Great Aunt Mabel swore by this 4 ingredient depression era secret. I made a batch yesterday and the whole pan was completely devoured before dinner.
This 4-Ingredient Poor Man’s Caramel Fudge is a simple, old-fashioned candy made with brown sugar, whole milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Boiled to the soft-ball stage and beaten until smooth and creamy, it sets into rich, caramel-flavored squares that melt in your mouth.
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4-Ingredient Poor Man’s Caramel Fudge
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Brown sugar, packed | 2 cups |
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Step-By-Step Directions:
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Prep pan: Butter an 8-inch square pan or small glass casserole dish and set aside so it is ready for the hot fudge.
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Dissolve ingredients: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, whole milk, and butter. Stir steadily until the butter melts and the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Boil to soft-ball stage: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook, stirring frequently, until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234°F–240°F / 112°C–116°C on a candy thermometer, or until a drop dropped in cold water forms a soft ball).
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Cool slightly: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly.
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Beat and spread: Beat the fudge mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it loses its glossy shine and turns thick and creamy. Quickly transfer and spread the fudge into the prepared pan.
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Set and slice: Allow the fudge to cool completely until fully set before cutting into squares to serve.
