Description
Caramel Coffee Fudge
Indulge in this rich and creamy Caramel Coffee Fudge that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! The combination of coffee and caramel creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
1. **Crust**:
– Crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies
– Melted butter
2. **Bottom Layer** (Caramel Layer):
– Sweetened condensed milk (caramelized)
– Brown sugar
– Butter
3. **Middle Layer** (Chocolate Mousse or Cream Layer):
– Cream cheese or mascarpone cheese
– Whipped cream
– Cocoa powder or melted chocolate
– Sugar or sweetener
4. **Top Layer** (Chocolate Ganache):
– Heavy cream
– Dark chocolate
5. **Garnish**:
– Whole coffee beans (for decoration)
– Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to create your Caramel Coffee Fudge. First, line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. For the crust, combine 2 cups of crushed Oreos with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and refrigerate. For the caramel layer, combine one 14-oz can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until thickened and caramel-colored. Pour over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Chill again for 30 minutes.
For the mousse layer, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream and 1/4 cup of sifted cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this over the set caramel layer. Chill for another hour. For the ganache, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over 1 cup of chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Pour over the mousse layer. Garnish immediately with coffee beans and chocolate shavings. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before cutting into squares.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fudge chilled for the best texture and flavor. Pair a square with a fresh cup of black coffee or a latte to enhance the coffee notes. For a special presentation, dust the plate with a little cocoa powder or drizzle with extra caramel sauce. These rich squares are perfect for gifting in decorative boxes or as a decadent finish to a dinner party.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dessert is built in distinct, chilled layers: 1) A cookie and butter crust, 2) A cooked caramel layer from condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter, 3) A light chocolate mousse layer with cream cheese and whipped cream, and 4) A simple dark chocolate ganache top. The key is allowing each layer to set completely in the refrigerator before adding the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel instead? Yes, you can substitute the homemade caramel layer with about 1.5 cups of thick, store-bought caramel or dulce de leche for a quicker version.
How should I store this fudge? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The layers will remain distinct and the texture perfect.
Can I make it without coffee beans? Absolutely. The coffee flavor in this recipe is primarily decorative. The garnish can be omitted or replaced with sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, or more sprinkles.
My caramel layer is too runny. What happened? This likely means it wasn’t cooked long enough. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon thickly and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it.
Can I freeze this dessert? It’s not recommended. Freezing can cause the layers to separate and the texture of the mousse and ganache to become grainy upon thawing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid rushing the chilling process; each layer must be firm before adding the next to prevent mixing. Do not overheat the cream for the ganache, as it can cause the chocolate to seize. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mousse layer. Finally, when cutting the chilled fudge, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for clean slices.
Conclusion
This Caramel Coffee Fudge is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully balances rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and a hint of coffee. While it requires patience for the layers to set, the impressive result is well worth the effort. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into an elegant, multi-textured treat. Perfect for sharing, this fudge is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.