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Chocolate, caramel and coffee come together in this dreamy multi-layered treat. Each square delivers sweet, rich flavors with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Coffee fans and sweet tooth folks will both fall for these irresistible bites.
What's So Good About This Fudge
You'll love how this candy tastes just like drinking a caramel latte. The best part? It's super easy to make without fancy tools or temperature checks. Just mix, melt, chill and you're done! The pretty layers and chocolate topping look fancy but take minimal effort - perfect when you want to wow friends or treat yourself.
Ingredients
- White Chocolate Chips: They form your fudge foundation. Grab quality chips or cut up some white chocolate bars instead.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives that silky feel. Got salted? That works too, just cut back on any other salt.
- Canned Dulce de Leche: Brings that rich caramel punch. Regular caramel sauce can pinch-hit but might change how your fudge sets up.
- Marshmallow Cream: This makes your fudge tender and chewy. In a pinch, melt some regular marshmallows as a stand-in.
- Instant Coffee: Delivers that coffee kick. Add extra for stronger taste or try espresso powder for more intense flavor.
- Hot Water: Helps the coffee dissolve fully. Freshly boiled water works great, or warm milk works too.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates that creamy, sweet texture. Don't swap this for regular milk, it won't work.
- Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers: For that pretty topping. Dark chocolate chips make a good backup option.
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Instructions
- Prep Your Container:
- Grab an 8x8 inch pan. Cut some foil bigger than the pan. Push it down into all the corners, letting the extra hang over the edges. This makes pulling out the fudge easy later. Give the foil a quick spray with cooking spray.
- Create Bottom Layer:
- Set a medium pot on low heat. Toss in 2 cups white chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter. Keep stirring until everything melts smoothly, around 5 minutes. Don't walk away or it might burn. Take it off the heat when done.
- Mix In Caramel:
- Dump a 13.4 oz can of dulce de leche into your melted chocolate. Stir until they're fully combined. Add 1 cup marshmallow cream next. Mix until everything looks smooth with no streaks. Pour this mixture into your pan right away. Spread it flat with a spatula. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Get Coffee Ready:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons instant coffee with 1 tablespoon hot water. Stir until the coffee totally dissolves without any bits left. Pour in a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix everything well.
- Build Second Layer:
- Melt another 2 cups white chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons butter just like you did before. Take it off the heat. Mix in your coffee mixture and 1 cup marshmallow cream until smooth. Pour this over your first layer. Spread it out evenly. Let it chill in the fridge for 4 hours or leave it overnight.
- Finish With Chocolate:
- Melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate wafers in your microwave. Go 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each round. Put the melted chocolate in a plastic bag and snip a tiny corner off. Squeeze lines across your fudge. Put it back in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
- Slice and Pack:
- Use the foil edges to lift the fudge out. Put it on a cutting board. Run a knife under hot water, dry it off, then cut 1-inch squares. Keep doing the hot water trick between cuts. Store your fudge in a sealed container with wax paper between the layers.
Standout Features of This Treat
This fudge tastes just like your favorite coffee shop drink but in candy form. You won't need any fancy candy-making skills to pull it off. The simple mix-and-melt method creates stunning layers, and that chocolate drizzle on top makes it look store-bought.
Understanding Your Main Components
The white chocolate and butter combo creates that melt-in-your-mouth base. That canned dulce de leche brings all the caramel goodness. The coffee gives that morning brew flavor while marshmallow cream keeps everything soft and billowy. That dark chocolate topping isn't just pretty—it adds the perfect bitter note to balance all the sweetness.
How To Pull It Together
Start with the bottom by melting white chocolate with butter, then mix in your dulce de leche and some marshmallow cream. Let that firm up a bit. For the top section, dissolve coffee in water, add condensed milk, then fold into another batch of melted white chocolate and marshmallow cream. Pour this over your first layer. Once everything's totally cold, finish with some zigzags of dark chocolate on top.
Keeping It Fresh
Your fudge will stay good in a sealed container at room temp for a couple days. Want it to last longer? Stick it in the fridge for about a week. You can even freeze it by wrapping pieces in plastic, then foil, then popping them in a freezer bag. When you're ready for a piece, just move it to the fridge overnight to thaw.
Tricks For Perfect Results
Don't skip lining your pan with foil—it makes getting the fudge out so much easier. Always keep your heat low when melting stuff to avoid burning. Want those clean, sharp edges? Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. Try to make your chocolate drizzle pattern even for that wow factor. These little tricks make all the difference in how your fudge turns out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the white chocolate for dark?
Sure thing! Here's what to know:
- Dark chocolate works great too
- It’ll be less sweet, more chocolate-forward
- Measure out the same amount
- Melt it the same way
- Expect a deeper color
- The coffee kick may stand out more
- → How can I make it vegan?
Try these steps:
- Switch to vegan white chocolate chips
- Use plant-based butter (like Earth Balance)
- Pick coconut condensed milk
- Skip marshmallow cream, try coconut cream instead
- Texture might change a little, but still delicious
- Follow the same method otherwise
- → Can I add some nuts?
Absolutely! Check this out:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts
- Around 1/2 cup should do
- Toast them lightly to bring out flavor
- Toss them in at the end
- Sprinkle on top before the mixture sets as an option
- Make sure your nuts are fresh—stale nuts spoil the taste
- → What if my fudge got too tough in the fridge?
Simple tips to prevent it:
- Don’t leave it in longer than 30 minutes initially
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes out of the fridge before slicing
- Store it at room temp after it’s set
- Keep it covered to stop it from drying out
- No need to refrigerate unless your kitchen’s really warm
- Cut it while it’s still soft enough
- → How long can I store it?
Here’s how to store it properly:
- Good for 2 weeks if refrigerated
- Use a tight-sealing container
- Add layers of wax paper in between
- Let it come to room temp before enjoying
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Wrap tightly if freezing to avoid freezer burn
Conclusion
Love this treat? You might also enjoy: indulgent coffee brownies with deep flavors or creamy caramel cheesecake bars. They're fast to prepare and share some of the same ingredients.