The Story & Intro
Growing up on the beautiful island of Crete, I learned early on that the sweetest moments in life usually began in the kitchen. My grandmother didn’t make Salted Caramel Fudge, but she had a habit of turning simple ingredients into something magical, and that memory always comes back to me whenever I prepare this recipe. There’s something comforting about the smell of butter melting with sugar, slowly transforming into golden caramel. It brings back the same warmth I felt as a child standing on my tiptoes, trying to peek into her pot.
What I love about Salted Caramel Fudge is how it brings people together. It’s the kind of treat you make when you want to share something homemade and filled with love. And trust me, even if your kitchen gets a bit messy (mine definitely does!), the final result is more than worth it. This Salted Caramel Fudge is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of salt. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, gifting it to friends, or keeping it all for yourself (no judgment!), it’ll become one of those recipes that feels like home.
Whenever I whip up a batch, I think about how my grandmother used to say that cooking wasn’t just about flavor it’s about memories. That’s why I add a little creativity to classic recipes like this Salted Caramel Fudge. The swirl of caramel, the buttery texture, and that lovely touch of sea salt… it’s simple, but it creates such an unforgettable bite. And I’m here to walk you through every step so you can enjoy making it just as much as eating it.
If you’re new to fudge, don’t worry. This version is beginner-friendly, forgiving, and honestly a little addictive. From melting the caramel to stirring in the silky condensed milk, each step is easy to follow. So tie on your apron, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something sweet together because Salted Caramel Fudge isn’t just a treat, it’s an experience.
Ingredients
For the Fudge
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for topping)
For the Caramel Swirl
- ½ cup soft caramels or caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang so you can easily lift the fudge out later. Lightly spray the surface with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Caramel Swirl
Melt the soft caramels with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
3. Start the Fudge Base
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until everything combines.
4. Bring to a Boil
Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring to prevent burning. Allow it to cook for about 7–8 minutes until thickened.
5. Add Vanilla & Salt
Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. This is where the deep caramel flavor shines through.
6. Pour and Swirl
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Immediately drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife or skewer to create pretty swirls.
7. Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle extra flaky sea salt on top. This makes every bite a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
8. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firmly set. For best texture, allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting.
9. Slice & Serve
Lift the fudge from the pan with the parchment overhang. Cut into small squares and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Salted Caramel Fudge is rich, so it’s perfect in small bites. Serve it alongside:
- Hot chocolate or coffee
- A holiday dessert platter
- Ice cream bowls
- Gift boxes for friends and family
It’s also delicious crumbled over brownies or stirred into warm oatmeal for an indulgent twist.
Pro Tips
- Use flaky sea salt, not table salt, for the best texture and flavor.
- If your caramel swirl thickens too quickly, warm it slightly before swirling.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper this fudge is sticky!
- Let the fudge cool fully before cutting for clean squares.
Recipe Card 📌
⏱️ Cook Time
20 minutes + chilling time
🛒 Ingredients
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla
- Sea salt
- Caramel
👩🍳 Instructions
- Line your pan with parchment.
- Melt caramel + cream; set aside.
- Combine butter, sugar, cream, and condensed milk; boil 7–8 mins.
- Add vanilla + salt.
- Pour into pan and swirl caramel.
- Sprinkle salt. Chill 3 hours.
- Slice and enjoy!
📝 Notes
Store fudge in an airtight container for up to one week. For firmer texture, keep refrigerated.
🔥 Nutrition (per serving)
Approx. 140–160 calories depending on portion size.
100-Word Story Version for Recipe Card
Hi, I’m Marilyn from beautiful Crete, where I first learned to cook beside my grandmother. While this Salted Caramel Fudge isn’t a traditional Greek dish, it carries the same spirit of comfort and sweetness she always brought to the kitchen. I love how simple ingredients like butter, caramel, and a touch of sea salt can create something so rich and cozy. This fudge is creamy, soft, and perfect for sharing with friends or gifting during the holidays. Even if your kitchen gets a little messy, making it is half the fun and the results taste like pure joy.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Fudge is one of those recipes that proves homemade treats don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. It’s sweet, creamy, beautifully swirled, and perfectly salted. Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert, wrapping edible gifts, or just craving something cozy, this fudge is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. And like I always say, cooking is about creating memories so I hope you share this recipe with someone you love. Enjoy every bite!