Butter Fudge With Candied Pecans

No Sweeter Treat Than Fudge – Literally!

Is there anything more delectable than fudge? This dense dessert is made from a combination of butter, sugar and milk. I’ll warn you now… however much sugar you think is in fudge, triple it. There is quite literally no sweeter treat than fudge because it is made with so much sugar!

There are hundreds of different fudge varieties, the most popular being the classic chocolate. But there’s also caramel, peppermint, vanilla, and butter fudge. Even butter fudge has different variations, such as peanut butter fudge, brown butter fudge, and butter pecan fudge.

You may have already know, but butter fudge has no chocolate in it. Like with any fudge recipe, the base of butter, sugar, and milk is created; however, instead of chocolate, chopped pecans are added. For a little extra flavor and sweetness (because why not), I like to use Candied Pecans from Santé Nuts. They compliment the flavors of the fudge beautifully and add the perfect crunch!

Butter, Milk and Sugar – Oh My!

The base ingredients of fudge are simple and straight forward. With any dessert recipe, there is a science to combining the ingredients and transforming them into an irresistible treat. This recipe calls for one cup of unsalted butter. First, cube the butter before adding it to a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium-high heat. I find cubing the butter allows it to melt more evenly. As the butter melts, stir occasionally to assist the process.

Once the butter is melted, it’s time to stir in the milk. Heavy whipping cream is used as the milk element of the fudge. Often, evaporated milk is used to give the the fudge its signature golden color. However, evaporated milk is much sweeter than heavy whipping cream. As this butter fudge with candied pecans is already so sweet, evaporated milk would make it too rich. Plus, heavy whipping cream yields a much creamier fudge!

Finally, the first part of sugar is added- yes, you’ll be adding more sugar. In a medium-sized bowl, combine almost two cups of white cane sugar and a third cup of brown sugar. This ratio is skewed because brown sugar has a much stronger flavor than cane sugar and could easily over power it. Pour the combined sugar into the butter and milk mixture. Then, add a pinch of salt to balance the profile.

The Importance of Boiling

This next step is the most important in the whole recipe. This step has a direct impact on the firmness of the fudge, and overall outcome of the recipe. Once the butter, milk and sugars are combined, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. With any fudge recipe, you must boil the mixture for almost five minutes in order for the sugar crystals to dissolve and to allow the water to evaporate in the cream.

You must avoid burning the fudge though! Whatever you do, do not stir the mixture when it is boiling. This encourages the development of sugar crystals, which can impact the texture. My advice is to use a thermometer. This method is produces accurate results and will ensure your fudge doesn’t burn. The temperature should read 100 degrees Celsius, or 212 degrees Fahrenheit. At the very end, the temperatures will be around 112-114 degrees Celsius.

While boiling correctly is the most important step of making perfect fudge, allowing the fudge to cool properly is the second most crucial step. The fudge needs to cool to room temperature before any next steps can take place. It must cool slowly in order to avoid the sugar crystalizing. This would affect the texture of the fudge and make it “grainy”. It can take some time for the fudge to thoroughly cool and set but it’s best not to rush this process.

Adding the Final Ingredients

Once the fudge is finally cooled to room temperature, you can proceed with the final steps of this recipe! First, add a little more than two teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir to combine before moving forward with the next part. Then, it’s time to add the last of the sugars! This time, we’re adding powdered sugar.

The goal of the powdered sugar is to thicken the fudge. But in order to do so, the sugar must be thoroughly sifted. If you add powdered sugar with lumps to the mixture, it will become grainy and affect the smooth texture. As well, be sure to add only half a cup to one cup of powdered sugar at a time. Whisk between to throughly incorporate into the mixture before adding more. By moving slowly, you allow the fudge to thicken over time, which yields the best results.

Finally, it’s time for the pecans! Chop a little more than a cup of the Candied Pecans from Santé Nuts, then add to the mixture. Use a spatula to fold in the nuts, dispersing throughout the fudge batter. Then, pour the batter into a greased and parchment paper lined square tin. Use the spatula to smooth the top and set in the refrigerator to chill for at least three hours. Preferably, if you have time, it would be best to allow the fudge to chill overnight to properly set.

There You Have It!

At last, beautiful butter fudge with candied pecans! Trust me when I say, patience most definitely pays off in the long run for this recipe. Each bite is packed with depths of rich flavor that leaves you wanting more. The candied pecans are really able to shine through and add a subtle, sweet crunch to the creamy fudge, It truly is the perfect treat for fall!

Whether I’m cooking or baking, I always use Santé Nuts for flavorful walnuts, almonds and pecans. I’ve been using the brands’ nuts in my recipes for almost three years now and I couldn’t love them more. Santé Nuts is a family-owned company that has been crafting crave-worthy snacks since 2004. Each one of their varieties is individually roasted and hand seasoned, one batch at a time. This ensures that every nut is perfectly crunchy and flavored.

You’ll find Santé Nuts scattered throughout my blog. From savory recipes, such as my Walnut & Pea Pesto Pasta Salad, to sweet treats, like my Almond Butter and Chocolate Cups and Gluten-Free Pear and Walnut Tart. Their uniquely flavored nuts pair beautifully with countless recipes. And, they’re continuously adding more flavors to the mix!

If you’re not yet convinced, be sure to check out Santé Nuts yourself! Use the code BOTTOMLESSPIT’ for 15% off your order and see for yourself just how addicting each one of their nuts are! Plus, finds more recipes below if you need inspiration on how to best utilize their walnuts, almonds and pecans:

• Garlic Almonds: These irresistible, savory almonds are my go-to for snacking but also make for the perfect crunchy element in my Lemony Asparagus Risotto recipe.
• Candied Pecans: There are so many ways to use these nuts in your cooking and baking! For sweet inspiration, check out this Gluten-Free Pecan Crusted Mini Key Lime Pies. Or utilize them in salads, like this Radicchio Salad with Pecans.

You can also check out my Instagram for more gluten-free recipes featuring Santé Nuts!