If you’re on the hunt for a truly indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth treat, I have to share my absolute favorite Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe with you. This fudge is luxuriously creamy with just the right amount of that toasty pecan crunch, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser every time I make it. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to sweet fix – I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and butter make this fudge incredibly smooth and luscious.
- Delicious Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans in butter adds extra depth and crunch that my family can’t get enough of.
- Simple Ingredients, Fantastic Flavor: With pantry staples, you can whip up this fudge in no time.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The mix of granulated and brown sugars gives it a rich, mellow caramel vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe comes from combining creamy, buttery goodness with the warm, nutty flavor of toasted pecans. Each ingredient plays a part, so I always suggest using the freshest pecans you can find and real butter for that authentic taste.
- Toasted Pecans: Fresh pecans toasted in butter bring that irresistible crunch and nuttiness.
- Butter: I stick to unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds that classic sweetness and texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This creates the fudge’s creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: For a warm, inviting aroma and flavor boost.
- Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken the fudge and adds that velvety smooth finish.
Variations
While I love the classic Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe as is, I’ve played around with a few tweaks over the years. Don’t hesitate to customize it a bit — you’ll find that the fudge adapts well and is quite forgiving.
- Chocolate Butter Pecan: Adding 1/2 cup of cocoa powder turns it into a chocolatey delight that my kids adore.
- Maple Twist: Swap vanilla for pure maple extract for a cozy fall vibe — a game changer, trust me!
- Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the pecans and add toasted coconut flakes instead for a fun crunch.
- Spiced Up: A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and complexity if you prefer a spiced fudge.
How to Make Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Toast Your Pecans to Perfection
Start by toasting 2 cups of pecans in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir often so they toast evenly without burning. The butter enhances the nuttiness and adds that gorgeous golden color. Once toasted, set them aside — this step really elevates the flavor.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars
In a large saucepan, melt two sticks of butter over medium-high heat. As soon as it’s melted, add both granulated and brown sugars, stirring well. I like to keep the heat medium-high so the sugars dissolve nicely without scorching, but every stove is different — keep a close eye!
Step 3: Add Cream, Salt, and Vanilla for Creaminess
Pour in the heavy whipping cream along with the pinch of salt and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until fully combined. This mixture is already starting to smell heavenly, and you’ll soon have creamy fudge in the making.
Step 4: Boil the Mixture
Turn the heat up slightly (medium-high or high depending on your stove) and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Once you see it boiling, start your timer for 4 minutes. This step sets the fudge’s texture, so don’t rush it! If your heat’s too low, it won’t boil properly.
Step 5: Remove from Heat and Add Powdered Sugar
After 4 minutes, take the saucepan off the burner and immediately add the powdered sugar. Stir vigorously to break up any lumps and to thicken the mixture. You’ll notice the fudge becoming glossy and smooth here — the texture is key.
Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans and Set
Mix in the 2 cups of chopped toasted pecans, then pour everything into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Sprinkle the extra 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans on top for that perfect finishing touch — they add a pleasing crunch and make it look irresistible! Let the fudge set for at least 3 hours at room temperature before slicing into bite-sized squares.
Pro Tips for Making Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
- Toast Pecans in Butter: I learned that butter-toasting pecans instead of dry-roasting adds a richer flavor and softer crunch.
- Watch Your Boil: Make sure the mixture reaches a full boil to get the right fudgy texture — failing to boil long enough makes fudge grainy.
- Mix Powdered Sugar Thoroughly: Stirring out lumps right away prevents gritty fudge and ensures smoothness every time.
- Don’t Skip Setting Time: Trust me, letting the fudge set for at least 3 hours is crucial — rushing this step will leave your fudge too soft.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle the top with a few extra chopped toasted pecans for some added texture and that gorgeous nutty aroma. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness — it’s such a nice twist!
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, black tea, or even dessert wines on special occasions. Honestly, sometimes I just serve it on its own and call it a day — that’s how satisfying and rich it is.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or gift-giving, I like to cut the fudge into festive shapes and wrap them in parchment tied with rustic twine. You can also layer pieces in a pretty tin with parchment paper for a beautiful homemade gift presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen’s warm, popping it in the fridge works too; just let it come back to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This fudge freezes great! I wrap pieces individually in wax paper then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a sweet treat, just thaw at room temperature — they stay fresh and chewy.
Reheating
If you like your fudge a bit softer, gently warming it for a few seconds in the microwave (about 10 seconds at a time) works wonders without melting it completely. Otherwise, softening naturally at room temp is perfect.
FAQs
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Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this fudge?
Absolutely! While pecans give classic flavor, walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts can be great substitutes. Just toast them in butter the same way to keep that rich flavor.
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Why did my butter pecan fudge turn grainy?
This usually happens if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve or the mixture isn’t boiled properly. Make sure to bring the fudge to a full rolling boil and stir well after adding powdered sugar to get a smooth texture.
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Can I make this Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe without heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key for the creamy texture, but you could try substituting with evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different, but still tasty!
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How long can I keep this fudge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, fudge lasts about a week at room temperature and up to a month in the freezer. Just make sure it’s not exposed to moisture to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe brings everyone together—whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. So next time you’re craving something sweet, give this a whirl; I promise you’ll end up making it over and over again, just like I do with my family. Happy fudge making!
Print
Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 19 minutes
- Yield: 48 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Butter Pecan Fudge combines toasted pecans with a smooth buttery base, sweetened with granulated and brown sugar, and finished with a hint of vanilla. The fudge is cooked on the stovetop, then chilled to set into decadent squares perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pecans
- 2 cups toasted pecans
- 2 Tbsp butter (for toasting)
For the Fudge Base
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1-1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
For Finishing
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups chopped toasted pecans
- 2 Tbsp chopped toasted pecans (for topping)
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Toast 2 cups of pecans with 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat for about five minutes until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter on medium-high heat.
- Add Sugars: Once the butter has melted, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, stirring well to combine.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Bring to Boil: Maintain the heat on medium-high or increase to high to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook and Time Boil: Once boiling, set a timer for four minutes and continue stirring occasionally to cook the fudge base properly.
- Remove from Heat and Add Powdered Sugar: After four minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Mix in Pecans: Stir in 2 cups of the chopped toasted pecans evenly into the fudge mixture.
- Pour and Top: Pour the fudge mixture into a prepared baking pan, then sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped toasted pecans on top for garnish.
- Set the Fudge: Allow the fudge to cool and set in the pan for at least three hours, until firm enough to cut.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into approximately 48 small squares and serve.
Notes
- Stovetop heat levels vary; if the fudge doesn’t boil on medium-high, increase the heat to high to achieve a proper boil before timing.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the fudge while boiling.
- Ensure pecans are evenly toasted for best flavor.
- Allow fudge to fully set to avoid sticky or crumbly pieces.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
