Velvety Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

Dreamy Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Bites

Sweet treats often spark joy, and this butter pecan delight fudge recipe delivers pure indulgence with every decadent bite.

A classic Southern confection that melts smoothly on your tongue promises pure bliss.

Rich, creamy layers of buttery caramel and toasted pecans create an irresistible combination that beckons dessert lovers.

The delicate balance of sweet and nutty flavors transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the velvety fudge texture perfectly.

Each square promises a luxurious escape into sugary comfort.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds celebrate pure happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 359 kcal

Servings: 13

Butter Pecan Fudge Ingredient Rundown

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and enhances deep caramel undertones.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates smooth, silky texture and balances sugar's sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds complex molasses flavor and contributes to fudge's deep color.
  • Granulated Sugar: Ensures proper crystallization and sweetness level.
  • Salt: Elevates and harmonizes all flavor profiles.
  • Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic note that complements nutty pecans.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings sophisticated depth and rounds out overall taste experience.
For Texture and Crunch:
  • Powdered Sugar: Stabilizes mixture and provides elegant, smooth consistency.
  • Pecans: Delivers satisfying crunch and rich, toasted nutty complexity.

Tools for Crafting Butter Pecan Fudge

  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and cooking sugar mixture with precise temperature control.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients smoothly without scratching the pan.
  • Candy Thermometer: Crucial for monitoring exact temperature during the soft-ball stage.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient measurements.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps shape and prevent sticking when forming the fudge.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping pecans and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise pecan chopping.

Step-by-Step for Butter Pecan Fudge

  • Buttery Base

Melt creamy butter in a saucepan over gentle warmth. Blend in a luxurious mix of sugars, cream, and a hint of cinnamon. Let the magical concoction bubble and dance, reaching a precise temperature that promises sweet perfection.

  • Cooling Whispers

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture rest quietly. Allow it to cool naturally, transforming from a hot liquid into a smooth, silky promise of deliciousness. Patience is your secret ingredient here.

  • Pecan Paradise

As the mixture reaches the perfect temperature, stir with enthusiasm. Introduce toasted pecans that will add crunch and depth to your fudge. Fold them gently, creating a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures.

  • Final Setting

Transfer the dreamy mixture onto parchment paper. Shape it into an elegant log, smoothing and pressing with care. Tuck it into the refrigerator and let it rest overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly firm.

Fudge-Making Tips for Perfection

  • Toasting Technique Magic: Enhance pecan flavor by dry-roasting them in a skillet for 3-5 minutes before chopping, releasing their rich, nutty aromatics and adding depth to the fudge.
  • Texture Troubleshooting Trick: If the fudge feels too soft, pop it in the refrigerator for an extra hour. For a firmer consistency, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar during the final mixing stage.
  • Flavor Boosting Bonus: Experiment with a splash of bourbon or maple syrup instead of vanilla extract to elevate the southern-inspired taste profile. Dark rum works wonderfully too for an adult twist.
  • Storage Savvy Strategy: Wrap the fudge tightly in wax paper, then place in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or can be frozen for three months, making it perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Decorative Presentation Hack: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the set fudge for a professional bakery-style finish that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Serve Butter Pecan Fudge in Small Squares

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair this buttery pecan fudge with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent flavor explosion that melts in your mouth.
  • Festive Gift Idea: Wrap individual fudge pieces in elegant parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine ribbon, and create charming homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.
  • Coffee Time Treat: Serve small squares alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino, letting the rich pecan flavors complement the warm coffee's robust notes.
  • Elegant Plating Style: Arrange fudge pieces on a wooden serving board with scattered whole pecans, creating a rustic and inviting presentation that showcases the dessert's delightful texture and nutty charm.

How to Store Fudge Without Losing Texture

  • Fridge-Fresh Storage: Keep your Butter Pecan Delight Fudge wrapped tightly in parchment paper, then placed inside an airtight container. Refrigeration ensures the fudge maintains its smooth texture and prevents rapid sugar crystallization.
  • Chilled Shelf Life: When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this delectable treat will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. Maintain consistent cool temperatures to preserve its rich, creamy consistency.
  • Smart Portioning Trick: Before refrigerating, consider cutting the fudge into individual serving pieces. This approach makes grabbing a quick sweet treat easier and helps control portion sizes during snack time.
  • Freezing Magic: Want to extend enjoyment? Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months, offering a delightful make-ahead dessert option for unexpected sweet cravings.
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Velvety Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

Velvety Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Smooth, creamy butter pecan delight fudge combines Southern comfort with rich dessert magic. Nutty pecans and silky chocolate create an irresistible treat that melts deliciously on your palate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure)

Instructions

  1. Butter Preparation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for the fudge.
  2. Sugar Fusion: Combine heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon with melted butter. Whisk until achieving a silky, homogeneous blend.
  3. Boiling Point: Intensify heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, tracking temperature until it precisely hits 235°F (soft-ball stage).
  4. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture with minimal stirring.
  5. Cooling and Setting: Allow the fudge base to cool naturally to 105°F, approximately 30 minutes, which is crucial for developing the perfect fudge texture.
  6. Transformation Stage: Energetically beat the mixture, observing its gradual thickening and metamorphosis.
  7. Texture Development: Fold powdered sugar into the fudge with smooth, calculated movements, creating a dense, creamy consistency.
  8. Nutty Incorporation: Integrate toasted, chopped pecans throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of the crunchy elements.
  9. Shaping and Chilling: Mold the fudge onto parchment paper, compressing it into a uniform log, then refrigerate for 12 hours to solidify into a decadent confection.

Notes

  • Precision Temperature Matters: Using a candy thermometer ensures hitting the exact 235°F soft-ball stage, which determines fudge’s perfect texture and consistency.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the mixture to naturally cool to 105°F prevents sugar crystallization and guarantees a smooth, creamy fudge without graininess.
  • Fold, Don’t Overmix: Gentle incorporation of powdered sugar and pecans maintains the fudge’s delicate structure, preventing a tough or dense final product.
  • Patience Pays Off: Refrigerating for the full 12 hours enables complete setting and allows flavors to meld, resulting in a more developed and rich taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 359
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 68 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 61 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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