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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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

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.

Why do you add vanilla to fudge? ›

Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.

Does Baileys fudge have alcohol? ›

Baileys Fudge. This fudge has the perfect balance of chocolate and Irish cream flavor with no harsh alcohol bite. Treat yourself!

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!

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 did my fudge turn out like caramel? ›

Fudge can turn into caramel due to overcooking or undercooking, incorrect temperatures, or wrong ingredients.

What if I forgot the vanilla in my fudge? ›

You can swap the vanilla extract for other flavors like peppermint or almond to change up the fudge's flavor.

Why don't you stir fudge? ›

Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

What keeps fudge from getting hard? ›

Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Can children eat bailey's fudge? ›

The alcohol content in the fudge is not cooked off, so this is an adult treat! The Bailey's flavor is really prominent in the fudge, but not overwhelming. It's a smooth, Irish cream flavored treat.

What is the main alcohol in Baileys? ›

This is where it all began! Original Irish Cream blends Irish whiskey and spirits with Irish dairy cream and a touch of rich chocolate and vanilla flavours. Pour over ice cream, mix into coffee, or enjoy it with ice for an originally delish Baileys moment.

Can you freeze Baileys in the fridge? ›

If so, it's best not to drink it. Simply Called Food doesn't recommend freezing Baileys because it will make it hard to pour. If placed in the freezer, the alcohol in the Baileys will not freeze, but the cream will. So go ahead and open a bottle of Baileys and enjoy now and later.

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.

Should you whip fudge? ›

Beat Thoroughly. While you shouldn't mix the fudge mixture when it's hot, you should beat the mixture once it has been removed from the heat and cooled. Once again, turn to your candy thermometer.

How do you make homemade fudge firmer? ›

​Harden the fudge:​ Place your container or tins in the fridge for 2 hours, which is the time it takes for the fudge to set. Once it's hardened, cut the fudge into 12 pieces or remove it from the muffin tins. Store in the fridge or the freezer (if you don't devour it right away).

How do you fix fudge that won't set? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

Homemade Fudge Doesn't Always Set

If your fudge doesn't firm up after a few hours, you either have too high an amount of liquid to sugar, or your mixture hasn't reached the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer can help home cooks avoid this problem.

Why won't my 3 ingredient condensed milk fudge set? ›

Chocolate Fudge Recipe FAQ

This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool. Heat in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each to ensure everything is melting evenly.

How long does fudge take to set in the fridge? ›

Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the refrigerator, uncovered. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, about 2-3 hours (or overnight), before slicing and serving.

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