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This caramel apple fudge recipe mixes sweet and tart flavors. It is a great fall treat. You will need simple ingredients to make it. The full recipe is easy to follow. To make this fudge, gather these key items: - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup unsweetened apple juice - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped dried apples - ½ teaspoon sea salt Each ingredient plays a role in flavor and texture. The sugar and butter create a rich base. The apple juice adds a fruity kick. Heavy cream gives it a smooth texture, while chocolate chips add sweetness. You can add chopped walnuts for a nice crunch. They also bring healthy fats and protein. Another option is to sprinkle in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices deepen the flavor, making it taste like autumn. Start by lining an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the fudge out later. Now, gather your ingredients. You need sugar, apple juice, cream, butter, vanilla, chocolate chips, dried apples, walnuts, and sea salt. In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, apple juice, and heavy cream. Stir it over medium heat. Watch for it to boil gently. Once it starts boiling, add the unsalted butter. Keep stirring constantly. You want to reach the soft ball stage, around 235°F. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After reaching the right temperature, take the pan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and sea salt. Mix well until the chocolate is melted. Then, gently fold in the chopped dried apples and walnuts if you choose to use them. Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, move it to the fridge to set for at least two hours. Once firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Fudge! For more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. To get the right texture for your fudge, timing is key. Cook your caramel mixture until it hits the soft ball stage at 235°F. This temperature gives your fudge that creamy, smooth feel. Stir constantly to prevent burning. After mixing in the chocolate, let it cool a bit before adding the dried apples. This helps keep them intact. One common mistake is not stirring enough. If you leave the caramel mixture unattended, it can scorch. Another mistake is cutting the fudge too soon. If you cut it while it's still warm, it may fall apart. Last, don’t skip the sea salt. It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution. A candy thermometer is essential to reach the right temperature. A spatula helps mix ingredients well. Finally, parchment paper makes it easy to lift the fudge once it's set. You can find the Full Recipe to get all the details on these tips. {{image_2}} You can change up the nuts in your fudge for different tastes. Try pecans for a sweet crunch. Almonds give a nice flavor too. If you want a bit of heat, add chopped spicy nuts. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you want it nut-free. Think about adding mini marshmallows or crispy rice for extra texture. Spices can really boost the taste of your fudge. Cinnamon adds warmth, while nutmeg gives it a cozy feel. You can also try a pinch of ginger for a zesty kick. For extra depth, use maple extract instead of vanilla. This adds a lovely fall vibe to your fudge. Just remember, a little goes a long way! If you want a vegan version, swap out the butter for coconut oil. Use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream to keep it rich. For the chocolate chips, choose dairy-free chips. And instead of apple juice, use a plant-based milk for a different twist. This way, you can enjoy caramel apple fudge without dairy! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your caramel apple fudge fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This helps avoid sticking and keeps the fudge intact. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you live in a warm area, the fridge is a better option. Caramel apple fudge can last up to two weeks when stored properly. If you keep it in the fridge, it may last a bit longer. Just check for any signs of spoilage, like changes in smell or texture. If you notice anything off, it's best to toss it out. If you want to keep your fudge for even longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the fudge into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. Your fudge can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the fudge thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick fix, you can also leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours. Yes, you can use fresh apples. However, fresh apples have more moisture. This may change the fudge's texture. If you want to use fresh apples, chop them finely and cook them. You can sauté them briefly in a pan to reduce moisture. This step helps maintain the fudge's creamy and firm texture. To make your fudge creamier, focus on the mixing process. Stir the mixture well while cooking. This helps to combine the ingredients smoothly. Also, use heavy cream instead of milk. The fat in heavy cream adds richness. If you want, you can add a bit more butter. This will enhance the creaminess. Caramel Apple Fudge pairs well with many treats. You can serve it with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream balances the rich fudge. Another great option is hot chocolate or coffee. These drinks enhance the sweet flavors. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. This makes for a lovely presentation. For a fun twist, serve it with apple slices for dipping. You learned how to make caramel apple fudge. We covered essential ingredients, tips, and variations. You can create a creamy texture by adjusting cooking times. Remember to store your fudge properly to keep it fresh. With these steps, you can make a treat that everyone loves. Enjoy your delicious fudge and feel free to share your creations with others!

Caramel Apple Fudge

Indulge in the sweet goodness of Caramel Apple Fudge with this easy recipe! Combining the flavors of rich caramel, chocolate chips, and chewy dried apples, this delightful treat is perfect for parties or cozy nights at home. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of fudge that everyone will adore. Click to explore this delicious recipe and impress your friends and family with your homemade confectionery skills!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsweetened apple juice

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped dried apples

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift out the fudge later.

    Cook the Caramel Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, apple juice, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.

      Add Butter: Once boiling, add the unsalted butter. Continue to stir constantly until the mixture reaches a soft ball stage (about 235°F on a candy thermometer). This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.

        Mix in Flavors: Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and sea salt. Mix until the chocolate chips are melted and fully incorporated into the fudge mixture.

          Fold in Dried Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped dried apples and walnuts (if using) into the fudge mixture.

            Transfer to Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

              Cool and Set: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours or until firm.

                Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 24 pieces

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the fudge pieces on a decorative plate, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a delightful touch. You can also garnish with thinly sliced fresh apples for added flair.