What is the secret to good fudge?

Tips for Making Fudge Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ... Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ... Beat Thoroughly. Mar 8, 2023

Why is my Baileys fudge not setting?

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature . If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

How do I know when my fudge is ready?

You know it's ready when a small amount of the mixture dropped into a glass of cold water sets into a soft ball that you can lift out with a teaspoon and pinch between your fingers . Turn off the heat and keep stirring for 5 minutes or until the mix starts to thicken a little.

Does Baileys salted caramel fudge contain alcohol?

Baileys (1%)(milk), Flavourings (contains E150B), sea salt (0.4%), salt.

How do you keep fudge creamy?

So, the key to smooth yet firm fudge, pralines, and fondant is to first bring the mixture to a high enough concentration and then let it cool off somewhat before starting to stir. And once you do start to stir, stir fanatically and without stopping for the finest, creamiest texture.

What makes high quality fudge?

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize . Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Why did my fudge turn out like caramel?

Fudge can turn into caramel due to overcooking or undercooking, incorrect temperatures, or wrong ingredients .

Why did my caramel fudge not set?

If you didn't reach the correct temperature during the cooking process, it might not set properly . Use a candy thermometer to ensure that you reach the recommended temperature. Overcooking or Undercooking:Solution: Cooking the fudge for too long or too short a time can affect its texture.

Why isn t my caramel fudge setting?

Fudge Didn't Set If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough . This mistake is super easy to avoid if you use a candy thermometer and cook the fudge to the temperature specified in the recipe (usually between 234 and 239°F).

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty?

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring , you avoid creating seed crystals.

Should you stir fudge constantly?

It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to thicken and its surface starts to look dull or matte . Now is the time to stop beating and pour the fudge into a mould. Another tip: Do not scrape the sides of the pan or the spoon used for stirring.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge?

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking . It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What makes fudge softer?

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

CARAMEL AND VANILLA BAILEYS FUDGE RECIPE (2024)

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Jump to Recipe

This boozed-up Baileys Fudge Recipe has the perfect balance of vanilla bean, white chocolate and Irish cream with a sweet caramel swirled in! This vanilla fudge is easy to prepare and turns out super creamy.

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Table of Contents

Baileys Fudge Recipe With Caramel and Vanilla Bean

Today we’re about to multitask, and not the kind where you manage to work and keep up with the latest Grey Anatomy episode at the same time. I’m talking about the type of multitasking that involves snacking and boozing at the same time!

This amazingly soft and fluffy vanilla fudge recipe is everything you need in your life right now. Hints of pure vanilla bean, swirls of rich creamy caramel, and a touch of boozy Irish cream will send this recipe to the top of your to-do list!

Each bite gets better and better the more time you have to take in every component of this unique yet simple Baileys fudge recipe! It’s sure to be the talk of any party it’s served at!

How To Make A Baileys Fudge Recipe

(full printable recipe at end of post)

Have you ever been that person too afraid to make fudge because you aren’t skilled enough in the kitchen? That was me once, scrolling through Pinterest drooling over all the fudge recipes, but too afraid to tackle one myself.

Well, let me tell you, that fear ends right now because guess what?! This vanilla fudge recipe is actually super simple!

Just combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Then attach a candy thermometer and stir constantly cook until the thermometer reads the desired temperature. Lastly, you’ll remove the mixture from heat and add the white chocolate chips, vanilla, and marshmallow creme mixing until well combined.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy here.

Can I Make This Recipe Without The Alcohol?

Of course! Making this vanilla fudge into a recipe the whole family can enjoy is easy as pie! For a nonalcoholic version, substitute Baileys Irish Cream for an Irish Cream flavored coffee creamer.

Swapping the regular coffee creamer will not change the consistency or overall flavor of the fudge, so feel free to substitute, worry-free!

Customize Your Baileys Fudge Recipe

When it comes to fudge recipes there are always a million different ways to switch them up making it your own. While I absolutely love all the flavors in this Baileys fudge recipe, there are never too many ways to make one dessert, so here are a few of my favorite customizations.

Swap out the vanilla for chocolate. If you’re more of a chocolate fan than vanilla fudge or you want to have both options available, then just swap out the white chocolate chips, for milk or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

Make your own caramel sauce. Make this a completely from scratch authentic fudge and try making your own caramel sauce. For one of my favorite caramel recipes, head over to this Carmelitas post and find the full directions!

Try a flavored Irish cream.The easiest way to switch up this recipe and make it new is to try adding different flavored Irish creams like espresso cream, salted caramel, and vanilla cinnamon.

Tips For Making Fudge Like the Pros

Test the Temperature.The temperature of the fudge is very important if you want it to set correctly, so it’s important to frequently check the temperature while it cooks. The easiest way to do that is what a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one here’s a great resource for how to check your candy without a thermometer.

Swirl the caramel.For a look that makes it seem like fudge straight out of your favorite bake shop, grab a butter knife and carefully swirl the caramel making a marbled effect. It’s the easiest way to achieve a professional look without a lot of effort!

Freeze it or refrigerate it. This fudge can be cooled in the fridge without any ill effects. It also freezes well, if you want to make it ahead. You can keep the fudge in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How To Serve A Baileys Fudge Recipe?

A quick way to turn this fudge recipe into a cute party treat is to use a fun fudge mold. Whether it’s the holiday season, St.Patrick’s Day, or just your average birthday party theme shaped desserts are what you need to pull everything together!

To use a fudge mold just follow the instructions listed below, but swap the 9×9 in pan for a fudge mold, and pour equal parts into each mold.

Another great use for a fudge recipe is to give it as a gift! Put a few squares in a basket with some other goodies, or make it into a fudge wreath for the cutest and most delicious gift anyone will receive all season.

Don’t Miss Out On More Irish Cream Recipes!

Irish Cream Cupcakes With Chocolate And Caramel Filling Filled with a chocolate caramel ganache surprise. Taken up one more notch with a rich buttercream spikedwith a dose of Baileys Irish Cream on top.

Like thisBaileys Fudge Recipe? Pin It!

You know what they say, you miss 100% of the fudge recipes you don’t make! So with that being said, don’t miss your shot at enjoying the most amazing treat you’ve had in a long time! I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

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Originally posted in October 2018. UPDATED Novemnber 2021. We spiffed up this post with more info and better pictures! No changes to the original recipe.

Baileys Fudge Recipe

Yield: about 64 pieces

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Additional Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

This boozed up Baileys Fudge Recipe has the perfect balance of vanilla bean and Irish cream with a sweet caramel swirled in! This vanilla fudge is easy to prepare and turns out super creamy.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
2 cups white chocolatechips (I like Ghirardelli)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (you could also scrape 1/2 vanilla bean or 1½ teaspoon ofvanilla extract)
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
10 ouncesDulce de Leche (orcaramel sweetened condensed milk)

Instructions

Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Using a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, heavy cream and Baileys. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling reduce heat to a little more than medium-low, attach a candy thermometer and stirring constantly cook for 7-10 minutes until thermometer reads 235° F (or soft-ball stage if using the cold water test)
Remove from heat and add the white chocolate chips, stirring quickly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Add vanilla and marshmallow creme and mix until well combined.
Pour mixture into prepared pan and set aside on a wire rack.
In a medium-small glass bowl, heat Dulce de Leche in the microwave to 15-20 seconds to soften.Drop dollops of softened Dulce de Leche around the top of warm fudge and swirl through with a butter knife for a marbled effect.
Allow fudge to cool on wire rack until room temperature. Stored in an airtight container or wrapped, at room temperature, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

This fudge can be cooled in the fridge without any ill effects.It also freezes well, if you want to make it ahead. For a nonalcoholic version, substitute the Baileys Irish Cream for an Irish Cream flavored coffee creamer.
adapted from imbibemagazine

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 64Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 90Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.

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