Name: Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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There’s just something magical about a bite of Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge. It’s rich, creamy, and wonderfully nostalgic, melting into sweet, buttery bliss with every square. For anyone who adores classic, homemade treats, this recipe combines a handful of pantry staples with a simple stovetop technique to create the most irresistible, golden bites. Whether you’re entertaining, gifting, or sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee, you’ll love having this Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge recipe in your back pocket.

Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge is comfortingly short and familiar, but every element matters. Each brings its own special touch, contributing to the fudge’s rich flavor, signature creamy texture, and that deep, luscious caramel color we all crave.

Granulated sugar: Creates the smooth, crystalline foundation and essential sweetness for our fudge.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds a toasty, molasses-rich depth and helps with the signature caramel hue.
Heavy cream: Lends creaminess, silky texture, and keeps the fudge divinely soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
Unsalted butter: Infuses each square with buttery richness and aids in setting a tender bite.
Light corn syrup: Prevents unwanted crystallization and assures that snappy, glossy finish.
Vanilla extract: Brings aromatic warmth and rounds out all those caramel notes at the end.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and makes all the flavors sing — don’t skip, even if it’s just a small amount!

How to Make Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the sides overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper, too. This ensures your Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge will come out cleanly and look picture-perfect when cut.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine your granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, light corn syrup, and just a pinch of salt. Stir these together over medium heat. At this stage, you want the sugars to dissolve completely into the creamy mixture, forming the base for that glorious caramel flavor.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Once everything is smoothly combined and starting to simmer, it’s time to clip on your trusty candy thermometer. Now, stop stirring and let it boil gently. Watch closely as the temperature rises to 238°F (the soft ball stage), which is the magic number for that unbelievably creamy fudge texture. Stirring at this point could encourage crystallization, so hands-off is best!

Step 4: Cool the Mixture

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool undisturbed until the thermometer reads about 110°F. This patience pays off: cooling helps the mixture thicken and prepares it for the essential beating stage that’ll define Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge’s texture.

Step 5: Beat Until Thickened

Now, add the vanilla extract for its signature aroma. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or a hand mixer, beat the mixture vigorously. You want to see it thicken, lose its gloss, and turn matte and creamy—this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The transformation is almost magical and signals it’s ready for the pan.

Step 6: Pour and Set

Quickly pour (it sets fast!) the fudge into your prepared pan, smoothing the top as much as possible. Let it rest, uncovered, at room temperature for about 2 hours. This wait is worth it—for that timeless, sliceable old-fashioned caramel fudge we all know and love.

Step 7: Cut and Store

Once your fudge is fully set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment edges and cut into 36 neat squares. Store in an airtight container to keep each piece as creamy and fresh as the first bite.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge

Garnishes

Serve each piece with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra-special touch. Garnishes elevate both the look and flavor of Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge without overpowering its nostalgic charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these fudge squares with a strong coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweet, creamy caramel balances beautifully with bolder, more bitter flavors and can turn a simple dessert board into a real centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, try placing pieces in a rustic tin lined with wax paper, or arrange them in petite paper cups for easy sharing at parties. Stack up fudge squares on a tiered tray, or skewer on treat sticks for a playful presentation everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking and to preserve their creamy, soft texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep fudge longer, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—so you can always have a sweet bite ready for any craving or surprise guest.

Reheating

Though Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge is best enjoyed as is, if you find it’s a little too firm after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause melting or texture changes.

FAQs

What makes this Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge so creamy?

The magic combination of heavy cream and careful temperature control gives this fudge its ultra-creamy, melt-away texture. Beating the mixture as it cools is also key to achieving that signature fudge consistency.

Do I really need a candy thermometer?

Yes, for the smoothest, most reliable results! A candy thermometer ensures the mixture reaches the precise soft ball stage, which makes all the difference between creamy fudge and a gritty disaster.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Absolutely! Using dark brown sugar will give your Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge an even deeper, more pronounced caramel flavor, though the color will be a bit richer and the taste a touch bolder—delicious either way.

Why does my fudge sometimes turn grainy?

This usually means sugar crystals formed during cooking or cooling. Avoid stirring once the mixture comes to a boil, and make sure all the sugar dissolves at the start. The bit of corn syrup also helps keep things smooth.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double it! Use a larger pan (like 9×13-inch) and watch your thermometer carefully. The process is the same, though cooling and beating times may be slightly longer due to the larger batch.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll try making this Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge, whether you crave a nostalgic treat, want to impress at a gathering, or just enjoy old-school candy-making in your own kitchen. Every bite brings sweet memories and pure comfort—give it a whirl, and get ready to fall in love with a classic all over again!

Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 36 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the nostalgic delight of making your own rich and creamy Old-Fashioned Caramel Fudge at home. This stovetop dessert is a classic treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Granulated Sugar Mixture:

2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Cook Sugar Mixture: Combine the sugars, cream, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan. Cook until boiling, then reach 238°F without stirring.
Cool and Beat: Let the mixture cool, add vanilla, then beat until thick and matte.
Pour and Set: Quickly pour the fudge into the pan, smooth the top, and let it set for about 2 hours.
Serve: Cut into squares and store in an airtight container.