The Creamiest Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe for Sweet Tooths

A melt-in-your-mouth butter pecan fudge whispers sweet promises of indulgence.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each creamy, nutty bite.

Southern charm meets confectionery magic in this delectable treat that promises pure bliss.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, dancing alongside rich, velvety butter in perfect harmony.

Some desserts simply capture your heart from the first taste.

Impressing guests with this simple yet luxurious confection that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Each square tells a story of comfort and pure deliciousness.

You won’t be able to resist making this irresistible fudge again and again.

Why Butter Pecan Fudge Is Buttery Bliss in a Bite

• Elevate Flavor Complexity: Brown butter introduces a deep, nutty undertone that transforms ordinary fudge into a gourmet experience, creating layers of rich, caramelized sweetness that dance on your taste buds.
• Craft Textural Perfection: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch against the creamy, smooth white chocolate base, delivering a satisfying contrast that makes each bite interesting and memorable.
• Quick and Easy Indulgence: This no-bake dessert comes together in under 30 minutes, requiring minimal cooking skills and offering maximum deliciousness – perfect for busy home bakers wanting a luxurious treat without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gifting, potlucks, or family gatherings, this fudge travels well, stores easily, and appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of sweet and nutty flavors.

Everything You’ll Need for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Butter: Rich, nutty base for creating deep flavor and smooth texture in the fudge. Choose unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy binding agent that adds sweetness and helps create a smooth fudge consistency.

• White Chocolate Chips: Provides sweet, creamy foundation for the fudge. Look for high-quality chips for best melting and flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, rich background flavor that complements the pecans and brown butter.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, subtle spice that enhances the nutty flavors.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Adds crunch, texture, and rich nutty flavor. Toast for enhanced depth and aroma. Choose fresh, whole pecans for best quality.

How to Create Butter Pecan Fudge Smoothly

Step 1: Create Nutty Brown Butter

Grab a roomy saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Gently melt butter, swirling and watching carefully. As the butter transforms, it will develop a rich golden hue and release an intoxicating nutty fragrance. Once it reaches a beautiful caramel color, remove from heat and let it cool down.

Step 2: Perfectly Toast Pecans

• Pecans
• Butter
• Parchment paper

Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Melt butter and toss pecans to coat evenly. Spread the buttery nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into an oven preheated to 300°F and toast until they’re beautifully golden and fragrant. After cooling slightly, roughly chop the pecans.

Step 3: Craft Smooth Fudge Base

• White chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Brown butter
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Toasted pecans

In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cooled brown butter. Warm gently, stirring constantly until everything melts into a silky smooth mixture. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in the toasted pecans, creating a delightful texture.

Step 4: Set and Chill Fudge

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Use another parchment sheet to smooth the top, creating a pristine surface. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm and slice-ready.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once completely set, lift the fudge out using parchment paper edges. Slice into bite-sized squares. For the most luxurious experience, let the fudge sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Fudge

• Boost Brown Butter Flavor: Carefully brown butter to develop a rich, nutty essence that elevates the entire fudge's depth and complexity.
• Perfectly Toast Pecans: Spread pecans evenly on the baking sheet and stir occasionally to ensure uniform toasting without burning, creating a crunchy, aromatic texture.
• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Maintain low, steady heat while melting white chocolate and stir continuously to create a smooth, silky fudge consistency without lumps.
• Achieve Ideal Cutting Texture: Let fudge sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, precise cuts.
• Store Smartly: Keep fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain optimal quality.

Butter Pecan Fudge FAQ Guide

• What makes brown butter special in this fudge recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that elevates the traditional fudge. By slowly heating butter until it turns golden, you create a complex, caramel-like taste that transforms the entire dessert.

• Why do I need to toast the pecans?

Toasting pecans intensifies their natural flavor and creates a deeper, more robust nuttiness. It also adds a delightful crunch and helps release the pecans’ natural oils, making them more aromatic and flavorful in the fudge.

• Can I use different types of chocolate instead of white chocolate?

While the recipe is specifically designed for white chocolate, you could experiment with milk or dark chocolate. However, changing the chocolate will significantly alter the fudge’s flavor profile and texture, so proceed with caution and expect different results.

• How do I know when the brown butter is perfectly done?

Look for a golden brown color and a nutty, caramel-like aroma. The butter will also have small brown specks at the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to burn it, as that can create a bitter taste.

Store and Reheat Butter Pecan Fudge the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store the butter pecan fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thaw: Transfer frozen fudge to the refrigerator overnight to slowly defrost. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy softness.
• Serve: Enjoy the fudge slightly chilled or at room temperature. The flavors become more pronounced as it warms, releasing the rich brown butter and toasted pecan notes.

Pair It Up: What Goes with Butter Pecan Fudge

• Pair with Warm Bourbon: Sip a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon that complements the nutty, rich brown butter and toasted pecan flavors in the fudge. The whiskey's warmth and oakiness will enhance the dessert's sweet complexity.
• Match with Coffee Liqueur: Enjoy a chilled shot of coffee liqueur alongside the fudge. The deep roasted coffee notes will harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon and buttery undertones, creating a decadent after-dinner treat.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a slice of fudge with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth texture and pure vanilla flavor will provide a delightful contrast to the dense, rich fudge.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a hot, fragrant chai tea with its warming spices like cardamom and ginger. The tea's gentle heat and aromatic profile will wonderfully echo the cinnamon and nutty elements in the butter pecan fudge.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Butter Pecan Fudge

• Salted Caramel Pecan Fudge: Replace white chocolate chips with caramel chips, sprinkle sea salt on top after pouring into the pan, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a rich, decadent version.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Fudge: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon and 1/4 cup maple syrup to the mixture, creating a sophisticated adult-friendly treat with deep, complex flavors.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Pecan Fudge: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips and mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder for a bold, intense coffee-chocolate experience.
• Coconut Rum Pecan Fudge: Incorporate 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes and 2 tablespoons of rum into the recipe, giving the fudge a tropical, vacation-inspired profile.

Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm fills this butter pecan fudge recipe with irresistible comfort. Creamy caramel notes and crunchy pecans create a melt-in-your-mouth dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 bags white chocolate chips (12 ounces/340 grams each)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces/397 grams)
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Butter and Seasoning:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Touches:

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Transform unsalted butter into a rich, amber-hued liquid by gently heating in a spacious saucepan. Swirl and monitor until the butter develops a deep golden shade and releases an enticing, nutty fragrance. Allow the brown butter to cool and rest.
2. In a separate skillet, melt remaining butter and envelop chopped pecans completely. Transfer pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast in a preheated oven until they acquire a delicate, toasted complexion. Once cooled, roughly chop the pecans into rustic pieces.
3. Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan. Introduce the cooled brown butter and apply gentle heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend.
4. Incorporate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the molten mixture. Fold in the toasted pecan fragments, ensuring even distribution throughout the fudge base.
5. Prepare an 8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal. Pour the fudge mixture, smoothing the surface with a spatula or additional parchment sheet.
6. Refrigerate the fudge for approximately 3 hours, or until it achieves a solid, slice-able consistency. Once set, lift the fudge from the dish using parchment edges and cut into bite-sized squares.
7. Store the fudge in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Before serving, allow the squares to soften at room temperature to enhance their creamy texture and nutty flavor profile.

Notes

• Brown the butter carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire fudge’s taste profile without burning the milk solids.
• Toast pecans gently to enhance their natural oils and create a deeper, more complex nutty crunch that complements the sweet fudge base.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for smoother melting and a more luxurious texture that prevents graininess in the final product.
• Allow fudge to reach room temperature before serving to ensure the best mouthfeel and release of intricate flavor nuances developed during browning and toasting processes.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg