There’s just something magical about butter pecan fudge that makes it irresistible! The rich, creamy texture combined with the nutty flavor of toasted pecans creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I remember my grandmother making this fudge every holiday season, and the whole house would smell heavenly! We’d gather around the kitchen as she stirred the mixture, eagerly waiting for those sweet little squares to cool. Trust me, once you try making this fudge, you’ll see why it’s a staple at family gatherings and special celebrations. It’s quick to whip up, and the joy it brings is simply priceless. So, let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Fudge
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious butter pecan fudge. I’ve kept it simple, and I promise these ingredients will take you on a sweet journey!
- 2 cups brown sugar: This will give your fudge that rich, caramel-like flavor. Make sure to pack it down in the measuring cup for the best results!
- 1/2 cup butter: Unsalted butter works best here. It adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skimp on this; it’s crucial!
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Toasted or raw, it’s your choice! They add that delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla brings everything together beautifully!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Fudge
Making butter pecan fudge is a delightful process, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a sweet treat to share—or keep all to yourself!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and toss in your 2 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. It’s like a cozy hug in a pan! Make sure to mix them together well over low heat until everything is nicely combined. You want that buttery goodness to melt together seamlessly!
Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Now it’s time to turn up the heat! Bring your mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. But here’s the key—stir constantly! This will prevent any sticking or burning. I always keep my spatula moving because, trust me, the last thing you want is scorched fudge. Just let it bubble away while you enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 3: Boil Without Stirring
Once it’s boiling, you’ll want to let it do its thing for about 5 minutes without stirring. This part is crucial! Keep an eye on it, and watch for that lovely caramel color developing. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for 234°F (soft ball stage). But don’t stress too much; you’ll know it’s ready when it looks thick and glossy!
Step 4: Add Flavor and Nuts
After those 5 minutes are up, remove your pan from the heat. Now it’s time to add the magic! Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and your 1 cup of chopped pecans. This is where the fudge transforms into something truly special. The nuts add that perfect crunch, and the vanilla scent will make your mouth water!
Step 5: Pour and Set
Finally, pour the thick mixture into a greased 8×8 inch pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, and then let it cool at room temperature until set. This usually takes a couple of hours, but I know it’s tough to wait! Once it’s firm, you can cut it into squares and indulge in your delicious homemade butter pecan fudge. Enjoy every creamy, nutty bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation Time: From start to finish, you can whip up this fudge in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and cream creates a decadently smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you won’t need to hunt down anything fancy to make this treat.
- Nutty Goodness: The chopped pecans add the perfect crunch and elevate the fudge with their delightful flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it great for parties, gatherings, or just to have on hand when friends drop by!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or even add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Tips for Success
Ready to make your butter pecan fudge the best it can be? Here are some tried-and-true tips that’ll help you achieve that perfect batch every time!
- Use a Candy Thermometer: If you have one, this is a game changer! Aim for the soft ball stage at 234°F. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when your fudge is ready.
- Watch the Boil: Keep a close eye on it while it boils without stirring. You want to avoid burning, so be vigilant during this crucial stage.
- Stirring is Key: When you’re combining the initial ingredients and during the boiling stage, stir constantly as needed. This helps to incorporate everything and keeps your fudge smooth.
- Cool Gradually: Let your fudge cool at room temperature until set. Don’t rush the process by refrigerating it too soon, or you might end up with a grainy texture.
- Grease the Pan Well: Make sure to grease your 8×8 inch pan thoroughly before pouring in the fudge. This ensures easy removal and clean cuts into squares once set.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for a unique twist that’ll wow your taste buds.
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to making fudge that’s not just good, but downright irresistible! Happy fudging!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious butter pecan fudge, you’ll want to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible! To store leftovers, simply cut the fudge into squares and place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking—just a little extra precaution!
If you’re planning to enjoy it later, you can refrigerate the container for a longer shelf life. It’ll stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge, but I doubt it’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste! Just remember, if you do refrigerate it, let it come to room temperature before indulging for the best texture.
Now, if you find yourself with a little too much fudge (is that even possible?), you can freeze it! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat again. No reheating needed—just enjoy that rich, creamy fudge straight from the fridge!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delicious butter pecan fudge! Each piece is a sweet indulgence, and while it’s not a health food, it’s totally worth enjoying every now and then. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little treat now and then is part of the joy of cooking and enjoying good food, right? So go ahead, savor that creamy, nutty goodness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about butter pecan fudge? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up along the way, along with my answers to make your fudge-making experience even sweeter.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans give this fudge its signature flavor, you can easily swap them for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Each nut brings its own unique twist, so feel free to experiment!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with evaporated milk or even full-fat coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I add chocolate to my fudge?
Yes, yes, yes! You can mix in some chocolate chips or even swirl in melted chocolate for a decadent chocolate-butter pecan fudge. It’s a delicious twist that’s sure to impress!
How do I know when my fudge is set?
Your fudge should feel firm to the touch and hold its shape once cooled. It usually takes a couple of hours at room temperature to set properly. If it’s still soft after a few hours, you might need to pop it in the fridge for a bit!
What’s the best way to serve butter pecan fudge?
Cut it into bite-sized squares and serve on a pretty platter for gatherings or parties. You can also package it up in cute boxes or jars for gifts! Trust me, everyone will be thrilled to receive a sweet treat like this!
Print
Butter pecan fudge: 5 Steps to Irresistible Sweetness
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and creamy butter pecan fudge with a nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.
- Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 inch pan.
- Let cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container.
- Can be refrigerated for longer shelf life.
- Try using walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: butter pecan fudge, dessert, candy, fudge recipe
