I used to love eating those incredibly sticky & sweet caramel covered apples when I was younger. But now, as much as I love this classic treat, it's just too darn messy to enjoy! I usually end up having to cut mine up to be able to eat it without wearing it all over my face- you know what I mean?!
Fudge is sometimes regarded as a "fussy" confection to make, or incredibly time-consuming. However, this particular recipe is not only super simple, but won't take you more than 15-20min. to make! And, it's not by any means the typical "chocolate" fudge. With one bite, you will be transported back to those childhood days of enjoying those "larger-than-life" sticky covered apples!
Taking a bite of this incredibly smooth, and creamy caramel fudge is a true indulgence. I've decided to use Wilton's "Salted Caramel Melts"- which gives the incredible color, sweet caramel flavor, and hint of salt, combined with the chopped dried apples, and finished with the chopped roasted nuts on top for that ultimate "Caramel Apple" experience in every bite!
With the holidays approaching, this makes the perfect gift to give away, or item to bring to any party, gathering, or Tailgate event! Because fudge is so sweet, I've sliced mine into "bite-size" pieces.
This is a "fail-proof" recipe! If you purchase the chocolate specified, you should have total success- even if you've never made fudge before.
**Different chocolates have different ratios of cocoa butter, (or fats) - which can effect the consistency of the final product. These candy melts used may not be a "high quality" chocolate, but melts perfectly in combination with the condensed milk, and yields a perfect result.

Yield: 3 dozen pieces

Total Prep- Time: 15-20min.

Ingredients:
1 cup of chopped dried apples
1 cup of chopped roasted peanuts

1- 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
2 T. unsalted butter
2- 8oz. packages (16oz. total) of Wilton's "Salted Caramel Candy Melts" (Can be found at WalMart, Michael's, or stores that sell Wilton products.)

1.) Prep an 8x8 pan by lining it with foil, and lightly spraying it with your choice of baking spray. (I would use Canola, Vegetable, or Coconut Oil for this.)

2.) Chop the dried apples & peanuts, and set aside. (Make sure they are separated.)

3.) In a medium sauce pan, combine the butter, condensed milk, and chocolate wafers on low to medium heat. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, (Silicone), and remove from heat as soon as chocolate is melted, and mixture is smooth. Allow to set for about 5min.

4.) Fold in the dried apples, and pour the fudge into the prepared pan, making sure the fudge is even in the pan. Sprinkle over the chopped peanuts- making sure to cover the entire surface. When the fudge is about room temp., place in the refrigerator to set up either overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours.

5.) Remove from the refrigerator, carefully pull up foil on the sides, and lift out of the pan and onto a clean surface for slicing. Slice pieces however large or small you would like. I chose to make smaller pieces, scoring the fudge 6x6- to yield 36 pieces.
***Wrap or store fudge in an airtight container- in a cool and dry place. Fudge stored properly will last an easy 30-60 days.

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