Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up—*butter pecan fudge*! There’s just something about the combination of buttery caramel and crunchy pecans that makes my heart sing. I can still remember the first time I made this fudge; the kitchen filled with that warm, sweet aroma, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste while it was still cooling. It’s such a delightful mix of creamy goodness and nutty crunch that it’s impossible to resist! Whether I’m making it for a gathering or just to satisfy my own sweet tooth, this fudge always brings smiles. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-rewarding to make. So, let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your butter pecan fudge. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create the most luscious treat!
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to gather all these goodies before you start! Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, it’s always nice to have fresh ingredients to work with! Now, let’s move on to the fun part—preparing the fudge!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Fudge
Alright, let’s dive into making this buttery, nutty fudge! The process is so straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to achieve this creamy delight. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, prepare a square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until everything melts together and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—don’t walk away!
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes without stirring. This is the magic moment where the fudge starts to thicken and develop that rich texture.
- After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now it’s time to stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped pecans. The smell will be heavenly!
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature until it’s fully set. This might take a couple of hours, but oh, it’s worth the wait!
- Once set, cut the fudge into squares and get ready to indulge!
And there you have it! Just a few simple steps to create a batch of buttery, crunchy goodness that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional values of this delicious butter pecan fudge! Each piece is a little indulgence, packing a delightful punch of flavor. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But hey, a little sweetness every now and then is part of the fun, right? Enjoy your fudge guilt-free!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect butter pecan fudge is all about attention to detail, so here are my top tips to ensure your fudge turns out beautifully every time!
- Use a candy thermometer: This is a game changer! Aim for a temperature of about 235°F (113°C) for the ideal fudge consistency. It helps prevent overcooking, which can lead to graininess.
- Keep stirring: When combining sugar, butter, and cream, don’t skip the stirring! It keeps the mixture from burning and helps everything blend smoothly.
- Let it cool completely: Patience is key! Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature until fully set before cutting. If you’re in a hurry, avoid the fridge, as it can alter the texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a delicious twist!
With these tips, you’ll be a fudge-making pro in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations of Butter Pecan Fudge
If you’re like me, you love to switch things up in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations to personalize your butter pecan fudge and keep things exciting:
- Nutty Mix: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can even mix a few together for a delightful crunch!
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before it sets, or stir in chocolate chips for a rich, decadent twist.
- Maple Flavor: Replace the vanilla extract with pure maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery goodness.
- Coconut Bliss: Stir in some toasted coconut flakes for a tropical vibe that complements the fudge perfectly.
- Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for a warm, spiced kick that’s especially nice during the holiday season.
With these variations, your butter pecan fudge will never get boring! Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your butter pecan fudge is super easy, and it helps keep all that creamy, nutty goodness fresh! Just place the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can also freeze the fudge! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just slice and savor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about making this butter pecan fudge, let me tell you why it’s a must-try! This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of buttery caramel and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have homemade fudge ready to enjoy in no time!
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or a cozy night in, this fudge fits right in and delights everyone.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples on hand, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins and variations to suit your taste—every batch can be a new adventure!
- Impressive Gift: Wrap it up in a lovely box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.
Once you make this fudge, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my home. Trust me, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in yours too!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about making this delicious butter pecan fudge, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use salted butter?
Absolutely! Using salted butter will add a nice flavor contrast to the sweetness of the fudge. Just be mindful that it may make the fudge a bit saltier, so adjust accordingly if you’re sensitive to salt.
How long does it last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your fudge will stay fresh for about a week. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to two weeks. But trust me, it’ll probably be gone long before that!
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just slice and savor the goodness!
What if my fudge doesn’t set?
If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it might be due to not cooking it long enough. No worries! You can reheat the mixture and stir in a bit more sugar, then let it cool again. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
I hope these answers help you on your fudge-making journey! Enjoy every bite!
Z nadrukami
Butter Pecan Fudge: 5 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 pieces 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
This butter pecan fudge is a rich and creamy treat that combines the flavors of buttery caramel and crunchy pecans.
Składniki
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instrukcje
- Prepare a square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and cream over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Let it cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
Uwagi
- Store the fudge in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.
- Chop pecans coarsely for more texture.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 piece
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 18g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Słowa kluczowe: butter pecan fudge, fudge recipe, dessert
