Homemade Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe: Heavenly Sweet Treat

Sweet memories swirl around this decadent butter pecan fudge that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Rich caramel notes dance through each creamy square, promising pure indulgence.

Pecans bring a delightful crunch that interrupts smooth silkiness with unexpected texture.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic confection as a cherished treat.

Careful preparation transforms simple ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Each bite connects you to generations of home cooks who perfected this delectable recipe.

Unwrap a piece and let pure comfort wash over you.

What Makes Butter Pecan Fudge Special

• Transforms classic fudge with an irresistible brown butter and pecan twist that elevates traditional dessert expectations.
• Requires only basic kitchen skills and simple ingredients, making it accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, gifting, or satisfying spontaneous sweet cravings without complex preparation.
• Can be prepared days in advance, stored easily in refrigerator, and serves as a convenient make-ahead dessert that saves last-minute cooking stress.

Butter Pecan Fudge Must-Haves

• Butter, White Chocolate Chips, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy foundational components that create the rich, smooth fudge base. European-style butter offers deeper flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring agent that enhances sweetness and adds depth. Pure vanilla provides best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile. Kosher or sea salt recommended.

• Pecans: Provides nutty crunch and signature butter pecan flavor. Fresh, high-quality pecans from Southern United States preferred.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements nutty pecan profile. Ground Ceylon cinnamon offers most complex taste.

• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy fudge removal and smooth surface. Unbleached parchment works best.

Step-by-Step Butter Pecan Fudge

Step 1: Brown the Butter Magic

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium-low flame until it transforms into a golden, nutty elixir. Watch carefully as the color shifts and an irresistible aroma fills the kitchen. Let the browned butter cool down and collect its rich essence.

Step 2: Pecan Toasting Ritual

Grab a skillet and melt additional butter. Toss in chopped pecans, ensuring each nut gets a buttery coating. Spread these treasures on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into the oven at 300F and let them toast until they release their deepest flavors, about 10-15 minutes. Once done, give them a rough chop for texture.

Step 3: Chocolate Fusion Technique

• White chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Cooled brown butter

Melt these ingredients over gentle heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Introduce vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to elevate the flavor profile. Fold in the toasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Setting the Fudge Masterpiece

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the luscious mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with a gentle touch. Use another parchment sheet to smooth the top, creating a flawless surface. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the fudge becomes firm and irresistible.

Step 5: Slice and Savor

Carefully remove the fudge from the dish. Slice into bite-sized squares that showcase the toasted pecans and rich brown butter. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, let the fudge sit at room temperature to unlock its full, creamy potential.

Tips to Nail Butter Pecan Fudge

• Enhance Brown Butter Flavor: Brown butter creates a rich, nutty depth that elevates the entire fudge, so take your time and watch it carefully to avoid burning.
• Perfect Pecan Toasting: Gently toast pecans at a low temperature to bring out their natural oils and prevent burning, which can make them taste bitter and acrid.
• Control Melting Temperature: Use medium-low heat when melting chocolate to prevent seizing or scorching, ensuring a smooth, creamy fudge texture every time.
• Prevent Sticking: Line your baking dish completely with parchment paper, allowing overhang on all sides for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge squares.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Let fudge sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, which enhances the creamy texture and allows full flavor development.

Save & Warm Up Butter Pecan Fudge

• Store your butter pecan fudge in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This helps preserve the smooth texture and prevents condensation.
• Take fudge out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Sweet Pairings for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Select a sweet, rich dessert wine like Sauternes or late harvest Riesling to complement the butterscotch notes and nutty pecan flavor of the fudge.
• Brew a smooth medium-roast coffee or a caramel-infused espresso to highlight the buttery, sweet undertones of the fudge and provide a warm contrast.
• Choose a bourbon or aged whiskey with caramel and vanilla hints that will mirror the fudge's rich profile and create a luxurious tasting experience.
• Select a hazelnut or almond liqueur like Frangelico to amplify the pecan's nuttiness and add depth to the overall dessert pairing.

Fun Butter Pecan Fudge Variations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap white chocolate chips with sugar-free white chocolate and use a sugar-free condensed milk alternative to create a low-carb fudge.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking white chocolate chips and condensed milk labels for potential gluten contamination.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same toasting technique and crunch.

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Smooth, creamy butter pecan fudge melts hearts with Southern charm and sweet nostalgia. Nutty pecans dance through rich, silky layers, promising delightful indulgence that connects you to cherished kitchen memories.

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Ingredients

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Butter Pecans:

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 5 tablespoons butter (for browning and toasting pecans)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Fudge Base:

• 2 bags white chocolate chips (12 ounces / 340 grams each)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces / 397 grams)

Finishing Touches:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft golden-hued butter by gently heating it in a saucepan until it transforms into a rich, amber liquid with an enticing nutty fragrance. Allow the brown butter to cool completely.
2. Create a toasty foundation for pecans by melting butter in a skillet, thoroughly coating the chopped nuts. Spread them across a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a moderate oven until they develop a deep, warm color and released aroma.
3. Combine white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and the cooled brown butter in a saucepan. Gently melt the mixture, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Introduce vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the melted chocolate mixture, blending thoroughly. Fold in the roasted, roughly chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the fudge base.
5. Prepare a parchment-lined baking dish, transferring the fudge mixture and smoothing the surface with a gentle pressing motion using an additional parchment sheet.
6. Refrigerate the fudge for several hours until it becomes completely solid and firm to the touch.
7. Carefully remove the set fudge from the dish and slice into delicate squares. Store in a sealed container, allowing the fudge to soften slightly at room temperature before serving to enhance its luxurious texture.

Notes

• Enhance the nuttiness by browning butter carefully, watching for a golden color and fragrant aroma without burning.
• Toast pecans slowly and evenly to release their rich, deep flavor and create a satisfying crunch in the fudge.
• Maintain low, steady heat when melting chocolate to prevent seizing and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Experiment with alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg