Description
Creamy salted butterscotch fudge delivers sweet-salty magic from classic American kitchens. Rich caramel notes and buttery texture invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (350 g) butterscotch chips
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed
Liquid Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8-inch square dish with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless removal. Gently coat the parchment with a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter in a medium saucepan. Melt the ingredients together over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes uniform.
- Gradually increase the heat and allow the mixture to enter a gentle, rolling boil. Stir frequently and monitor the temperature carefully until it reaches the soft-ball stage at 240°F, which indicates the perfect candy consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Incorporate vanilla extract and sea salt, then gently fold in butterscotch chips. Stir until the chips melt completely, creating a silky, smooth texture.
- Carefully transfer the molten fudge into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Sprinkle a delicate layer of sea salt across the surface, creating an enticing contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
- Allow the fudge to rest and solidify at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours. For those seeking a quicker setting time, placing the pan in the refrigerator can accelerate the process to roughly one hour.
- Once fully set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into precise squares, revealing the rich, creamy interior, and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution during sugar syrup cooking.
- Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature tracking, as reaching the exact soft-ball stage is crucial for perfect fudge texture.
- Avoid stirring the mixture once it starts boiling to prevent sugar crystallization, which can make the fudge grainy.
- Allow the fudge to cool naturally at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, double-check that all ingredients, especially butterscotch chips, are certified gluten-free.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain its soft texture and prevent sticking.
- Experiment with different salt types like Himalayan pink salt or flaky Maldon salt for unique flavor variations.
- Create a dairy-free alternative by using coconut cream and dairy-free butter substitutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg