If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery sweets with a little nutty crunch, this Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge infused with the warm caramel notes of brown sugar and vanilla, all perfectly complemented by toasted pecans for that satisfying bite. This dessert captures the essence of comfort food while being surprisingly straightforward to make, turning any regular day into a special occasion with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a vital role in achieving that luscious texture and flavor. From the butter’s richness to the toasted pecans’ crunch, these ingredients are the building blocks of a truly unforgettable fudge.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness without overpowering the sweetness, and unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel undertones that create a warm, inviting flavor base.
- Milk: Helps achieve that smooth, fudge-like consistency while mellowing out the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: The key sweetening agent that melts easily to create a silky texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding wonderful depth.
- Toasted pecans: Provides a delightful nutty crunch and adds a lovely contrast to the creamy fudge.
How to Make Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little step makes it so much easier to remove the fudge later without any messy sticking or crumbling—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and melt it gently over medium heat. This lets the butter warm slowly, ensuring it blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Brown Sugar and Milk
Add the brown sugar and milk directly into the melted butter. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 2 minutes; this step is essential because it cooks the sugar slightly, adding that irresistible caramel flavor and thickening the base.
Step 4: Stir in Vanilla
Once you remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract. This infusion lifts the entire fudge, making each bite smell and taste extra special.
Step 5: Beat in Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating the mixture with a hand mixer. This part transforms your base into smooth, creamy fudge batter. The key is to keep mixing until everything is well incorporated and silky.
Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans
Finally, gently fold in the toasted pecans. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fudge’s softness.
Step 7: Pour and Set
Pour the fudge mixture evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it smoothly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature first, then chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours to set completely before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this fudge with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar elevates its appearance and adds another layer of texture that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or black tea, making it an ideal afternoon treat. It also works well alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, wrap individual fudge squares in parchment paper tied with festive ribbon. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative platter garnished with whole pecans or edible flowers to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping it sealed prevents it from drying out and preserves that creamy texture you love.
Freezing
You can freeze Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe leftovers by wrapping pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for perfect softness.
Reheating
Although fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you prefer it softer, let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving directly as it can melt the nuts and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While you can use salted butter, unsalted butter is recommended so you have more control over the final flavor and salt balance in your Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe.
How do I toast pecans properly?
To toast pecans, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until fragrant, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Is there a way to make this fudge vegan?
Substituting dairy is tricky for classic fudge, but you can try using vegan butter and a plant-based milk. However, the texture may differ slightly from the original Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe.
Can I add other nuts or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips can be delightful additions. Just make sure they are chopped and toasted for the best flavor and texture.
Why did my fudge turn out grainy?
Grainy fudge usually means the sugar crystallized. Stirring constantly during boiling and gradually mixing in powdered sugar helps prevent this. Using fresh ingredients also makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe is pure joy wrapped up in a sweet, creamy package that’s wonderfully easy to make. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a gift, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, it promises smiles with every bite. Give it a try, and soon you’ll see why it’s a cherished favorite that everyone requests again and again.
Print
Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Butter Pecan Fudge combines the nutty flavor of toasted pecans with a smooth buttery base, sweetened with brown sugar and powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing, this classic dessert is easy to make and sets into delicious, melt-in-your-mouth squares.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted pecans
Instructions
- Line pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the fudge from sticking and allow for easy removal once set.
- Melt butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
- Add sugar and milk: Stir in the brown sugar and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold the toasted pecans into the fudge mixture to evenly distribute the nuts throughout.
- Pour into pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cool and serve: Let the fudge cool at room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 2 hours, until firm. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans and toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
- Make sure to stir constantly while boiling to avoid burning.
- Allow fudge to fully set in the fridge for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a variation, add a pinch of sea salt on top before setting.
