Introduction

This butterscotch-style fudge (caramel fudge) is buttery, smooth and holds a firm square when chilled. It’s made from brown sugar, butter and sweetened condensed milk with a bit of vanilla — simple ingredients that produce a nostalgic, chewy-smooth candy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup or honey (optional — helps texture)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (stirred in or sprinkled on top)

Equipment

• 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking pan (for thinner or thicker squares)
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Candy thermometer (optional)

Method & Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 (for thicker fudge) or 9×13 (for thinner sheets) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the set fudge. Lightly grease the paper.
2. Combine ingredients: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat combine brown sugar, butter and sweetened condensed milk. If using corn syrup, add it now. Stir constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
3. Cook to thick consistency: Continue to cook, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Bring to a gentle boil and cook 6–10 minutes, until mixture thickens and reaches about 234–240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. (If you don’t have a thermometer, cook until the mixture visibly thickens and pulls slightly from the pan when stirred.)
4. Finish & flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. If adding nuts, fold them in now or reserve to sprinkle on top.
5. Pour & set: Immediately pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If sprinkling nuts on top, press them lightly into the surface. Let cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, then chill in the fridge 1–2 hours until fully set.
6. Cut into squares: Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried to slice neat squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Quick Method Summary

Sugar + butter + condensed milk → cook until thick → flavor with vanilla → pour into pan → chill → cut into squares.

Tips for Success

• Even cooking: Use a heavy-bottomed pan and medium heat to prevent burning.
• Thermometer: A candy thermometer makes results consistent — 234–240°F (soft-ball stage) gives set but tender fudge.
• Prevent graininess: Stir constantly and avoid overheating; if sugar crystals form on the pan edge, brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
• Cutting: Chill fully before cutting and warm your knife for clean squares.

Variations

• Chocolate swirl: Melt 100 g dark chocolate and swirl on top before chilling.
• Sea salt top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt for salted-caramel flavor.
• Nutty: Fold in chopped toasted pecans or almonds.
• Maple: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for maple fudge notes (adjust cook time).

History & Origin

Fudge and butterscotch candies have roots in 19th- and early-20th-century American candy-making. Butterscotch (sugar + butter) evolved into many regional candies; using sweetened condensed milk modernized home recipes, making creamy fudge quick and reliable.

Benefits

• Quick homemade treat using pantry staples.
• Portionable — cut into small squares for controlled indulgence.
• Customizable — easy to add nuts, chocolate or sea salt for balanced flavors.

Formation & Serving

Arrange squares on a platter or in paper mini-cup liners. Serve at room temperature for chewy texture or slightly chilled for firmer bites. Great for holiday boxes or dessert tables.

Who Will Love This

Fans of caramel, butterscotch and classic candy; home bakers who want an easy no-fuss confection; gift-givers looking for handmade sweets.

Conclusion

These butterscotch fudge squares are a simple, satisfying homemade candy — buttery, creamy and easily customized. With a little attention during cooking you’ll get smooth, sliceable squares perfect for sharing.