Free Version: Leave out the nuts for classic buttery caramel fudge.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the caramel sets.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top once cooled.
- Holiday Style: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spiced caramel.
Benefits:
- Homemade Goodness – No artificial preservatives, just real butter, cream, and sugar.
- Customizable – Add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit.
- Gift-Worthy – Wrap squares in wax paper or pack in tins for an irresistible homemade gift.
