Indulge in the irresistible charm of homemade fudge with our Candied Pecan Fudge recipe. Each luscious bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy white chocolate, rich vanilla, and the delightful crunch of perfectly candied pecans. This unique fudge isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, destined to become a cherished family favorite and a highlight of your holiday celebrations. Best of all, it comes together in surprisingly little time, leaving the hardest part simply waiting for it to set!
Irresistibly Creamy Candied Pecan Fudge: Your New Go-To Dessert
There’s something truly magical about homemade fudge, and this Candied Pecan Fudge takes that magic to a whole new level. Imagine a velvety-smooth white chocolate base infused with warm vanilla, studded generously with sweet, crunchy candied pecans. This isn’t just a treat; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that captivates from the very first taste. Crafted with love and simplicity, this fudge recipe combines the luxurious depth of browned butter with the sweetness of white chocolate and the nutty goodness of pecans, making it an extraordinary delight. Perfect for gifting during the holidays or simply enjoying with loved ones, this recipe is designed for ease, requiring only about 20 minutes of active preparation. The anticipation of it setting up perfectly is truly the most challenging step!
Whether you’re a seasoned fudge maker or new to the art of confectionery, this recipe offers a straightforward path to an impressive dessert. Its rich flavor profile and appealing appearance make it an ideal centerpiece for dessert platters or a thoughtful homemade gift. We’ll walk you through every detail, from selecting the finest ingredients to achieving that perfect set, ensuring your Candied Pecan Fudge is nothing short of spectacular.
Demystifying Fudge: Your Candied Pecan Fudge Questions Answered (FAQ’s)
Browning the butter is an optional, yet highly recommended, step. It imparts a wonderfully complex, nutty depth to the fudge that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the pecans. While you can skip this step if you’re short on time or wary of burning the butter, incorporating it elevates the overall taste experience significantly. If you decide to omit it, the fudge will still be delicious but will lack that subtle, toasty nuance.
During the holiday season, pre-made candied pecans are often readily available in the baking or nut aisles of most local grocery stores. Their convenience is unmatched for a quick fudge preparation. However, if they are out of season, or if you prefer a homemade touch, making your own candied pecans is a rewarding process. You can use our Candied Pecan recipe for a truly fresh and flavorful addition to your fudge.
Absolutely! This fudge recipe is quite adaptable. If candied pecans aren’t to your taste, you can easily substitute them with regular toasted pecans for a less sweet, more earthy flavor. Alternatively, feel free to use any other nut you enjoy, such as walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. For those avoiding nuts altogether, mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries could offer a different, yet equally delightful, texture and flavor.
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! To prepare a larger quantity, simply double all the ingredient measurements. You will also need to adjust the baking pan size, using a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8-inch pan, to accommodate the increased volume of fudge. This is perfect for larger gatherings or when you want to make extra for gifting.
You have two primary options for setting your homemade fudge: refrigeration or room temperature. For a quicker set, place the fudge in the refrigerator. It will typically firm up and be ready to cut within 2-4 hours. If you prefer to let it set at room temperature, which often results in a slightly creamier texture, be aware that it may take 6-8 hours, or even longer in a particularly warm environment. Ensure it’s fully firm before slicing to prevent crumbling.
To maintain its freshness and delightful texture, always store your homemade fudge in an airtight container. It’s generally recommended to keep fudge at room temperature, as refrigeration can sometimes cause it to dry out and become crumbly. Stored properly at room temperature, your fudge should remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, fudge freezes exceptionally well. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. It will keep for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the fudge at room temperature until it reaches your desired consistency.
The Art of Fudge Making: Unveiling the Perfect Candied Pecan Fudge
Crafting exceptional fudge starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. This section will guide you through the essential components of our Candied Pecan Fudge, offering insights and tips to ensure your creation is nothing short of perfect.
Essential Ingredients for Your Candied Pecan Fudge:
- Salted Butter: While the salt content in salted butter is minimal, it plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the fudge. This subtle contrast enhances the overall flavor profile, preventing the fudge from being overly cloying. For those who prefer unsalted butter, a tiny pinch of fine sea salt can be added to achieve a similar effect, providing that essential counterpoint to the rich, sugary base.
- White Chocolate Chips: These are the foundation of our creamy white chocolate fudge. High-quality white chocolate chips melt smoothly and provide a rich, sweet flavor. If you prefer, or if vanilla almond bark is unavailable, you can use all white chocolate chips, making this recipe wonderfully versatile. Look for brands that specify “real white chocolate” for the best flavor and texture.
- Vanilla Almond Bark: Often found in the baking aisle, vanilla almond bark contributes to the fudge’s smooth, firm texture and adds an extra layer of vanilla flavor. It helps the fudge set beautifully. Similar to the white chocolate chips, if you prefer, you can use all vanilla almond bark instead of a combination, giving you flexibility based on what you have on hand or your textural preference.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is a non-negotiable for achieving the signature creamy, dense texture of this fudge. Always ensure you are using sweetened condensed milk, which is thick and syrupy, typically found in a can in the baking aisle. Do NOT confuse it with evaporated milk, which is unsweetened and much thinner. Using evaporated milk will prevent your fudge from setting correctly, so double-check the label!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor, intensifying the natural vanilla notes from the white chocolate and almond bark. While the fudge will still be delicious without it, adding vanilla extract truly “bumps up” the vanilla experience, contributing to a more aromatic and complex taste.
- Candied Pecans: The star of the show! These provide the irresistible crunch and sweet, nutty flavor that defines this fudge. Store-bought candied pecans are perfectly acceptable for convenience, but if you have the time, making your own at home (as linked in our FAQ section above) can add an even fresher, more vibrant taste to your fudge. Ensure they are coarsely chopped for optimal distribution and texture.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Candied Pecan Fudge
Creating this delicious fudge is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure perfection. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve a rich, creamy, and satisfying treat.
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on the sides; this will create “handles” that make it incredibly easy to lift the set fudge out of the pan for cutting. Set this prepared pan aside.
- Brown the Butter (The Flavor Secret): In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Continue to heat and stir the butter continuously for approximately 7-8 minutes. As the butter cooks, it will first melt, then foam, and eventually, the milk solids at the bottom will turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a distinctly nutty aroma. This browning process is crucial for the unique depth of flavor in this fudge. Be vigilant and stir constantly to prevent burning; you want golden, toasted bits, not black ones!
- Melt the Fudge Base: Once your butter is perfectly browned and fragrant, reduce the heat to low. Immediately add the white chocolate chips, vanilla almond bark, and sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan. Continue to stir gently and continuously. The residual heat from the browned butter and the low flame will gradually melt these ingredients together. Keep stirring until the mixture is completely smooth, lump-free, and thoroughly combined. Ensure all the chocolate and bark are fully melted and integrated into the creamy condensed milk.
- Incorporate the Pecans and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is important to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Stir in 1 ¼ cups of your candied pecans. Fold them in gently but thoroughly, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the rich fudge batter. Following this, add the vanilla extract and stir once more until it is fully incorporated, perfuming the fudge with its aromatic essence.
- Transfer and Garnish: Pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth the top surface, creating an even layer. For an optional but highly recommended decorative touch and extra crunch, take the remaining ¼ cup of candied pecans. You can either leave them whole or, for a finer texture, crush them into smaller pieces. A simple trick is to place them in a Ziploc bag and gently pound them with a rolling pin. Sprinkle these crushed or whole candied pecans evenly over the top of the fudge.
- Set and Enjoy: Allow the fudge to cool and set. You have two options:
- Room Temperature: Let it sit at room temperature for 6-8 hours. Please note that if your house is particularly warm, the setting time may be extended, or the fudge may not fully firm up.
- Refrigerator: For a faster set, place the pan in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. This method is quicker and ensures a firm set.
Once the fudge is completely firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 16 uniform pieces. Now, it’s ready to be devoured!
Tips for Fudge Perfection
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality white chocolate and fresh pecans makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture of your fudge.
- Patience with Browning Butter: Don’t rush this step. The nutty flavor developed during browning is a game-changer. Keep the heat medium and stir consistently.
- Don’t Overheat: Once the chocolate chips and almond bark are added, keep the heat low and remove from heat as soon as everything is melted and smooth. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or the fudge to become grainy.
- Even Distribution: When adding the candied pecans, ensure they are mixed in evenly so every piece of fudge gets a good amount of crunch.
- Clean Cuts: For neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This helps prevent the fudge from sticking and smearing.
Craving More Delicious Fudge Recipes?
If you loved this Candied Pecan Fudge, you’re in for a treat! Explore our other delightful fudge creations that are perfect for any occasion:
- Velveeta Fudge
- Christmas Cake Batter Fudge
- Chocolate Walnut Fudge
- White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
- Candy Cane Fudge
- Rocky Road Fudge
- Cookie Monster Fudge
- Strawberry Fudge
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Fudge
- Easy Lemon Fudge
Candied Pecan Fudge
Creamy bites of white chocolate fudge with pops of crunchy candied pecans – an unforgettable treat!
20 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 20 minutes
16 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces vanilla almond bark
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups candied pecans, divided use
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, brown the butter. Place the butter into the saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir continuously for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and the milk solids that fall to the bottom of the pan are toasted.
- To the saucepan, add the white chocolate chips, white almond bark, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until smooth and everything is melted.
- Heat over medium-low heat and continue stirring until thoroughly smooth and melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 ¼ cups of the candied pecans.
- Finally, add in the vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Optional: Take the other ¼ cup of chopped pecans and crush them into small pieces (e.g., in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin). Or you can leave them whole.
- Then sprinkle these crushed or whole candied pecans evenly over the top of the fudge.
- Let cool at room temperature for 6-8 hours or in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours until fully set.
- Cut the fudge into 16 pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and ingredient descriptions above for additional substitutions or answers to common questions.
- The required chill or set time can vary depending on whether you choose to set the fudge in the refrigerator or at room temperature. A warm environment can extend the setting time significantly or prevent the fudge from firming up completely.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 36g
| Protein: 4g
| Fat: 18g
| Sodium: 112mg
| Fiber: 0.4g
| Sugar: 36g
Nutritional Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided is an estimate. As we are not dieticians or nutritionists, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator for precise values. Calorie counts and other nutritional data can fluctuate based on the specific brands of ingredients used.