Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Butter pecan fudge is a rich buttery, creamy fudge that is amazingly decadent and the perfect gift for the holidays.

And, the pecan fudge prep is easy and turns out amazing every time.

A Decadent Butter Fudge

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe (1)

If you love decadent desserts with pecans, you will adore this fudge. I can’t even explain just how good it is.

One bite and the fudge melts in your mouth. The creamy texture along with the crunchy toasted pecans will have you hooked immediately.

Fudge is a wonderful gift for the holiday season if you can part with it!

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What Ingredients Do You Need For Butter Pecan Fudge?

  • Toasted pecans
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

How Do I Make The Easy Fudge Recipe?

  1. Toast the pecans and set them aside.
  2. Add the butter to the saucepan, on medium heat, and melt.
  3. Next, add the brown and white granulated sugar and mix well.
  4. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and the cream and mix.
  5. Bring the recipe to a boil and boil for four minutes. Stir occasionally while it cooks. (See pictures below).
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar.
  7. Add the pecans and mix, pour into a baking dish, and sprinkle a few more chopped pecans on top.
  8. Allow the fudge to set up for at least three hours.

How To Make The Fudge

Buttered Pecans

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Throw a couple of tablespoons of butter into a skillet and add the chopped pecans. Toast them in the butter for about five minutes.

This adds a wonderful butter flavor to the pecans.

Fudge

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Grab a saucepan and put it on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.

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Next, add the brown and granulated white sugar to the saucepan and mix.

When you combine the two sugars in the fudge, it gives a wonderfully sweet taste that is perfect for your sweet tooth.

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Pour the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract into the pan and mix well.

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Turn the burner up to medium-high or high heat and bring the butter and sugar mixture to a boil. Once it reaches the boiling point (picture number 3), start timing it for four minutes.

Stir occasionally while it cooks.

I added the four pictures so you could see how it evolves in the boiling process.

Typically, when you’re making fudge, you want to bring the hot mixture to a temperature of 234-degrees before removing from the heat.

For this recipe, you don’t need need to use a candy thermometer (that’s hard for me to say because I always use one with fudge). Just keep track of the time.

I usually get my fudge to a full rolling boil before timing it, but I did that once before with this recipe and it came out super crumbly.

So, start your four-minute timer when your fudge looks like picture number three. You can see there’s still a bit of the mixture not boiling at the edge of the pan.

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Once the fudge reaches the four-minute mark, take it off of the heat and stir in the powdered sugar.

There will be a few lumps, so I use a whisk to try and get most of them out.

You can also use a whisk in the powdered sugar before you add it to the butter, just be sure to do that before you start the recipe so it’s ready to pour in.

If you have a few little lumps, that’s ok, because once the fudge sets up it will all be absorbed.

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Finally, add the toasted pecans to the mixture and stir until combined.

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Pour the butter pecan fudge into a baking dish and sprinkle a few more pecans on the top of the fudge.

For best results, allow it to set up for at least three hours.

I used some parchment paper in the dish to help take it out when it sets up. It’s not necessary, but it helps to be able to lift the fudge up, take it out, and cut it up a little more easily.

As you can see in the picture above, I got a little impatient and didn’t wait until the fudge completely set up (gee, I am never impatient with fudge, ha!) and I made the top crack a little.

It doesn’t hurt a thing, it just doesn’t look as pretty. It still tastes just as fantastic.

I used a smaller dish for this recipe because I like my fudge good and thick. But, you can use a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish and you’ll get more pieces out of it.

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Once the fudge sets up you can cut it into 1-inch squares for sharing.

This is honestly one of the most delicious fudge recipes I’ve ever eaten. I don’t usually like nuts in my fudge, but these pecans make this taste incredible.

The buttery fudge combined with the crunch of the pecans is out of this world amazing.

It’s one of the best candy recipes. The wonderful holiday treat is a great gift for teachers, friends, neighbors, co-workers or any of your favorite people.

It’s super-duper rich and creamy and some of the best fudge recipes you’ll ever eat.

How Do I Store The Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe?

You can store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. You can place it in the refrigerator but it will make it more crumbly.

How Long Does Homemade Fudge Last?

Homemade fudge will last about two to three weeks if kept refrigerated. If you leave it on the counter it will last about one week. In either case, keep it in an airtight container.

Do You Need Butter For Fudge?

If you make fudge in the traditional way it does require butter.

How Do I Cut Fudge Without Breaking It?

Make sure to bring the fudge to room temperature. Heat a sharp knife before cutting the fudge by running it under hot water. Carefully dry the knife and then cut the fudge.

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More delicious fudge recipes:

There are so many different flavors of fudge out there, but here are a few to get you started for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

  • Old fashioned fudge recipe with peanut butter is one of my favorite recipes on the blog. It uses real peanut butter.
  • Tiger butter fudge is actually one of the easiest fudge recipes I’ve ever made and it turns out beautiful. Be sure to go over to that post and look at the pics.
  • This chocolate fudge recipe has been one of my most popular recipes on the blog and it’s a hit around the holidays.
  • This peanut butter fudge recipe really is to die for. It’s a fun recipe because it uses peanut butter chips instead of peanut butter for a much sweeter taste. You get the nutty flavor along with the creamy rich fudge.
  • Cake batter fudge is another easy recipe that turns out fun because you can add any type of sprinkles to the mix! And, it uses cake batter. Who knew?
  • Reese’s peanut butter fudge is a rich and creamy peanut butter fudge with Reese’s Pieces. It’s another super easy recipe.
  • Dark chocolate fudge with sea salt is a wonderful addition to the holidays. It’s easy to make and adds a different flavor to the season.
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Delectable Pecan Recipes

  • Praline pecans are easy to make and everyone falls in love with the recipe.
  • Pecan pie cobbler is a must-have around the holidays. It’s great for Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert–and it feeds a lot of people.
  • Pecan cinnamon roll recipe will feed a lot of people for breakfast. And, there’s no waiting for it to rise.
  • Pecan pie brownies are super duper decadent. You get the best of both worlds in a brownie and pecan pie.
  • Stovetop candied pecans are great for snacking during those holiday parties.

Easy Butter Pecan Fudge

Check out the recipe card below, grab those ingredients, and start cooking! This is a wonderfully decadent dessert and I think you’ll love the sweetness of the fudge.

Then, share your comments below andshare a picture of your fudge on the Pinterest Pin! If you made any changes or added something different, be sure to share it with us so we can try it, too!

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe (14)

Butter Pecan Fudge

Yield: 48 pieces

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Additional Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 19 minutes

Butter pecan fudge is a rich buttery, creamy fudge that is amazingly decadent and the perfect gift for the holidays. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups toasted pecans + 2 Tbsp.
  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks) + 2 Tbsp.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1-1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Toast the two cups of pecans with two tablespoons of butter for five minutes and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, add the two sticks of butter and melt on medium-high heat.
  3. After the butter melts, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and mix well.
  4. Add the heavy whipping cream, salt, and vanilla extract and mix well.
  5. Turn the temperature to medium-high to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once the mixture starts to boil, start the timer for four minutes. Stir occasionally while it cooks.
  7. When the timer reaches four minutes, take the fudge off of the burner, add the powdered sugar, and mix well.
  8. Finally, add the two cups of chopped pecans and stir.
  9. Pour the fudge into a baking pan, sprinkle the two tablespoons of chopped pecans on top, and allow it to set up for at least three hours.
  10. Slice the fudge into little squares.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 48Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 204Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 24mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 1g

Nutrition is approximate.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Find more delicious recipes atJulia’s Simply Southern,andSouth Your Mouth.

Julie Pollitt( Blogger Behind Back To My Southern Roots )

Hi there! I’m Julie Pollitt from ‘Back To My Southern Roots.’ My love for cooking started way back on my grandparents’ farm in Tennessee. Those sunny days, the smell of biscuits in the oven, and all the family fun really sparked my passion for cooking. On my blog, I share more than just recipes – they’re like stories from my life, full of Southern warmth and homey goodness. The best part? Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a kitchen pro, you’ll find my recipes super easy to whip up. So, come on, pull up a chair, and let’s make some delicious memories!

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter in fudge? ›

Choose the right butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter, though using salted gives it a bit of contrast, like salted caramel. If you'd prefer to enjoy the richness of chocolate, choose unsalted butter. Don't over-stir the fudge.

Should you stir fudge while it's cooking? ›

Don't stir!

Once the fudge reaches soft-ball stage on the candy thermometer, remove from the heat and let the temperature drop to 110°F. Keep that spoon or spatula out of the pot until this happens. If you stir too early in the process, you'll make the sugar crystals too big and end up with grainy fudge.

What ingredient makes fudge hard? ›

Too cooked

This fudge was cooked to a temperature of 118 °C (244 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge.

How to make fudge more solid? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›

If it doesn't set, or if it sets very hard, you can add more milk and boil it again. However, even if it doesn't set, it'll usually be a nice frosting-like consistency, so I sometimes just make a cake to put under it.

How to make fudge thicker? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

How to tell if fudge is ready without a thermometer? ›

Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it's pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.

Why does butter separate when making fudge? ›

Fudge is basically an emulsion between sugar, butter and milk. If the butter gets too hot, it can separate, causing the fudge to become oily on top. This is easy to prevent by monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer, but separated fudge can also be fixed.

What is traditional fudge made of? ›

Fudge is a dense, rich confection typically made with sugar, milk or cream, butter and chocolate or other flavorings. The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals.

What happens if you use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? ›

If you're baking and swapping in salted butter, the excess water from salted butter may make more of an impact. This is because extra water can have an effect on how gluten reacts and forms within dough. Consider slightly lessening any additional water the recipe may call for.

Why hasn't my fudge set properly? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

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