If you’re anything like me, the seasons changing means it’s time to break out the cozy flavors we all love—especially pumpkin and spice. This Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe is hands down one of my favorite fall treats to make and share because it’s rich, creamy, and just bursting with festive warmth. The combination of velvety white chocolate fudge infused with pumpkin spice, topped with sweet caramel and a satisfying crunch from gingersnap cookies, is pure magic in every bite.
What makes this recipe especially worthwhile is how quickly it comes together—just a little stovetop stirring and some chilling, and you’re rewarded with beautifully smooth fudge that melts on your tongue. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply satisfying that seasonal sweet craving. I guarantee once you try this Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your fall dessert lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Fall Flavors Elevated: Combines pumpkin spice with creamy white chocolate and buttery caramel for a grown-up, irresistible treat.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just a whisk and a pan, perfect for even beginner cooks.
- Perfect for Gifting or Parties: The decorative gingersnap topping adds a festive touch your friends will adore.
- Decadent Yet Balanced: The crunchy gingersnaps cut through the fudge’s richness, making each bite perfectly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that using quality ingredients really makes a difference here—the butter should be fresh, pumpkin puree pure and smooth, and the white chocolate as rich as you can find. These flavors all blend seamlessly to create that iconic fall vibe you’re after in your fudge.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps control the saltiness and gives that creamy texture to the fudge base.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness; don’t substitute with milk—it won’t set right.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and gives structure, making the fudge firm when cooled.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin or fresh puree for a genuine pumpkin flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and boosts all the warm flavors.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star seasoning blend—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- White Chocolate Morsels: Make sure it’s good quality for that melt-in-your-mouth smoothness.
- Marshmallow Creme: Gives the fudge a luscious, silky texture and a slight chewiness that I love.
- Caramel Sauce: Use a thicker ice cream topping style for easy drizzling without running.
- Powdered Sugar: Helps sweeten and thicken the caramel drizzle for a beautiful topping.
- Gingersnap Cookies: Crushed for garnish, their spicy crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy fudge.
Variations
I love encouraging friends to make this recipe their own! Whether you want to dial up the spice or tweak the texture, a little creativity goes a long way with this fudge.
- Make it Vegan: I once swapped butter for coconut oil and used dairy-free white chocolate; it still turned out creamy, though a bit softer.
- Extra Spice Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a few more dashes of pumpkin pie spice amps up the autumn warmth beautifully.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts before chilling for a delightful crunch inside the fudge.
- Swap the Cookies: If you don’t have gingersnaps, crushed graham crackers or cinnamon biscuits work well for a different but tasty topping.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe
Step 1: Stir Up the Pumpkin Spice Base
Start by combining the unsalted butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. You’ll want to stir this mixture constantly to prevent burning—once it begins to boil, set a timer for 8 minutes and keep stirring vigorously, so you get that perfectly cooked, slightly thickened base that will hold the fudge together beautifully.
Step 2: Melt in the White Chocolate and Marshmallow Creme
Remove the saucepan from heat as soon as the timer goes off. Now the fun part: whisk in the white chocolate morsels and marshmallow creme quickly. You’ll want to whisk continuously for about one to two minutes until everything fully blends into a silky, creamy mixture. I usually use a strong wire whisk here, but if you have a handheld electric mixer, it’ll save you some effort and guarantee smoothness.
Step 3: Chill the Fudge
Pour the fudge mixture into an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper. This lining makes it easy to lift out the fudge when set. Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for clean, firm cuts. Trust me, patience here really pays off with the best texture.
Step 4: Add the Caramel Drizzle and Gingersnap Crunch
Once chilled and firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut into bite-sized pieces—this recipe makes about 50 squares, which is perfect for sharing. In a small bowl, whisk together the caramel sauce and powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle generously over each fudge piece. Immediately sprinkle the crushed gingersnap cookies before the caramel sets, adding that perfect sweet and spicy crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe
- Stir Constantly: Avoid burning by stirring nonstop during the boil—this keeps the sugar from crystallizing and keeps the fudge smooth.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your pan thoroughly so you can easily lift out the fudge, ensuring clean edges when cutting.
- Whisk Quickly: Add white chocolate and marshmallow creme right off the heat and whisk fast to avoid lumps and help everything melt evenly.
- Crush Cookies Just Right: Aim for small chunks—not powder—to get that crunchy texture without overpowering the fudge.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add just a little extra crushed gingersnap or a drizzle of caramel right before serving for maximum visual appeal and flavor layering. Mini edible gold leaf or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt also makes this fudge look like it belongs on a fancy dessert tray—perfect when you want to impress!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this at a gathering, I recommend pairing it with simple sides like spiced nuts or apple cider to complement the fall flavors without overwhelming the palate. This fudge is rich, so I usually keep the sides light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
A friend of mine once arranged these fudge squares in a festive tin layered with autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks—so inviting! You can also individually wrap squares in parchment or place them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats that double as edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and firm for up to 2 weeks. It’s actually delicious cold—eat it straight from the fridge for a nice, refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this fudge works surprisingly well! I wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a sweet bite, I pull out a square and let it thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours—perfect for planning ahead for holiday parties.
Reheating
Honestly, I prefer this fudge cold, but if you want to soften it slightly, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving because it can melt the layer of caramel and gingersnaps on top, making it messy.
FAQs
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Can I use real pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked pumpkin puree if you make it yourself by roasting and blending pumpkin flesh. Just make sure it’s drained well to avoid extra moisture that can change the fudge texture.
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What if I don’t have marshmallow creme?
Marshmallow creme helps with the fudge’s texture, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute melted marshmallows or skip it altogether—though the fudge might be a bit denser.
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Why is it important to stir constantly while boiling the mixture?
Continuous stirring prevents sugar from crystallizing or sticking to the pan, which can cause grainy fudge. It also helps cook the mixture evenly, which is key for smooth texture.
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How long does this fudge keep?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge stays fresh for about 2 weeks, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe turns out every time. It’s one of those desserts that feels festive and special but is so simple to prepare. Whether I’m bringing it to a potluck, gifting it wrapped in pretty paper, or sneaking a few pieces after dinner, it never fails to delight. If you’re looking to capture all the best fall flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing sweet, this fudge is where I’d start. Trust me—you’ll want to keep a stash in the fridge all season long!
PrintPumpkin Spice White Chocolate Fudge with Caramel and Gingersnap Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: Approximately 50 bite-sized pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Fudge is a creamy, rich treat perfect for fall and holiday seasons. Made with white chocolate, pumpkin puree, and cozy pumpkin pie spices, it’s a delightful twist on classic fudge. Topped with caramel drizzle and crunchy gingersnap cookies, this no-bake dessert offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors in bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
Fudge
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 11 ounce package white chocolate morsels
- 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
Topping
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce ice cream topping
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3 gingersnap cookies, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the fudge mixture: In a large heavy saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat on medium-high, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cook the fudge base: Once boiling, maintain a rolling boil and continue stirring constantly for 8 minutes. This step ensures the sugar dissolves properly and the fudge reaches the right consistency.
- Add white chocolate and marshmallow creme: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly whisk in white chocolate morsels and marshmallow creme until fully melted and blended, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Set the fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into a parchment paper–lined 8 or 9-inch square baking dish. Spread evenly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Cut the fudge: After chilling, remove fudge from pan using the parchment paper. Place on a large cutting board and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together caramel sauce and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Decorate the fudge: Drizzle the caramel mixture over the fudge pieces immediately, then sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top. Serve immediately or store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Storing: Keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes great chilled and remains fresh for up to a week.
- Crushing the gingersnaps: Place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and gently crush with a mallet or rolling pin. Aim for small pieces, not powder, to maintain a crunchy texture on top.
- Mixing the fudge: An electric mixer can speed up the blending of the marshmallow creme and white chocolate, but a sturdy wire whisk works fine if you whisk thoroughly until smooth.
- Serving suggestion: Use mini cupcake liners to hold fudge squares for easy serving and transport at parties or gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximate)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg