There is something absolutely irresistible about Butter Pecan Fudge that just pulls at your heartstrings (and your sweet tooth) like no other treat. This rich, creamy fudge combines the buttery goodness of smooth fudge with crunchy toasted pecans, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Each bite melts gloriously on your tongue, stealing the show with its luscious chocolate base, toasted nuts, and mellow vanilla notes. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in something comforting on a quiet evening, Butter Pecan Fudge is a timeless classic that always delivers.

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, making Butter Pecan Fudge at home is surprisingly straightforward. Each component plays a critical role, from the sugar’s sweetness and the butter’s rich creaminess to the pecans’ distinctive crunch and the chocolate chips’ silky depth.

Granulated sugar: The foundational sweetener that gives the fudge its classic sugary structure and snap.
Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious creaminess and helps balance the sugar’s intensity without extra salt.
Evaporated milk: Provides a thick, creamy texture that’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth fudge consistency.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offer rich chocolate flavor while maintaining balance with the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors, giving the fudge a warm, inviting aroma.
Pecans, chopped: Toasting them beforehand amps up their nutty flavor and adds delightful crunch.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the sweetness.

How to Make Butter Pecan Fudge

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining a square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This simple step makes a world of difference when it’s time to remove the fudge later, ensuring clean squares and no sticky mess.

Step 2: Combine and Cook Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan, bring together the granulated sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Gently heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. This ensures your fudge will have that silky smooth texture we all love.

Step 3: Reach the Soft Ball Stage

Keep stirring the mixture steadily and allow it to cook for about five minutes. During this time, it should reach the soft ball stage, which means around 235°F on a candy thermometer. This precise temperature is key — it ensures your fudge will set perfectly without becoming grainy.

Step 4: Add Chocolate, Vanilla, and Pecans

Once off the heat, immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and the chopped pecans. The chocolate melts into the hot sugar base to create that beautiful, velvety fudge color and flavor, while the pecans add those iconic nutty bursts.

Step 5: Pour and Set

Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for about two hours, allowing the fudge to fully set and firm up just right for cutting.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once your Butter Pecan Fudge is completely set, cut it into neat squares. This is where your patience pays off, and every square is like a little bite of heaven waiting to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Fudge

Garnishes

The charm of Butter Pecan Fudge can be elevated even more by thoughtfully chosen garnishes. Consider sprinkling a few extra toasted pecan pieces or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before the fudge sets. This adds a sophisticated touch that delights both the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

Butter Pecan Fudge is a wonderfully rich dessert that pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for balance, or a fresh berry compote to cut through the sweetness with bright, tangy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests even further? Arrange your Butter Pecan Fudge squares on a decorative platter with some sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a pop of color. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper tied with twine makes for lovely gift packaging, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Pecan Fudge keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. This lets the fudge maintain its soft, creamy texture while keeping those nuts perfectly crisp.

Freezing

If you want to extend its life, fudge freezes well for up to three months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container to protect against freezer burn while keeping flavors intact.

Reheating

Fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it a bit softer, you can gently warm a piece in your hands or microwave it for a few seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or the texture can become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans provide that classic flavor and texture for this fudge, walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be great substitutes, each bringing their own unique crunch and taste.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

Without a candy thermometer, you can test the soft ball stage by dropping a small amount of the hot sugar mixture into cold water—if it forms a soft, pliable ball that flattens when removed, you’re in the right zone.

Can I make this fudge with dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a richer, slightly less sweet fudge. Choose a good quality chocolate for the best taste, and adjust sugar amounts if needed based on your sweetness preference.

Is it necessary to toast the pecans?

Toasting pecans is highly recommended as it enhances their natural flavor and crunch, giving your Butter Pecan Fudge an extra layer of depth and texture, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

How do I get my fudge to have a smooth texture?

Constant stirring during cooking and ensuring the mixture reaches the soft ball stage precisely are key for smooth fudge. Also, adding chocolate and nuts off the heat prevents graininess and keeps the texture creamy.

Final Thoughts

Making Butter Pecan Fudge at home is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that rewards you with pure comfort and delight. Its perfect balance of buttery richness, satisfyingly crunchy pecans, and luscious chocolate never fails to bring smiles and warm memories. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to make and share with those you love.

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 36 pieces (1-inch squares) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delightful Butter Pecan Fudge recipe combines rich, creamy chocolate with buttery pecans for a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for holiday gifts or a sweet indulgence, this fudge offers a smooth texture with a satisfying crunch from toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a classic buttery flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Fudge Base

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor and Mix-ins

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped (toasted optional but recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix granulated sugar, unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to gently boil.
Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Continue stirring as the mixture boils for about 5 minutes or until it reaches 235°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer, which ensures proper fudge texture.
Add Chocolate, Vanilla, and Pecans: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Mix until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool undisturbed at room temperature for approximately 2 hours or until the fudge is firm and set.
Serve: Once fully set, cut the fudge into squares and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

Toasting pecans before adding intensifies their flavor and adds crunch.
Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to achieve the perfect fudge texture.
Allow fudge to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
Cuisine: American