Experience the cozy flavors of fall with this easy Caramel Apple Fudge recipe! Rich white chocolate, sweet apple pie filling, and gooey caramel come together in a layered fudge that’s both simple and irresistible. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging at home.
Ingredients
For the Fudge Base
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (or cinnamon)
- Green or red food coloring (optional, for apple-like hue)
For the Apple Layer
- 1/2 cup apple pie filling (homemade or store-bought), finely chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning if using fresh apples)
For the Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream (to loosen if needed)
For Garnish
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Fudge Base Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out easily later.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Stir gently and constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and apple pie spice. If you want a festive, apple-inspired look, add a few drops of green or red food coloring and stir until evenly colored.
Add the Apple Layer Spoon out half of the white chocolate mixture into a separate bowl. Gently fold the finely chopped apple pie filling into this portion. If you’re using fresh apples, toss them first with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Once combined, pour and spread the apple-infused fudge mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 15–20 minutes until the layer sets slightly but is still tacky to the touch.
Add the Caramel Layer While the apple layer chills, warm the caramel sauce in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds until it is pourable. If the caramel is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream to create a smooth, drizzling consistency.
Once ready, pour the caramel sauce over the chilled apple layer. Spread it gently with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure it covers the apple fudge evenly.
Add the Final Fudge Layer Spoon the remaining white chocolate mixture over the caramel layer. Carefully spread it to completely cover the caramel. Work slowly so you don’t disturb the layers underneath.
For an extra special touch, drizzle a little more caramel over the top and sprinkle crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips over the fudge before chilling.
Chill and Cut Place the pan back into the refrigerator and chill the fudge for at least 2–3 hours, or until it is completely firm.
Once set, use the parchment paper edges to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it onto a cutting board and slice into small squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
Tips and Variations
Homemade Apple Filling If you want even fresher flavor, skip the canned pie filling. Sauté diced apples in butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice for a quick homemade apple layer. Cool it completely before folding into the fudge.
Make It Nutty For a crunchier version, stir in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the apple layer or sprinkle them on top with the caramel.
Gluten-Free Option Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but if you need a full gluten-free treat, double-check labels on your caramel sauce and apple pie filling.
Storage Tips Keep your Caramel Apple Fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to one week. You can also freeze it: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Gift Idea Wrap individual squares in wax paper or place them in decorative tins for a lovely homemade gift during the holiday season. A sweet, thoughtful, and budget-friendly surprise for friends, teachers, or neighbors!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Fudge
Fall-Inspired Flavors Every bite is packed with classic fall flavors—sweet apple, warm spices, creamy white chocolate, and gooey caramel. It’s like enjoying caramel apples in soft, melt-in-your-mouth form.
Easy to Make No candy thermometer, no complicated techniques—just melt, mix, layer, and chill. It’s a foolproof recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for Sharing Whether you’re making a batch for Thanksgiving dessert tables, Halloween parties, Christmas platters, or just cozy fall weekends, this fudge is ideal for sharing. It looks gorgeous and tastes even better.
Customizable This recipe is flexible enough for endless creativity. Change up the spice mix, add different toppings, or switch the apple pie filling for other fruits like pears or peaches.
Rich and Creamy Texture Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate combo, this fudge is ultra-smooth, rich, and creamy. Each square practically melts in your mouth with buttery sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling? Yes! Simply dice fresh apples very small and sauté them in a little butter, cinnamon, and sugar until tender. Be sure to cool them completely before adding to the fudge.
How do I prevent the fudge layers from mixing together? Chill each layer for 15–20 minutes before adding the next one. This helps set them enough to hold their shape without blending into one another.
What’s the best way to cut fudge cleanly? Use a very sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between cuts. You can also warm the knife slightly under hot water (then dry it) to make slicing even smoother.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Caramel Apple Fudge is a perfect make-ahead treat. Prepare it up to three days in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge.
What toppings work best for the garnish? Crushed graham crackers give a pie-like crunch, while chopped pecans or walnuts add a rich, nutty texture. Mini chocolate chips create a fun, sweeter option if you want extra chocolate goodness.
Can I skip the food coloring? Of course. The food coloring is purely for visual appeal and won’t affect the taste at all.
How do I store leftover fudge? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you need it to last longer, freeze it as mentioned above—just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.