Oh, fudge! If you think you know fudge, just wait until you try this Butter Pecan Fudge. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that just makes your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds sing. I remember trying to find a fudge that captured that cozy, warm flavor of buttered pecans, and after a few tries (let’s just say some batches were… interesting!), I landed on this beauty. It’s incredibly rich and creamy, with just the right amount of crunch from perfectly toasted pecans. It’s the kind of treat that feels so special, yet it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Trust me, this is going to be your new go-to for holidays, gifts, or just because you deserve a little sweet indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Fudge
So, why should you add this butter pecan fudge to your baking lineup? Let me tell you!
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it only takes about 15 minutes of active cooking time! Anyone can master this.
- Decadent Flavor Combo: That classic blend of creamy butter and richly toasted pecans is just heavenly. It screams comfort!
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap these up for friends, family, or even your favorite teacher. They’re a guaranteed hit!
- Quick Sweet Treat: Need a last-minute dessert or just a little pick-me-up? This fudge comes together in a flash.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Butter Pecan Fudge
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing butter pecan fudge. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty common ingredients, but they all work together in a special way:
Here’s the lineup:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (we’ll talk about toasting them in a bit!)
That’s it! See? Simple, right? Just make sure you’ve got a good heavy-bottomed saucepan ready for this one.
Tips for Toasting Pecans
Now, toasting your pecans is a total game-changer for this butter pecan fudge! It really wakes up their flavor, making them nutty and delicious instead of just… well, raw. It’s super easy. Just spread your chopped pecans out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them – they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a blink! You’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and look slightly darker. My little trick? I usually give the pan a little shake halfway through to make sure they toast evenly all around.
How to Make Butter Pecan Fudge: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this absolutely divine butter pecan fudge! Don’t be intimidated by candy-making; it’s actually pretty straightforward and SO rewarding when you get that perfect, creamy texture. My favorite part is watching it transform! For more amazing recipes, check out our recipe collection.
Preparing Your Pan and Ingredients
First things first, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. I always leave a little overhang on the sides – makes lifting the fudge out later a breeze! Then, in a good, sturdy, heavy-bottomed saucepan (this is important so it doesn’t scorch!), toss in your sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and those lovely pieces of butter.
Cooking the Fudge Base
Now for the magic! We’re going to cook this mixture over medium heat, and I mean stirring constantly. Seriously, don’t walk away! You want to keep things moving so it doesn’t stick or burn. We’re aiming for a magical temperature of 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, no worries! Just keep cooking and stirring until a little dollop of the mixture dropped into a glass of cold water forms a soft, squishy ball. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Patience is key here for that perfect, smooth fudge texture. You’ll see it start to thicken and get a lovely golden hue.
Adding Flavor and Texture
Once you hit that magical soft-ball stage or temperature, take the saucepan off the heat immediately. Now’s the time to stir in your vanilla extract – oh, that smell! – and those wonderful, fragrant toasted pecans. Give it a good stir to make sure the pecans are distributed evenly throughout the fudge. This is where all that nutty goodness gets mixed right in.
Cooling and Cutting Your Butter Pecan Fudge
Carefully pour your glorious fudge mixture into that prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula – try to get it as smooth as you can on top. Now, the hardest part: waiting! You have to let this cool completely at room temperature. I usually leave it alone for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until it’s really firm to the touch. Don’t rush this step, or you’ll end up with gooey fudge instead of nice, clean squares. Once it’s totally set, just use those parchment paper overhangs to lift the whole slab right out of the pan. Then, grab a sharp knife and cut it into your desired squares. My trick for clean cuts? Make sure your knife is warm before you start slicing!
If you have any questions about making this fudge, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s always fun to troubleshoot!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, so about those ingredients for our delicious butter pecan fudge! You’ve got your sweetened condensed milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, and pecans. Pretty standard, right? But a couple of notes might help your fudge really shine. For the vanilla, I always go for pure vanilla extract – it just has a richer flavor than imitation, and it really makes that buttery pecan taste pop. If, for some reason, you’re not a huge fan of pecans or just don’t have them on hand, don’t fret! Walnuts are a fantastic substitute and give you that lovely nutty crunch. You could even try almonds if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure whatever nut you choose is toasted, the same way we do with the pecans.
Serving Suggestions for Your Butter Pecan Fudge
This butter pecan fudge is seriously versatile! It’s amazing all on its own, like a little square of pure happiness. You can also add it to a dessert platter for parties – it’s always the first thing to disappear! It makes a wonderful edible gift, too. Just package them up nicely in a tin or box, maybe tie a ribbon around it. Think holidays, birthdays, or just a ‘thinking of you’ treat. Honestly, any excuse to enjoy this buttery, nutty goodness is a good one! For more delicious treats, check out our other recipes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, storing this glorious butter pecan fudge is thankfully super simple! For the best texture, keep it at room temperature. Just wrap it up well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay perfectly fine for about 1-2 weeks like this. If it gets really warm where you are, you can pop it in the fridge, but just know it might firm up a bit more. Honestly though, I’ve never had any last long enough to worry about reheating! If yours does get a bit hard, a few seconds in the microwave on low power can soften it right up.
Frequently Asked Questions about Butter Pecan Fudge
Got questions about our amazing butter pecan fudge? I’ve got answers!
Why is my fudge grainy or crystallized?
Oh no, grainy fudge is the worst! Usually, this happens if the sugar crystals didn’t dissolve properly during cooking, or if the fudge was disturbed too much while cooling. Make sure to stir constantly while it cooks and resist the urge to poke at it while it’s setting. Also, ensure your candy thermometer is accurate!
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans in this fudge?
Absolutely! While I adore pecans in this butter pecan fudge, it’s super forgiving. Walnuts work wonderfully and have a similar robust flavor. You could also try almonds, or even a mix of nuts! Just remember to toast them the same way we did the pecans for the best flavor. It really makes a difference!
How long does butter pecan fudge last, and how should I store it?
This butter pecan fudge is pretty stable! Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it should stay delicious for about 1 to 2 weeks. If your kitchen tends to get really warm, you can pop it in the fridge, but it might get a little harder. Honestly though, it usually disappears way before that!
Can I make this fudge dairy-free or vegan?
Making fudge dairy-free or vegan can be a little tricky because the dairy is so key to the texture. You’d need to experiment with plant-based butter substitutes and maybe a different type of sweetener than condensed milk, which can change the outcome quite a bit. It’s definitely a recipe you might need to tweak for that, but the original is pure dairy magic!
If you have any other burning questions, don’t be shy! You can always reach out here. Happy fudge-making!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a little heads-up that these numbers are estimates, because brands and exact ingredients can change things up a tiny bit! This information is for one serving of our lovely butter pecan fudge:
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
It’s a sweet treat, so enjoy it!
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Butter Pecan Fudge
- Total Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Yield: 36 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy fudge with the classic flavors of butter and toasted pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer, or forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- For a smoother fudge, you can chop the pecans finer.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: butter pecan fudge, easy fudge recipe, homemade fudge, holiday candy, sweet treat, nutty fudge