No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge

$- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tsp vanilla extract - Pinch of sea salt The semi-sweet chocolate chips form the base of our fudge. Their rich taste gives a nice balance to the sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and helps the fudge set. Chopped pecans bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Caramel sauce adds a gooey sweetness, making each bite delightful. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while a pinch of sea salt rounds it out, making the sweetness pop. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan chocolate chips. You can swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a different taste. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. For caramel sauce, you can use homemade or store-bought. If you want less sweetness, reduce the caramel sauce amount. First, grab an 8x8 inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges. This helps you lift the fudge out later. Next, take a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave for 30 seconds. Then, stir the mixture. Repeat until the chocolate melts and blends smoothly. This step is key for a creamy fudge. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. This will enhance the flavor. Mix it well. Now, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Gently mix until the pecans are evenly spread. Pour half of this fudge mixture into the lined dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the first fudge layer. Use a knife to swirl it a bit for a nice marble effect. Pour the rest of the fudge mixture on top. Spread it out evenly over the caramel. Finally, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Again, swirl it with a knife. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Once it's set, lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares for serving. Enjoy your sweet treat! To keep your no-bake caramel pecan fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps it stay soft and moist. You can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to store it longer, freeze the fudge for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first. For better flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. This adds a rich taste. You can also toast the pecans before mixing them in. Toasting adds depth and crunch. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can bring out more flavor too. Just remember, a little goes a long way! If your fudge doesn't set well, it might be too warm when you pour it. Make sure to cool it down a bit before chilling. If the fudge is too soft after chilling, you might need more chocolate or time. Simply melt some chocolate and mix it in, then chill again. For a grainy texture, ensure the chocolate is fully melted and mixed well with the sweetened condensed milk. This will give you a smooth finish. {{image_2}} You can change up the nuts in your fudge. Try walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts. Each nut brings a unique taste and crunch. You can also add dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a sweet twist. They add color and extra flavor too! Want to add more flavor? You can mix in different things. Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can spice things up. You might also add a splash of orange or almond extract for a fun twist. These small changes can make your fudge even better! If you want a vegan version, swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut milk or a nut milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips too. For gluten-free fudge, just make sure all your ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat, no matter their diet! To keep your no-bake caramel pecan fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and preserves the fudge's texture. If you use a dish with a lid, that works too. Always layer parchment paper between the fudge squares to avoid sticking. This way, you can take out just what you need without a mess. When stored properly, this fudge lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge. I recommend checking for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or change in texture. If you keep it at room temperature, it may only last for a few days. The coolness of the fridge helps the fudge stay firm and tasty. To freeze your fudge, cut it into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors intact. When you want to enjoy some fudge, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge. It should be ready to eat in a few hours. This makes it easy to enjoy your fudge anytime! Yes, you can use various chocolates. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor. White chocolate can create a creamy twist. Just remember, the type of chocolate changes the fudge's taste. The fudge needs at least three hours to set. I recommend refrigerating it overnight for the best results. This time helps it firm up nicely. If you need it sooner, check it after three hours. It should feel solid to the touch. To cut fudge, use a sharp knife. First, line the baking dish with parchment paper. This makes lifting it out easier. After removing it, place the fudge on a cutting board. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This keeps the edges clean and neat. This blog post shared the key ingredients and steps for making no-bake fudge. We covered tips for fresh storage and how to enhance flavor. You also learned about variations to fit your tastes and diet. Remember, you can make this fudge your own by trying new nuts or flavors. Having fun in the kitchen is important. Use these ideas to create your perfect fudge. Enjoy every bite!$

No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge

Indulge in the deliciousness of no-bake caramel pecan fudge that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines semi-sweet chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can create this mouthwatering fudge without turning on the oven. Click through to explore the complete recipe and enjoy making this delightful dessert!

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Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for flavor enhancement.

Fold in the chopped pecans gently until they're evenly distributed within the fudge mixture.

Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the first layer of fudge, using a knife to swirl it slightly for marbling effects.

Pour the remaining fudge mixture on top, spreading it evenly over the caramel.

Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top layer, and again use a knife to create a marbled effect.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the fudge is set.

Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares for serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 3 hr 15 min | Servings: 16 squares

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter and drizzle a little extra caramel on top, garnishing with whole pecans for an appealing look.