CARAMEL AND VANILLA BAILEYS FUDGE RECIPE (2024)

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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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CARAMEL AND VANILLA BAILEYS FUDGE RECIPE (1)

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Irish Cream Cheesecake Parfaits Made with a Baileys infused chocolate and mixed with cream cheese and whipped cream. The texture is perfectly light and airy for this no-bake cheesecake!

Dark Chocolate Bread PuddingKing’s Hawaiian bread soaked in a rich dark chocolate custard topped withmore chocolate before being baked, served warm with raspberry sauce and Baileys whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert!

Irish Cream Pie co*cktail This easy drink recipe combines Irish Cream, coffee, vodka, and milk and tastes like an Irish Cream Pie…with a shortbread cookie rim!

Peppermint Pattie Iced CoffeeEnjoy the flavor of cool peppermint and smooth dark chocolate of a peppermint pattie in a refreshing iced coffee! A simple recipe using peppermint creamer.

Irish Cream Coffee BarsA luxurious treat to bake this March, or any time of year in my opinion. When you bite into this decadent dessert your teeth sink through, not one, but two layers of robust sugary bliss.

Like thisBaileys Fudge Recipe? Pin It!

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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.

CARAMEL AND VANILLA BAILEYS FUDGE RECIPE (10)

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

  1. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. Pour mixture into prepared pan and set aside on a wire rack.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Did you make this recipe?

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CARAMEL AND VANILLA BAILEYS FUDGE RECIPE (11)

Related Posts:

  • Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe With Buttermilk
  • Creamy Bailey's Irish Coffee co*cktail
  • Baileys Martini with a Vanilla Twist
CARAMEL AND VANILLA BAILEYS FUDGE RECIPE (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good 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 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 if my fudge is ready? ›

The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 112°C to 114°C (234°F to 237°F) or the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water. Let the mixture cool before beating.

How to make fudge creamy and not grainy? ›

Grainy Fudge

To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon. You can use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar that sticks to the sides of the pot.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
  1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
  2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
  3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
  4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
  5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
  6. Scraping the Pot. ...
  7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
Dec 16, 2015

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

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.

Can I fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

What makes high quality fudge? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

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.

What is the best pan to make fudge in? ›

Saucepan: Choose a heavy, straight-sided metal saucepan that holds about twice the volume of your fudge recipe. A heavy pan distributes heat evenly so the ingredients are less likely to scorch when they boil at high temperature. Using a large saucepan gives the ingredients room to expand when they boil.

What went wrong with my fudge? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

Will powdered sugar thicken fudge? ›

How to thicken your fudge? If your fudge it noticeably thin, you may want to add more chocolate. If you are out of chocolate, you can also add 1/4-1/2 cup of powdered sugar. This, however, can make the fudge very sweet.

What to do with ruined fudge? ›

Good use of failed fudge: fudge that is too hard, too soft, too runny, too sugary, too chewy, etc. Proportions are as follows: for every 2 cups (roughly 1 pound yield) of any failed fudge that is not runny, you'll need 1 egg, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup milk. If fudge is soupy, halve the milk (to ¼ cup).

What makes high-quality fudge? ›

Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard. High-quality fudge has many small crystals. If the process of crystallization begins too early, fewer crystals form and they become much larger.

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!

Can you mess up fudge? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

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