A creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge infused with the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans. This Butter Pecan Fudge is the perfect treat for holidays, gift-giving, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. It’s surprisingly easy to make, delivering a decadent taste that will impress everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 (7 oz) jar of marshmallow cream
Preparation:
- Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper or foil with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the fudge from sticking and makes it simple to lift out once set.
- Step 2: Melt Butter and Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt: Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the saucepan. Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly into the butter and cream mixture.
- Step 4: Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer. This temperature is crucial for achieving the right fudge consistency. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can perform the cold water test (described in the “Tips” section).
- Step 5: Incorporate Marshmallow Cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream. Stir vigorously until the marshmallow cream is completely smooth and fully incorporated. This gives the fudge its creamy texture and prevents it from becoming grainy.
- Step 6: Add Toasted Pecans: Add the toasted pecans to the fudge mixture and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout. Make sure the pecans are well-mixed to ensure every bite is filled with nutty flavor.
- Step 7: Pour and Spread: Pour the fudge into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the dish on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure a smooth surface.
- Step 8: Refrigerate: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is firm and set. This allows the fudge to fully solidify and develop its texture.
- Step 9: Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small squares. Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter, pecans, and marshmallow cream creates a decadent, unforgettable flavor.
- Creamy Texture: The marshmallow cream ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gifting: Butter Pecan Fudge makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors during the holidays.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make this fudge in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve it.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the fudge squares with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle melted caramel over the fudge for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Garnish with Pecan Halves: Top each fudge square with a pecan half for a simple yet sophisticated garnish.
- Serve on a Festive Platter: Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter or serving tray for special occasions.
- Package as Gifts: Wrap individual fudge squares in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for charming homemade gifts.
Tips:
- Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is the most accurate way to determine when the fudge is ready. The mixture should reach 234°F (112°C), also known as the soft-ball stage.
- Cold Water Test: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, drop a small spoonful of the hot fudge mixture into a bowl of ice water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that can be easily flattened, it’s ready. If it dissolves or remains liquid, continue cooking and testing.
- Using Salted Butter: If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the fudge from becoming too salty.
- Marshmallow Cream Substitute: If you prefer not to use marshmallow cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sweetened condensed milk. However, this may result in a slightly different texture.
- Evenly Spread Pecans: To ensure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the fudge, reserve a small amount and sprinkle them on top after pouring the mixture into the baking dish.
- Preventing Graininess: Constant stirring while cooking the sugar mixture prevents the formation of sugar crystals, which can lead to a grainy texture.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours or overnight
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (minimum)
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 2-3g
- Sodium: 50-75mg
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion:
This Butter Pecan Fudge recipe is a delightful treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this decadent fudge with your loved ones!
Q&A:
- Q: Can I use different nuts besides pecans? A: Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for butter pecan fudge, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Just be sure to toast them before adding them to the fudge for the best flavor.
- Q: How do I prevent my fudge from being grainy? A: Grainy fudge is usually caused by sugar crystals forming during the cooking process. To prevent this, stir the sugar mixture constantly while it’s cooking. Also, ensure that all the sugar is fully dissolved before bringing the mixture to a boil. Finally, avoid overcooking the fudge, as this can also lead to graininess.
- Q: How long does the fudge last? A: Butter Pecan Fudge will last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Q: Can I add other flavors to the fudge? A: Yes, you can customize the flavor of the fudge to your liking. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of bourbon, or a swirl of peanut butter to the mixture. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple.
- Q: My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong? A: Soft fudge usually indicates that it wasn’t cooked to the correct temperature. If you have a candy thermometer, ensure the mixture reaches 234°F (112°C). If you’re using the cold water test, the mixture should form a soft, pliable ball that can be easily flattened. If your fudge is too soft, you can try re-cooking it, but be careful not to overcook it. Adding a little more marshmallow creme can also help.
