Butter pecan fudgе feels like a cozy hug for your tongue . It’s soft and sweet , and the pecans make a good сrunch too . Some of my friends says it’s the best treat ever . You can eat it at a holiday party or just chill at home and snack on it . This fudge always bring a bit of cheer to any day .
What make butter pecan fudgе special is how all the tastes come together . You only need butter , sugar , milk , and pecans to make it . When you bite it , you feel the creamy butter and the little nut bites . Brown sugar give it more depth of taste , while pecans add earthiness . You can eat it alone or use it to top ice cream , cakes or other sweets . It’s a real treat for anyone who love rich desserts .
What is Butter Pecan Fudge ?
Butter pecan fudgе is a creamy candy that mix butter with toasty pecans . It’s a twist on old style fudge that started in America back in the late 1800s . People first made fudge by cooking sugar , butter and milk together , then they realized they could add all kind of flavors . Over time , many new versions came up , like chocolate or fruit fudge . But butter pecan stay a favorite for nut fans .
What make butter pecan fudgе different from others is the toasty pecans . Those nuts give a warm , nutty flavor that mix great with the soft fudge . Using both white sugar and brown sugar gives it a deeper taste than just plain sugar fudge . And without chocolate or caramel , you get a nice balance of sweet butter and nut taste . It’s simple but so good .
Why You Will Love Butter Pecan Fudge ?
You will love butter pecan fudgе because of the way it melt in your mouth . It’s soft and smooth , then you get little pecan pieces for a bit of crunch . It’s kind of fancy even though it’s just fudge .
This fudge work for all kind of events . You can put it on the dessert table at Xmas party or you can eat it with your morning coffee . The sugary butter and pecans taste go well for kids and grown ups alike .
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Fudge
To make butter pecan fudgе you need a few simple ingredient :
- Butter - it make the fudge creamy .
- Sugar - you use both white and brown sugar to boost flavor .
- Evaporated Milk - this give extra creaminess .
- Pecans - toast them first so they сrunch better .
- Vanilla Extract - a little bit pump up the taste .
- Salt - stops the fudge from being too sweet .
Detailed Recipe for Butter Pecan Fudge
Ingredients
You’ll need :
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup pecans , chopped and toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Directions
Preparation
Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper .
Cooking the Base
In a pot , put sugar , brown sugar , butter , and milk . Stir on medium heat until it start to boil . Keep stirring so it wont stick .
Reaching the Soft Ball Stage
Use candy thermometer if you have one ; the mixture should hit about 234°F (112°C) for soft ball stage . If you dont have it , drop a small bit in cold water — it should form a soft ball you can pick up .
Adding Pecans and Vanilla
When it’s ready , take pot off heat and stir in pecans and vanilla . Mix well .
Cooling and Setting
Pour the mix into your pan and smooth top . Leave it to cool at room temp for 4–6 hours until firm .
Cutting and Serving
Lift the fudge out using paper , then cut in squares . Serve on a plate or wrap in cellophane for gift .
Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Fudge
- Toast pecans first so they get more flavor .
- Use a candy thermometer to check temp .
- Cool it all the way before cut to avoid crumbly pieces .
- Store any extra in a sealed container in a cool spot .
Variations of Butter Pecan Fudge
- Choco Butter Pecan Fudge - add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist .
- Maple Butter Pecan Fudge - replace some sugar with maple syrup .
- Nut-Free Version - use seeds or more chocolate instead of nuts .
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Try butter pecan fudgе with :
- Drinks: coffee , tea , or hot cocoa .
- Creative: put it on a snack board with fruit and cheese .
- In Desserts: top ice cream or layer in cake .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the texture of butter pecan fudge ?
It’s creamy and soft , and you get tiny pecan bits for crunch .
Can I make it ahead ?
Yes , store it in an airtight container at room temp .
Why did my fudge turn grainy ?
Probably overcooked or not stirred enough ; try reheat gently with a bit of cream .
Can I use microwave ?
Sure , mix ingredients in a microwave bowl , heat in short bursts , stir , and watch temp closely .
Conclusion
Butter pecan fudgе is an easy , yummy treat that’s great for any time . With its creamy taste and nutty сrunch , it makes you happy . Try the variations and share with friends to make sweet memories .
Butter Pecan Fudge
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 candy thermometer (optional)
- 1 8x8 inch square baking dish
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped For a richer flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a soft-ball stage (around 234°F on a candy thermometer).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, chopped toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined, and the chocolate is fully melted.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until completely set. For quicker results, you can refrigerate it for about 1 hour.
- Once set, cut the fudge into 16 equal pieces and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
