Silky Southern Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe: Instant Joy

Creamy, decadent butter pecan fudge brings sweet memories of cozy holiday gatherings.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines nutty pecan goodness with silky smooth butter.

The classic recipe promises pure indulgence with every single bite.

Pecans toasted to golden perfection create a delightful crunch against the luxurious fudge base.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty depth that makes dessert lovers swoon.

Simple ingredients and easy technique mean you can whip up this irresistible confection in no time.

Dive into this delectable recipe and treat yourself to a sweet slice of pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10min

Cook Time: 10min

Total Time: 3hr

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 17

Butter Pecan Fudge Ingredient List

• Pecans: Nutty gems that add crunch and depth, choose fresh, plump pecans with a rich golden color and no signs of staleness or rancidity.
• Butter: Liquid gold that brings richness and helps toast pecans, select high-quality unsalted butter for pure, clean flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet pillars creating the fudge's luscious base, opt for fresh, clump-free sugars that dissolve smoothly.
• Powdered Sugar: Silky stabilizer that ensures creamy texture, sift to remove any potential lumps.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Luxurious liquid providing smooth consistency, select ultra-fresh cream with high fat content.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic essence that elevates the entire dessert, choose pure vanilla for most authentic flavor.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Must-Have Tools for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Large Saucepan: Essential for melting butter, combining sugars, and cooking the fudge mixture.
• Skillet: Used for toasting pecans to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing mixture from sticking.
• 8×8 or 9×9 Inch Baking Pan: Needed to set and shape the fudge.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping pecans before toasting.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing the set fudge into neat squares.

Step-by-Step Butter Pecan Fudge Instructions

• Pecan Preparation

Warm a skillet and gently toast pecans with a touch of butter, creating a rich, nutty aroma. Let them cool and rest.

• Butter Base

Melt a generous amount of butter in a large saucepan, preparing the foundation for a creamy treat.

• Sugar Fusion

Blend granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter, stirring until they dissolve completely and create a smooth mixture.

• Flavor Development

Introduce heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to marry the flavors together.

• Boiling Point

Raise the heat and let the mixture bubble and dance, stirring occasionally. Maintain the boil for a precise moment to develop depth.

• Powdered Magic

Remove from heat and fold in powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy consistency.

• Nutty Finale

Fold the toasted pecans throughout the fudge, ensuring even distribution of crunchy goodness.

• Setting Stage

Pour the luscious mixture into a waiting pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle extra pecans on top for a rustic touch. Allow the fudge to rest and solidify at room temperature.

• Indulgence Moment

Slice the fudge into delicate squares and savor the rich, buttery creation that promises pure delight.

Tips for Buttery Smooth Pecan Fudge

• Roast pecans extra long to intensify their nutty, caramel-like taste by extending toasting time to 7-8 minutes in the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Chop pecans into different sizes – some fine, some chunky – to add interesting mouthfeel and visual appeal to your fudge, making each bite unique and exciting.
• Experiment with different sugar ratios by replacing some granulated sugar with dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes or using raw sugar for a more complex sweetness profile.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces in parchment paper or wax paper, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for extended freshness and firmer texture.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top before setting or mix in a tablespoon of bourbon during cooking to elevate the traditional butter pecan fudge with gourmet, unexpected flavor dimensions.

Presenting Butter Pecan Fudge

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a decorative wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Decadent Gift Option: Wrap individual fudge pieces in parchment paper, tie with a rustic ribbon, and create homemade holiday gifts for friends and family.
• Coffee Companion Treat: Serve small fudge squares alongside espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon indulgence that complements rich coffee flavors.
• Ice Cream Topping Delight: Crumble fudge pieces over vanilla or caramel ice cream to add a crunchy, buttery pecan texture and enhance dessert experience.

Keeping Butter Pecan Fudge Fresh

• Fudge Freshness Guardian: Store your butter pecan fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its smooth texture and delicious flavor.
• Cool & Dark Sanctuary: Choose a pantry or kitchen cabinet with consistent temperature between 60-70°F for optimal storage, protecting the fudge from moisture and potential flavor degradation.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When storing for extended periods, layer fudge pieces between parchment paper sheets inside the container to prevent sticking and maintain individual piece integrity.
• Freezing Magic Trick: Wrap individual fudge squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months, offering a sweet treat anytime you crave a delightful indulgence.

Dreamy Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3hr
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Grandma’s secret butter pecan fudge recipe promises pure indulgence with rich, creamy textures and deep caramel notes. Southern baking traditions shine through this simple yet extraordinary sweet treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250 grams) toasted pecans
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) butter
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/8 cups (270 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1.5 grams) salt
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) pecans for topping
• 2 tbsps (28 grams) butter for toasting pecans

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Instructions

1. Toasting Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and roast pecans, stirring continuously until a rich, nutty fragrance emerges. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Creating Fudge Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter and blend granulated and brown sugars until they dissolve into a caramel-like consistency.
3. Developing Flavor Profile: Pour heavy whipping cream into the sugar mixture, then incorporate salt and vanilla extract, whisking until a smooth, uniform liquid forms.
4. Boiling and Caramelizing: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Maintain a steady boil for exactly 4 minutes.
5. Incorporating Sugar and Texture: Remove from heat and fold in powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and free of sugar crystals.
6. Finalizing Fudge: Gently fold toasted pecans into the mixture, ensuring even distribution. Pour into a prepared pan, smoothing the surface and sprinkling reserved chopped pecans on top.
7. Setting and Serving: Allow fudge to set at room temperature for several hours. Once fully solidified, slice into elegant squares, revealing a creamy, nutty confection ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

• Toast Pecans Carefully: Roasting nuts demands constant attention to prevent burning, releasing maximum flavor without bitter undertones.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Boiling the sugar mixture exactly 4 minutes creates perfect fudge consistency, preventing grainy texture or crystallization.
• Avoid Sugar Granules: Completely dissolve sugars and powdered sugar to ensure a smooth, silky fudge without unexpected crunchy sugar crystals.
• Cool Completely: Letting fudge set at room temperature allows proper texture development, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth confection.

• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 10min
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg