White chocolate and caramel fudge

1. Preparing the Pan

1. Line the Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Set Aside: Place the prepared pan in the refrigerator to keep it cool while you work on the fudge.

2. Making the Caramel

1. Heat the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula. The sugar will clump, then melt into a deep amber liquid.
2. Add the Cream: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously). Stir continuously until smooth.
3. Incorporate the Butter: Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until fully combined. Stir in the sea salt if making salted caramel.
4. Cool Slightly: Let the caramel cool for 5-10 minutes, but don’t let it harden. It should be thick but pourable.

3. Making the White Chocolate Fudge

1. Melt the Base Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
2. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth and flavor.

4. Assembling the Fudge

1. Pour the Base: Pour the white chocolate fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Add the Caramel Swirl: Drizzle the slightly cooled caramel over the fudge base in thin lines or dollops.
3. Swirl the Layers: Use a skewer or the tip of a knife to create swirls by dragging it through the caramel and fudge in a figure-eight pattern. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct swirls.

5. Chilling and Cutting

1. Set the Fudge: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
2. Cut into Squares: Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1-inch squares for perfect bite-sized pieces.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish or drizzle with melted white chocolate for added flair.
• Gift It: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper or place them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tips for Success

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of white chocolate and caramel shines through, so choose high-quality chips and butter for the best results.
2. Control the Caramel: If you prefer a more subtle caramel flavor, reduce the amount swirled into the fudge.
3. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

The combination of creamy white chocolate and rich caramel creates a decadent treat that’s hard to resist. The smooth texture of the fudge, paired with the gooey caramel swirls, makes it a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or keeping it all to yourself (we won’t judge), this White Chocolate and Caramel Fudge is bound to become a new favorite!