This Caramel Apple Fudge is the perfect way to bring fudge and the flavors of fall together. It’s a creamy white chocolate based fudge, seasoned with apple cider mix, and swirled with caramel. It’s a “cheater” fudge made with sweetened condensed milk, and we don’t even need a candy thermometer!
This apple cider fudge tastes like Starbuck’s Caramel Apple Spice is an easy to make, homemade candy. It’s super easy to make on the stove, but tastes like fudge you’d get from the candy shop.
It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with flavor in every bite. The apple cider flavor is bold, but not over powering, and the caramel on top adds such a nice buttery richness, that takes this fudge to the next level. Its perfect for people who love cozy fall flavors! It’s like a warm hug, and tastes just like a warm mug of cider.
Why you’ll Love this Fudge
- Tastes just like a Caramel Apple: Have you tried those green wrapped caramel apple suckers? This fudge tastes just like those suckers, all wrapped up in a melt in your, easy to make, homemade fudge.
- Quick and Easy: This fudge takes less than 15 minutes to make, and no candy thermometer needed. You do need to stir two pots at the same time (the fudge and the caramel), but grab a helper, or use two hands and you can make this lickety-split. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill before you can cut into it.
- Great for Gifting: Last year I made eggnog caramels for our cookie trays that were a huge hit, and this year it will be this caramel apple fudge! Wrap it up individually, or stack a few pieces in a muffin liner and add this to your cookie plates. Everyone will love it!
Ingredients Needed
This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this Caramel Apple Fudge Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Caramel Bits – Use the caramel bits that are already unwrapped, or your favorite soft caramels (unwrapped of course)
- Heavy Cream – We will use a little to melt the caramels, and for blending the apple cider mix.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds a little richness
- Apple Cider Drink Mix – You’ll use the dry mix powder, it adds the right flavor to the fudge, without changing the texture. You can find this in the drink aisle of the grocery store.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Gives the fudge its creamy, rich texture
- White Chocolate Chips – Use a high quality chip, I love the Ghiradelli Classic White Vanilla Flavored Chips.
How to make Caramel Apple Cider Fudge
Step 1: Melt the Caramels. Add the caramels and cream to a small pot over low heat and melt until smooth, stirring often.
Step 2: Dissolve the Apple Cider Mix. Add the Apple Cider powder, butter and cream to another pot and mix over medium low for a couple minutes until the apple cider is dissolved.
Step 3: Make the Fudge Base. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until the mixture is all creamy. Remove from the heat and add in the white chocolate chips. Stir until the mix is totally smooth.
Step 4: Assemble. Pour the fudge into a lined baking pan, spreading it to the sides. Add the caramel on top in dollops, then use a butter knife to swirl them together until you have a nice marbled appearance. Cover the fudge and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 to 3 hours.
Tips and Tricks:
- Line your Pan: Line your square pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift the fudge out of the pan when its done, and slice it up easily. Here’s a video on how I easily fit my parchment paper in the pan.
- High Quality Ingredients: Use good, high quality ingredients to improve the taste and texture of your fudge. Especially when it comes to the white chocolate chips. I love the Ghiradelli Classic White Vanilla Flavored Chips.
- Don’t over Heat: Don’t overheat the white chocolate or the caramel. Keep the temperature low on both pots, and stir often.
Storage Instructions
This fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You can also freeze the fudge by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and storing those in a freezer bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
This Caramel Apple Fudge is sweet, spiced, and such a fun treat for the fall season, or the holidays. Its easy enough to whip up any time. Its so fun to serve at parties, or to share with friends as a gift!
More Fudge Recipes
- Christmas Swirl Fudge
- Microwave Fudge Recipe
- Orange Cream Fudge Recipe
- Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
- Kraft Fantasy Fudge Recipe
- Mint Chocolate Fudge
- Maple Walnut Fudge
If you make this Caramel Apple Fudge Recipe please leave a comment and 🌟 rating letting me know what you think! If you post the photo on Instagram, please tag me – I’d love to see what you’re making!
Caramel Apple Cider Fudge
Ingredients
For the Apple Fudge:
- 3 packets Apple Cider Drink Mix (dry powder, not prepared)
- 2 TBS Heavy Cream
- 2 TBS Salted Butter
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3 cups White Chocolate Chips (High quality like Ghiradelli)
- flakey sea salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 3/4 cup Soft Caramels (caramel bits, or caramels unwrapped)
- 1 TBS Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Line a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some hanging over the side for easy removal.
For the Apple Fudge:
- Add the Apple Cider powder, heavy cream, and butter to a medium pot, over medium low. Stir together until the butter has melted, the powder has dissolved and the mixture is blended well. 3 packets Apple Cider Drink Mix, 2 TBS Heavy Cream, 2 TBS Salted Butter
- After it is dissolved (check with your fingers to make sure its not grainy) add the Sweetened Condensed Milk and stir until totally mixed and creamy. 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Remove from the heat and add in the white chocolate chips. Stir until they are totally melted. (Add back to the heat over low) if they won't melt all the way without. 3 cups White Chocolate Chips
For the Caramel Layer:
- While the fudge is cooking, melt the caramels.
- Add the caramels and cream to a small pot. Heat it over low heat, stirring often until it is smooth and fully melted. 3/4 cup Soft Caramels, 1 TBS Heavy Cream
For the Fudge Assembly:
- Once they're both smooth and melted, pour the fudge into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly to the edges and corners.
- Drop the caramel in dollops on top of the fudge.
- Use a table knife to swirl the caramel and fudge together. Spend a couple minutes to make sure they swirl together nicely.
- Cover the pan and place it in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
- Remove from the fridge once chilled and lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut the fudge into small pieces with a sharp knife, and enjoy.
- Sprinkle pieces with flakey sea salt if desired. flakey sea salt
Notes
- Line your Pan: Line your square pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift the fudge out of the pan when its done, and slice it up easily. Here’s a video on how I easily fit my parchment paper in the pan.
- High Quality Ingredients: Use good, high quality ingredients to improve the taste and texture of your fudge. Especially when it comes to the white chocolate chips. I love the Ghiradelli Classic White Vanilla Flavored Chips.
- Don’t over Heat: Don’t overheat the white chocolate or the caramel. Keep the temperature low on both pots, and stir often.
- Storage Instructions: This fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You can also freeze the fudge by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and storing those in a freezer bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Nutrition
caramel apple fudge 480 / 6
caramel apple cider fudge
caramel apple fudge recipe 140 / 3
Auntiepatch says
When does the salt go in? Did I miss it?
Aimee says
We’re just sprinkling the flakey salt on the top of the fudge. It can stick to the fudge even after it is chilled. Or you can sprinkle it on after swirling the caramel into the fudge.