This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Most caramel apple fudge recipes taste like caramel with a hint of apple, and that always bugged me. So I built my own version around apple cider drink mix, a trick I came up with back in 2017 that other bloggers now use and credit to me.
I also learned the hard way which white chocolate chips ruin the set, so I can save you that mistake. This is the fudge that actually tastes like the sucker you loved as a kid, and it took real testing to get there.
Hands down a this is excellent fudge that DOES taste just like those caramel apple suckers! Super simple recipe to follow and had requests to make more from everyone that tried it!
-Veronica
Those flat green caramel apple suckers own a permanent spot in my brain. Sour apple candy dipped in caramel, and somehow the combination just works. I still eat one occasionally as a grown woman, no shame. This fudge is my answer to that craving, minus the stick.
I built this recipe back in 2017 around one trick, apple cider drink mix. That powdered mix gives desserts a real sour apple punch instead of a vague apple flavor, and I liked it so much I used the same method in my caramel apple snickerdoodles. Other food blogs have picked up the idea since and pointed their readers back to this post because it actually works.
I have made this fudge more times than I can count, and I know exactly where it can mess up. Ghirardelli white chocolate chips will not set right in this recipe, so I stick with Nestle every time.
Here is where I will disagree with most caramel apple fudge recipes online. A lot of them lean so hard on caramel that the apple barely registers, and I think that misses what makes a caramel apple taste like a caramel apple. This recipe keeps the apple cider mix front and center, so the sour apple hit shows up in every bite, with the caramel swirled on top as a finishing note instead of the main event.
Why This Recipe Works
This fudge starts with a marshmallow base instead of the more finicky sweetened condensed milk method, which means you get a smooth, scoopable texture without babysitting a candy thermometer.
The apple cider drink mix dissolves right into the hot marshmallow mixture, so the flavor gets built into the fudge itself instead of sitting on top of it. White chocolate chips melt in at the end for that classic fudge sweetness, and a quick caramel swirl on top brings the caramel apple side of the flavor back in. 5-8 minutes on the stove and a few hours of patience in the fridge, and you have got a slab of nostalgia ready to cut into squares.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s an overview of the key ingredients in this recipe. Jump to the recipe card below for the full recipe.
- Apple cider drink mix. Look for it near the tea and hot cocoa in the grocery store. I use the same packets in my caramel apple snickerdoodles, so you’ll have enough from 1 box to make both recipes.
- White chocolate chips. Nestle works every time in this recipe. Ghirardelli or other premium white chocolate chips will not work.
- Caramel bits or squares. Kraft caramel squares work great if you cannot find caramel bits. Unwrap them before you measure, do not eyeball it with the wrappers still on.
How To Make Caramel Apple Fudge
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with foil or parchment, leaving enough overhang to lift the fudge out later.
Combine the butter, marshmallows, sugar, heavy cream, and apple cider drink mix in a large pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the marshmallows fully melt, about 8 to 10 minutes.
While that cooks, melt the caramel bits with heavy cream in the microwave in 45 second bursts at 50 percent power, stirring between each round until smooth.
Pull the pot off the heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until they melt completely into the fudge.
Pour the fudge into your lined pan, drizzle the caramel over the top, and drag a spatula through it to create swirls.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares. Keep the fudge chilled for the cleanest cuts.
Mistakes to Avoid
Readers ask me constantly about swapping ingredients here, so let me save you some testing. Ghirardelli white chocolate chips are the one substitution I will not sign off on, the fudge will not set up the same way.
I have not tested this recipe without heavy cream, so I cannot promise results if you swap it out.
If you cannot find apple cider drink mix where you live, a few readers have had luck with apple butter or a reduced spiced apple juice instead, though I have not personally tested that swap myself.
How to Store Caramel Apple Fudge
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks, it holds up well chilled. To freeze fudge, wrap the whole block in two layers of plastic wrap and tuck it into a freezer safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, still wrapped, before you cut into it.
FAQ
Yes, that is the whole point. The apple cider drink mix delivers that sour green apple flavor almost exactly, especially once it is balanced against the caramel swirl.
I do not recommend milk, semi sweet, or dark chocolate here. The caramel apple flavor gets lost without the sweetness and color of white chocolate.
No. This is a marshmallow based fudge, so there is no soft ball stage to hit and no thermometer required.
More Fall Desserts
More Fudge Recipes
- Fantasy Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff
- Rocky Road Fudge
- Oreo Fudge
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
- Maple Fudge
- Salted Caramel Mocha Fudge
Tap stars to rate!
Caramel Apple Fudge
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (145g) mini marshmallows
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (112g) heavy cream
- 3 packets [Apple cider drink mix, 0.74 oz each]
- 3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips, see note
- ½ cup (96g) caramel bits or caramel squares like Kraft brand
- 1 ½ Tbsp heavy cream
Video
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with foil or parchment, leaving enough overhang to lift the fudge out later.
- In a large pot combine the butter, marshmallows, sugar, heavy cream, and packets of apple cider, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the marshmallows are melted, about 8-10 minutes.1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, 3 cups (145g) mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (112g) heavy cream, 3 packets [Apple cider drink mix, 0.74 oz each]
- Meanwhile, place the caramel bits and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the caramel at 45 second intervals at 50% power until they are melted and smooth. Set aside.1/2 cup (96g) caramel bits or caramel squares like Kraft brand, 1 1/2 Tbsp heavy cream
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until they are completely melted.3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips
- Pour the fudge into the pan. Drizzle the caramel on top of the fudge, use a small metal spatula to create swirls in the fudge.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours. Cut into small squares, for best result keep the fudge in the fridge.
Notes
I mess it up .
It came out more like taffy
Will be try again soon .
Kristy Swanson of Greenville TN.
I want to try this but got the square caramels….can I use them
Hi Sara! Yes, is the recipe card I have written that you can use the kraft caramel squares. Enjoy!
Can you use marshmallow cream instead of mini marshmallows? If so how much of the fluff would equal 3 cups of minis?
I haven’t tried that substitution myself so I can’t offer an accurate answer if it works.
Once I added the white chocolate chips, the mixture was too thick to pour, so I kept adding a little cream at a time and stirred over the lowest of heat until the chips melted.
I bet I cooked the butter & sugar mixture too long because my marshmallows melted a lot sooner than 8-10 minutes but I was afraid if I didn’t cook at least 8 minutes the fudge wouldn’t set up. I was worried it would be too runny to cut into squares.
I’ll rate this recipe after I see if it sets up and how it tastes.
Everybody absolutely loved this! In fact, I have to make more because they loved it so much!
Is there a way to use fresh apple cider instead of the mix? Or would it be too liquidy?
Hi Sara! It would make the fudge too liquidy.
I’m confused. I see a couple comments referring to creamer being used. I only see heavy cream in the ingredients. Do some people think heavy cream is creamer?
Hi Sherri! There was an old version of this recipe that used caramel coffee creamer in place of the heavy cream – that’s why you see people talking about the creamer! You can use caramel coffee creamer or heavy cream.
can I use alpine cider mix
Yes!
Mines coming out sticky can anyone help
if I use marshmallow fluff do i still you the butter