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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Select a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt the remaining butter, creating a smooth, golden base for the fudge.
- Gradually incorporate the granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter, whisking until they dissolve completely and create a uniform caramel-like mixture.
- Stream in the heavy whipping cream, then introduce salt and vanilla extract, blending everything into a harmonious liquid with consistent texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully fold the toasted pecans into the fudge, ensuring an even distribution of the crunchy nuts throughout the sweet base.
- 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.
- Allow the fudge to set naturally at room temperature for several hours, permitting it to solidify into a creamy, delectable treat.
- 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