Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet butter pecan fudge represents a decadent dessert that transcends ordinary confectionery expectations.

Rich, creamy textures meld seamlessly with nutty undertones, creating a luxurious treat that tantalizes sophisticated palates.

Pecans contribute a delightful crunch and earthy depth to this indulgent confection.

Southern baking traditions inspire this delectable recipe, blending classic techniques with irresistible flavor profiles.

Smooth caramel notes intertwine with buttery nuances, elevating the experience beyond simple sugar combinations.

Precise temperature control and quality ingredients make all the difference in crafting this mouthwatering delicacy.

Skilled home bakers can elevate basic pantry staples into an extraordinary dessert that impresses family and friends.

Butter Pecan Fudge with Creamy Sweetness

• Savor Rich Butter Pecan Flavor: This fudge delivers an incredible blend of toasted pecans and deeply caramelized butter, creating a luxurious nutty sweetness that melts perfectly on your tongue.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: The recipe transforms basic ingredients into a professional-looking dessert through easy stovetop steps, making complex confectionery accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Enjoy Versatile Dessert Potential: Perfect for holiday gifts, potlucks, or sweet personal indulgence, this fudge requires minimal ingredients and offers maximum flavor with just one pan and straightforward mixing process.
• Experience Textural Delight: Crisp toasted pecans provide delightful crunch against smooth, creamy fudge, offering a sophisticated contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Pecans: Sweet and rich nuts that add crunch and nutty flavor, preferably fresh and large pieces.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Key ingredients for creating rich, caramel-like sweetness with deep flavor complexity.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides smooth, luxurious texture and helps create creamy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the fudge.

• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and set the fudge, creating smooth and stable texture.

How to Prepare Butter Pecan Fudge

Step 1: Toasting Pecan Treasures

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Add butter and pecans to the pan. Stir frequently, transforming pecans into golden, fragrant delights for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Butter Melting Magic

Place a large saucepan on the stove. Melt remaining butter over medium-high heat until completely liquefied and slightly bubbling.

Step 3: Sugar Symphony

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Blend thoroughly until sugars dissolve completely, creating a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Creamy Flavor Infusion

• Heavy whipping cream
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Stir gently until everything harmonizes perfectly.

Step 5: Boiling Transformation

Increase heat to high. Allow the mixture to bubble and boil. Set a timer for exactly 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Watch the magical transformation happening in your pan.

Step 6: Powdered Sugar Embrace

Remove saucepan from heat. Fold in powdered sugar gradually. Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Pecan Celebration

Fold toasted pecans into the fudge. Ensure even distribution of nutty goodness throughout the mixture.

Step 8: Setting the Fudge

Pour the luxurious mixture into a prepared baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 9: Patience and Reward

Allow fudge to set at room temperature for minimum 3 hours. The waiting transforms your creation into a perfect treat.

Step 10: Slice and Savor

Cut the fudge into delectable squares. Serve and enjoy.

Expert Tips for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Perfectly Toast Nuts: Stir pecans constantly while toasting to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown color.
• Control Sugar Caramelization: Watch the mixture closely during boiling to achieve the right consistency without scorching.
• Smooth Powdered Sugar Blend: Sift powdered sugar before adding to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth fudge texture.
• Precise Temperature Matters: Use a candy thermometer for accurate heat monitoring during the boiling stage.
• Strategic Cooling Technique: Let fudge set in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to maintain its perfect texture and prevent separation.

Storing Butter Pecan Fudge to Maintain Texture

• Refrigerate: Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 weeks. Keep refrigerated to maintain texture and prevent melting.
• Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or quality.
• Thaw Gently: Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve the smooth, creamy consistency.

Pairing Suggestions for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Pair with Sweet Bourbon: Sip a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark that complements the rich, buttery pecan flavors and enhances the sweet caramel notes of the fudge.
• Match with Creamy Coffee: Enjoy a velvety latte or cappuccino alongside the fudge, where the espresso's robust warmth balances the dessert's sugary sweetness and nutty texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a slice of fudge with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a luxurious dessert experience that highlights the fudge's creamy, nutty profile.

Inspired Twists on Butter Pecan Fudge

• Salted Caramel Pecan Fudge: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty combination that enhances the buttery pecan flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl Pecan Fudge: Melt dark chocolate and create beautiful swirls throughout the fudge, adding depth and richness to the original recipe.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Fudge: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract and add a tablespoon of bourbon for a sophisticated, warm flavor profile that complements the toasted pecans.
• White Chocolate Pecan Fudge: Substitute powdered sugar with melted white chocolate for a creamy, elegant version that highlights the nutty pecan texture.

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Creamy butter pecan fudge delivers Southern charm in each sweet, rich bite. Maple-kissed pecans swirl through silky smooth chocolate, creating a nostalgic dessert that melts effortlessly on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) butter
• 2 cups (250 grams) toasted pecans
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/8 cup (270 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) pecans for topping
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter for toasting pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet and gently roast the pecans in melted butter over medium heat, stirring continuously until they release a warm, nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
2. Select a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt the remaining butter, creating a smooth, golden base for the fudge.
3. Gradually incorporate the granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter, whisking until they dissolve completely and create a uniform caramel-like mixture.
4. Stream in the heavy whipping cream, then introduce salt and vanilla extract, blending everything into a harmonious liquid with consistent texture.
5. Elevate the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, maintaining a vigilant watch and stirring intermittently to prevent scorching. Allow the mixture to bubble vigorously for precisely 4 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat source and gently fold in the powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy consistency without any sugar granules.
7. Carefully fold the toasted pecans into the fudge, ensuring an even distribution of the crunchy nuts throughout the sweet base.
8. Transfer the fudge into a prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Delicately sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans across the top for added visual appeal and textural contrast.
9. Allow the fudge to set naturally at room temperature for several hours, permitting it to solidify into a creamy, delectable treat.
10. When fully set, slice the fudge into elegant, bite-sized squares and serve, revealing a rich, buttery confection with a delightful pecan crunch.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the fudge, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
• Precise temperature control is crucial when making this fudge, as overheating can cause sugar crystallization and result in a grainy texture.
• Stirring the mixture consistently prevents burning and ensures even heat distribution, which is key to achieving a smooth, creamy fudge consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract to elevate the richness and depth of flavor in this decadent treat.
• Patience is essential when letting the fudge set, as rushing the cooling process can compromise its texture and prevent it from achieving the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness, ensuring you can enjoy this indulgent dessert throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 269
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg