Silky Smooth Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe: A Sweet Treat Triumph

Creamy, decadent butter pecan fudge melts hearts with its irresistible charm.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this sweet sensation.

Pecans add a delightful crunch to the silky smooth texture.

Nutty flavors dance alongside rich, buttery notes that make every bite memorable.

This recipe brings comfort and indulgence to your dessert table.

Each square promises a moment of pure bliss.

Savor the magic of this classic treat that turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 17

Butter Pecan Fudge Ingredient List

• Butter: Crucial for creating rich, nutty brown butter base that adds depth of flavor and creamy texture to the fudge.
• White Chocolate Chips: Provide smooth, sweet foundation for the fudge with luxurious melting properties.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ensures creamy consistency and adds natural sweetness without granulated sugar.

• Vanilla: Brings warm, rounded sweetness that complements the brown butter.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, subtle spice that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other ingredients' flavors.

• Pecans: Delivers delightful crunch, nutty undertones, and signature butter pecan character; choose fresh, uniform pieces with rich golden color and no signs of rancidity; toast to enhance natural oils and develop deeper flavor complexity.

Gear to Stir, Melt, and Pour Fudge Easily

• Large saucepan: Essential for browning butter and making the fudge base.
• Skillet: Perfect for toasting and coating pecans evenly.
• Baking sheet: Needed for toasting pecans and lined with parchment paper.
• 8×8-inch baking dish: Used for setting and chilling the fudge.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for lining the baking sheet and dish, ensuring easy removal.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring butter, chocolate, and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting the fudge into neat squares.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Butter Pecan Fudge from Scratch

• Brown the Butter

Grab a large saucepan and melt butter over medium-low heat. Watch closely as it transforms into a golden hue with a delightful nutty fragrance. Let it cool down after reaching that perfect rich color.

• Toast Pecan Delights

Warm another bit of butter in a skillet and tumble in your pecans. Coat them lovingly in the melted butter. Spread these nutty gems on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they’re crispy and aromatic. Chop them roughly once cooled.

• Craft the Creamy Base

Combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and your cooled brown butter in a saucepan. Gently heat while stirring, watching the mixture become silky smooth. Stir in vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Fold in those toasted pecans for a delightful crunch.

• Set and Chill

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Pour your dreamy fudge mixture, smoothing the top with another sheet of parchment. Tuck it into the refrigerator and let it firm up for a few hours.

• Slice and Enjoy

Once set, lift the fudge from the dish and slice into bite-sized squares. Keep in the fridge, but let it warm to room temperature before serving for maximum deliciousness.

Nutty Twists to Switch Things Up

• Smart Fudge Tricks
• This fudge can be prepared up to one week in advance, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making holiday planning super easy.
• Watch butter carefully when browning to avoid burning; remove from heat the moment it turns golden and smells nutty to ensure rich, complex flavor.
• Replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version and use sugar-free white chocolate chips for a diabetic-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise taste.
• Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they're gluten-free, making this dessert safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different nut variations like toasted almonds or macadamia nuts for unique taste profiles that keep this classic treat exciting.

Tips for Slicing and Sharing Fudge Bites

• Cozy Dessert Platter: Arrange fudge squares alongside warm chai tea or coffee for a comforting after-dinner treat that highlights the nutty, rich flavors.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap individual fudge pieces in decorative parchment or small cellophane bags, tied with rustic twine for a charming homemade present that feels personal and delicious.
• Elegant Dessert Centerpiece: Create a beautiful dessert board with the fudge as a focal point, surrounded by fresh berries, dark chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the complex butter pecan taste.
• Seasonal Serving Companion: Pair the fudge with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream during summer gatherings, or serve alongside warm apple pie in autumn for a delightful flavor combination.

Keep Your Fudge Firm and Fresh in Storage

• Keep your butter pecan fudge in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. This method maintains freshness for up to 2 weeks.
• Store the fudge in the refrigerator between 35-40°F to preserve its creamy texture and prevent melting. Cold storage helps maintain the fudge's structural integrity.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge stays delicious for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• Let fudge sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This brief warming enhances the buttery pecan flavors and creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

• What makes brown butter special in this recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor by caramelizing milk solids, creating deeper and more complex taste notes that elevate the traditional fudge recipe.

• Can I use different types of nuts?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. However, toasting the nuts is key to enhancing their flavor and creating a crunchier texture in the fudge.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, this recipe contains pecans and cannot be easily modified for those with nut allergies. The pecans are a central ingredient in creating the butter pecan fudge’s signature flavor and texture.

• Why do I need to toast the pecans?

Toasting pecans intensifies their natural oils, creates a deeper, nuttier flavor, and adds a pleasant crunch to the fudge. The process helps release the nuts’ essential oils and enhances their overall taste profile.

Smooth Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Creamy butter pecan fudge delivers Southern sweetness with rich caramel notes and nutty undertones. Maple-infused chocolate melts smoothly, creating a luxurious dessert that will satisfy sweet cravings completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 bags white chocolate chips (12 oz / 340 g)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
• 5 tbsps butter (for browning and toasting pecans)
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Butter Preparation: Develop a golden-hued brown butter by heating in a saucepan until it reaches an amber liquid with a nutty essence. Allow complete cooling before proceeding.
2. Pecan Roasting: Toast pecans in a skillet with melted butter, then spread across a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a 350°F oven until pecans achieve a deep, rich color and release a robust aroma, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Chocolate Melting: Combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cooled brown butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid without any lumps.
4. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt into the molten chocolate blend. Gently fold roasted pecans throughout the mixture, ensuring uniform distribution and complete integration of flavors.
5. Setting Process: Transfer the fudge mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish. Smooth the surface using an additional parchment sheet, pressing gently to create an even layer. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until completely firm and set.
6. Serving Preparation: Extract the solidified fudge from the dish and slice into refined, bite-sized squares. For optimal texture, allow pieces to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before indulging.

Notes

Enhance Butter Browning: Control heat meticulously when browning butter to prevent burning, watching for golden amber color and nutty aroma without scorching.

Toasting Pecans Perfectly: Stir nuts continuously during roasting to ensure even browning and prevent bitter burned spots, removing from oven the moment they release a rich, warm fragrance.

Smooth Fudge Technique: Maintain low, steady heat when melting chocolate and condensed milk to prevent separation, stirring consistently for silky-smooth texture without grainy consistency.

Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap white chocolate for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk chips, use maple syrup instead of condensed milk, and select gluten-free vanilla extract for vegan and allergy-friendly modifications.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg