Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up—*butter pecan fudge*! This stuff is a game changer, folks. It’s rich, creamy, and melts in your mouth in the most delightful way. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of my family history because this recipe has been passed down through generations. The combination of sweet brown sugar and buttery goodness, along with those crunchy pecans, creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. I swear, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar: Make sure to pack it well into the measuring cup for that rich sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of the fudge’s flavor. Just let it sit out for a bit to soften.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the fudge its creamy texture, so don’t skimp! Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest results.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: I love to chop them coarsely for a nice crunch. You can toast them lightly if you want to enhance their flavor!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is a must for that lovely aroma and taste. It really ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness—trust me, it makes a difference!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Fudge
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this butter pecan fudge! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and I’ll guide you through each step so you can impress everyone with your candy-making skills.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab a medium saucepan and toss in your 2 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Make sure everything is nice and combined. I like to give it a quick stir before we heat things up, just to ensure the butter starts melting evenly. It’s like a hug in a pot!
Step 2: Boil Mixture
Now, place your saucepan over medium heat and bring that mixture to a boil. This is where the magic happens! You’ll want to stir constantly to prevent anything from burning on the bottom. Trust me, that’s the last thing you want. Once it starts bubbling, feel free to daydream for a moment about how delicious your fudge will be!
Step 3: Cook Without Stirring
After it reaches a boil, let it cook for about 5 minutes without stirring. This is super important, so set a timer! The fudge needs this time to thicken up and develop that luscious, creamy texture we all love. Just keep an eye on it and don’t wander too far!
Step 4: Add Flavorings and Nuts
Once your timer goes off, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Now comes the fun part—stir in your 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and those lovely 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir until everything is well combined, and you’ll be greeted with the most heavenly aroma. It’s like a sweet invitation to indulge!
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Finally, it’s time to pour that gooey goodness into a greased 8×8 inch pan. Spread it out evenly and let it cool completely at room temperature. This is key—don’t even think about cutting it until it’s set! Once cooled, you’ll be ready to cut it into squares of deliciousness. Just try not to eat it all at once!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my top tips to ensure your butter pecan fudge turns out absolutely perfect every time! First off, toasting the pecans is a game changer. Just spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch!
Also, make sure you store your fudge in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can sit at room temperature for up to a week, but I bet it won’t last that long! If you’re feeling generous, you can even gift some to friends or family. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors can develop, so it’s totally worth the wait if you can resist!
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about the nutritional aspects of this scrumptious butter pecan fudge, here’s what you need to know! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. Here’s a breakdown per piece:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
So, while this fudge is a delightful treat, it’s always good to enjoy in moderation. But honestly, who can resist just one more piece? Enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth moment!
FAQ About Butter Pecan Fudge
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a huge fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully in this fudge. Just remember to chop them up the same way you would with pecans, and you’ll still get that delightful crunch!
How should I store the fudge?
To keep your butter pecan fudge fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last about a week—if it even lasts that long! If you want to keep it for longer, you can also refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Can I double the recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this butter pecan fudge is a must-make in your kitchen! It’s not just about the taste (which is out of this world), but also how incredibly easy it is to whip up. Here are some reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Quick to make: You can have this fudge ready in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for when those sweet cravings hit.
- No fancy equipment needed: All you need is a saucepan and a spatula—no candy thermometers or mixers required!
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves fudge! It’s the perfect treat to share at gatherings, parties, or just to keep in your pantry for a sweet snack.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with different nuts or flavors. Add a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra kick!
- Memorable gift: Wrap it up in pretty packaging, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
- Rich flavor: The combination of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into making this delicious butter pecan fudge and enjoy every moment of it!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your scrumptious butter pecan fudge, the possibilities are as delightful as the fudge itself! Here are a few ideas to elevate your fudge experience:
- Pair with Coffee: A piece of this fudge alongside your morning coffee or afternoon espresso makes for a heavenly combination. The rich, buttery flavors complement the coffee beautifully!
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble some fudge over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. It adds a decadent twist that will make any dessert lover swoon!
- Gift It: Cut your fudge into neat squares, place them in a cute box or jar, and gift them to friends or family. It’s a sweet gesture that’s sure to bring smiles!
- Party Platter: Serve it on a dessert platter at gatherings, alongside fruits and other sweets. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will be gone in no time!
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving. It adds a beautiful finish and enhances the flavor!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll be sure to impress everyone who gets a taste of your delicious butter pecan fudge! Enjoy!
Imprimer
Butter Pecan Fudge: 5 Steps to Irresistible Delight
- Temps Total: 20 minutes
- Rendement: 16 pieces 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A rich and creamy butter pecan fudge that melts in your mouth.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and pecans.
- Pour into a greased 8×8 inch pan.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container.
- Can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: butter pecan fudge, fudge recipe, dessert, candy