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- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts) - 1 cup caramel sauce - Sea salt, for sprinkling To make Turtle Fudge, gather these simple ingredients. You will find that the mix of chocolate, nuts, and caramel creates a rich flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate chips form the base. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess. Butter helps everything melt nicely together. Vanilla extract brings warmth to the fudge. You can choose pecans or walnuts based on your taste. The caramel sauce will add sweetness and gooeyness. Finally, a sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness. This combination makes your taste buds dance. You can easily find all these items at your local store. Make sure to use quality ingredients for the best taste. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by lining an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. - Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps lift the fudge out later. - Next, lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray. This ensures easy removal. - In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup of unsalted butter. - Place the pan over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly until it is fully melted. - You want a smooth texture, so keep stirring until there are no lumps. - Pour half of the melted chocolate into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. - Next, sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans over the chocolate layer. - Drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top of the nuts. This creates a sweet layer. - Now, pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the nuts and caramel. Spread it evenly to cover everything. - Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over that. - For a final touch, lightly sprinkle sea salt on top. This enhances all the flavors. - Now, refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours or until it is firm. To make smooth fudge, keep the heat low. Low heat allows the chocolate to melt evenly. If the heat is too high, chocolate can burn. Stir the mixture continuously. This helps mix all the ingredients well. Use a silicone spatula for better mixing. It scrapes the sides and bottom easily. Use high-quality chocolate chips for better taste. Good chocolate makes a big difference. Also, sprinkle sea salt on top. This small touch brings out the sweet caramel. The salt balances the flavors. It adds a lovely contrast to the sweet fudge. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. This can ruin the texture. If it becomes grainy, it won't set right. Another mistake is improper layering. Always spread each layer evenly. This ensures every bite has a mix of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Follow these tips for a perfect Turtle Fudge every time! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your fudge. Chill Before Cutting: Allow the fudge to chill completely in the refrigerator to ensure clean, even cuts when slicing. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or even mix in other nuts for a unique twist. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for up to two weeks. {{image_2}} To make nut-free turtle fudge, you can replace the pecans or walnuts with crispy rice cereal. This change keeps the crunch without using nuts. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that still adds texture. Get creative with flavors! Adding different extracts can change the taste. Try almond extract for a sweet twist. You could even use mint extract for a refreshing note. For more crunch, consider adding other types of nuts like almonds or cashews. Each nut brings its own flavor and texture. If you want a healthier treat, dark chocolate works great. It has less sugar and more cocoa. You can also look for low-sugar options for sweetened condensed milk. This way, you can enjoy turtle fudge while cutting down on sugar. Both changes keep the fudge tasty and rich. To keep your Turtle Fudge fresh, use airtight containers. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. Store the fudge in the fridge for best results. The cool temperature helps it stay firm and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the fudge into squares first. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After they are firm, transfer the squares into a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to squeeze out any extra air. When you're ready to enjoy it again, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Turtle Fudge can stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. After that, it may start to lose its flavor. Signs of spoilage include a change in color or texture. If you see any mold, do not eat it. Always check your fudge before enjoying it to ensure it is safe. You can use several options. If you want a non-dairy choice, try coconut cream. It gives a nice, creamy texture. Evaporated milk works too but is less sweet. For a healthier option, mix milk with sugar. Use one cup of milk and one-third cup of sugar. This will make a good substitute. Yes, you can! If you have nut allergies, leave out the nuts entirely. The fudge still tastes great without them. You can also add crispy rice cereal. This will add a nice crunch to your fudge. To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep it in the fridge to maintain its texture. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing works too! Just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Using milk chocolate will change the flavor. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. This might make your fudge taste more like candy. If you enjoy sweeter treats, go ahead! But if you prefer a richer taste, stick with semi-sweet chocolate. This blog post covered a simple recipe for Turtle Fudge. You learned about each ingredient and how to prepare it. I shared tips for making smooth fudge and avoiding common mistakes. We also explored variations, like nut-free options and healthier swaps. Finally, we discussed storage tips to keep your fudge fresh. Making Turtle Fudge is fun and rewarding. With the right steps, you’ll get a treat everyone loves. So gather your ingredients and start making sweet memories today.

Turtle Fudge Delight

A rich and indulgent fudge layered with chocolate, nuts, and caramel, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • to taste sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment with non-stick spray.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
  • Add Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
  • Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • Add Pecans and Caramel: Sprinkle half of the chopped nuts over the chocolate layer, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top.
  • Layer More Chocolate: Pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the top and spread it evenly to cover the nuts and caramel.
  • Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top of the chocolate layer and drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over that. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
  • Chill to Set: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours or until firm.
  • Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, allow the fudge to chill thoroughly before slicing.
Keyword caramel, chocolate, dessert, fudge, nuts