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Delicious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles

If you’re looking for a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate and luscious salted caramel, you’ve stumbled upon a true gem. These Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. Imagine biting through a perfectly smooth shell to reveal a creamy, gooey caramel center, all while a sprinkling of flaky sea salt elevates every flavor. Perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing in delight.

Why Make This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of salty and sweet creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
Impressive Presentation: Dressed in a luscious chocolate coating and a sprinkle of sea salt, these truffles look gourmet.
Easy to Share: Perfect for parties or gatherings, you can create this delicious treat to impress friends and family.

Easy Method for Delicious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles

Creating these scrumptious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles might seem like an intricate process at first glance, but fear not! With a little patience and a few key ingredients, you’ll be able to whip them up in no time. Follow along as we guide you through this delicious journey step by step.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients for your truffles:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60ml) water
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed slightly
½ teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for garnish
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (14-ounce/397g) can sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (60-70% cacao recommended)
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cubed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
12 ounces (340g) good quality melting chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling and garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles

Prepare for Caramel Success

Start by gathering all the ingredients for your caramel. It is essential to have everything ready to go as this process requires your undivided attention. Cut the unsalted butter into small cubes, warm the heavy cream slightly, and keep your vanilla extract and sea salt at hand. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.

Initiate the Sugar Syrup

In a clean, heavy-bottomed saucepan—preferably light-colored—combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently just until the sugar completely dissolves.

The Art of Caramelization (No Stirring!)

Place your saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, resist the urge to stir the sugar syrup. Gently swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even heating. Keep an eye on the syrup as it transitions from a clear liquid to bubbly, eventually turning into a light amber color at the edges.

Achieving the Perfect Amber Hue

Continue cooking the syrup without stirring. Wait patiently for it to reach a rich amber hue, which usually occurs between 320-350°F (160-175°C) on a candy thermometer. As soon as it achieves this beautiful color, remove the saucepan from heat to prevent burning.

Incorporating the Butter

Carefully add the cubed butter to your hot caramel. Whisk continuously until all the butter melts and combines into a glossy texture.

The Creamy Addition

Next, slowly pour the warm heavy cream into the caramel mixture while whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Finishing Touches

Whisk in the ½ teaspoon of sea salt and the vanilla extract. Give it a taste, adjusting the salt if desired. Pour about two-thirds of the caramel into a heatproof bowl and set aside to cool completely at room temperature. Remember, this portion will become the delightful filling, while the remaining third is for a drizzle later.

Set Up Your Melting Station

Now, it’s chocolate time. Begin gently melting your chocolate using a double boiler or a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to avoid burning.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In your chosen melting vessel, combine the chocolate chips with the cubed unsalted butter. Stir frequently until completely melted and free of lumps.

Add the Condensed Milk and Flavorings

Once your chocolate and butter have melted together, remove the mixture from heat and pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, along with the additional vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon sea salt.

Combine and Thicken

Stir vigorously using a spatula until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, smooth, and shiny. The mixture should thicken slightly, pulling away from the sides of the pan just a bit, resembling a soft fudge dough.

Pour and Chill

Immediately pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Spread it evenly, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until it’s completely firm and set.

Prepare Your Workspace

Retrieve the firm fudge slab from the refrigerator using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and have your cooled salted caramel nearby, along with a small spoon. Make sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper for the truffles.

Portion the Fudge

With a sharp knife, cut the fudge into small, even squares. For precision, aim to cut the 8×8 slab into a 6×6 grid, yielding 36 bite-sized squares that are perfect for truffle-making.

The Truffle-Making Technique

Flatten each fudge cube gently into a disc measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches wide.

Fill with Salted Caramel

Scoop about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the thickened salted caramel into the center of the flattened fudge disc.

Seal and Roll

Carefully bring the edges of the fudge disc up and around the caramel, pinching to seal it securely. Roll gently in your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Place each truffle on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all fudge and caramel have been used.

Chill for Firmness

After shaping all the truffles, refrigerate the baking sheet for at least 30-60 minutes. This step helps them firm up nicely, making the coating process easier.

Prepare Your Coating Chocolate

While the truffles chill, melt the coating chocolate in the same manner as before—either using a double boiler or in the microwave at 30-second intervals until it’s smooth and slightly warm but not too hot.

Set Up Your Dipping Station

Once melted, transfer the chocolate into a small, deep bowl. Keep another parchment-lined baking sheet ready for the coated truffles. Grab a fork or dipping tool for easier handling.

The Art of Dipping

Take a chilled truffle and drop it into the melted chocolate. Roll it around until fully coated, then lift it out, gently tapping the fork to remove any excess chocolate.

The Finishing Sprinkle

Immediately transfer the coated truffle onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each one.

Set and Enjoy

Continue the dipping and sprinkling process until all truffles are coated. Once done, refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm and completely set.

Serving and Storage

Serve your delicious salted caramel fudge truffles immediately, or allow them to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for the ultimate taste experience. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 1 month.

Storage Tips for Delicious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles

To ensure that your truffles remain fresh and delightful, follow these storage recommendations:

Refrigerate: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week at 40°F (4°C).
Freeze: If you’d like to save them for a special occasion later, freeze the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. They keep well for up to 1 month.
Thaw Safely: When ready to enjoy, allow frozen truffles to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Delicious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles

When it comes to serving these delightful morsels, there are countless creative ideas! To enhance your presentation:

Decorative serving dish: Arrange the truffles on a decorative plate, perhaps garnished with drizzles of leftover caramel and a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Gift giving: Pack them in small boxes or treat bags and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Accompaniments: Pair these indulgent truffles with a glass of dessert wine, coffee, or even a hot cup of cocoa for a cozy, decadent experience.

Tips to Make Delicious Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles

To achieve the best results when making these truffles, consider these tips:

Maintain patience during caramelization: It can be tempting to stir the sugar syrup, but patience will pay off with a perfectly caramelized sugar.
Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate you choose greatly affects the final flavor of your truffles. Opt for good quality chocolate for the richest taste.
Cold hands help: If you find your hands are getting too warm while rolling the truffles, try using gloves to maintain a smooth finish.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re feeling adventurous or need to cater to different tastes, here are a couple of variations to consider:

Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the fudge mix for some added crunch and flavor. They pair beautifully with the rich chocolate and caramel.
Flavored Fudge: Change up the flavor of the fudge by adding mint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, making them a day or two in advance can actually improve their flavor as the components meld together.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate coating from cracking?

A: Ensure that your truffles are fully chilled before dipping, and allow the coated truffles to set at room temperature before refrigerating them.

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, while dark chocolate provides a rich contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter, creamier truffle.

In conclusion, these Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles are an irresistible treat that bring together the delectable flavors of chocolate and caramel while offering versatility and charm. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on a special occasion, they are sure to delight anyone lucky enough to partake in their deliciousness. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for an indulgent experience that is both satisfying and heavenly—your taste buds will thank you!