Indulge yourself in a world of sweet and nutty flavor with the butter pecan fudge delight. This luscious treat is not just a dessert, it's an experience. The rich and creamy fudge, combined with the crunch of toasted pecans, creates a harmony of textures and flavors that's just irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual dessert nights, this recipe will surely become a favorite.
This recipe calls for toasted pecans, which might not be a pantry staple for everyone. You can easily find them in the nut or baking aisle of any supermarket. If not, you can also toast raw pecans yourself at home. Just bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and fragrant. Be sure to keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
Ingredients Required for the Butter Pecan Fudge Delight
Butter: Adds depth and richness to the fudge. It also helps in achieving the right consistency.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fudge and contributes to its smooth texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and a moist, dense structure to the fudge.
Heavy whipping cream: Gives the fudge its creamy, velvety texture. It also adds richness to the flavor.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the fudge.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Helps thicken the fudge and adds to its sweetness.
Toasted pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the fudge.
One reader, Gerti Nolasco says:
This butter pecan fudge delight recipe is a game-changer! The fudge turned out incredibly creamy and the toasted pecans added the perfect crunch. It was a hit with my family and friends. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Techniques Required for Making Butter Pecan Fudge Delight
How to toast pecans: Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly darker in color. Allow them to cool before using in the recipe.
How to line a pan with parchment paper: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, leaving some overhang on the sides. Press the paper into the pan, smoothing out any wrinkles. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out of the pan once it's set.
How to monitor temperature without stirring: Use a candy thermometer and attach it to the side of the pot, ensuring that the tip is not touching the bottom. This will allow you to monitor the temperature of the fudge mixture without stirring, which can affect the accuracy of the reading.
How to cool fudge mixture to 110 degrees: Place the pot with the fudge mixture in a bowl of cold water or ice to speed up the cooling process. Stir the mixture occasionally to help distribute the heat and cool it down evenly.
How to store fudge: Place the cut fudge pieces between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together and to maintain their freshness. Keep the container in a cool, dry place.
How To Make Butter Pecan Fudge
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspbutter,(plus ½ cup), cubed
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- ½cupbrown sugar,packed
- ½cupheavy whipping cream
- ⅛tspsalt
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2cupspowdered sugar,sifted
- 1cuptoasted pecans,coarsely chopped
Instructions
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Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper; set aside.
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In a medium pot, combine buter, sugars, whipping cream and salt. Stir constantly until it becomes a rapid boil. Monitor temp (without stirring) until thermometer reads 234 degrees F.
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Remove from heat and add vanilla (without stirring).
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Cool mixture to about 110 degrees (may take up to 30 minutes). Beat with spoon until fudge mixture starts to thicken.
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Slowly stir in powdered sugar until smooth. Add nuts and continue stirring until fudge is thick and loses sheen.
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Spread into prepared pan. Pat off excess butter on top if necessary and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Using parchment paper, lift fudge out of pan, and cut fudge into squares. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Calories: 171.05kcal
- Fat: 7.44g
- Saturated Fat: 2.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.38g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.45g
- Carbohydrates: 26.76g
- Fiber: 0.59g
- Sugar: 25.79g
- Protein: 0.73g
- Cholesterol: 10.82mg
- Sodium: 22.68mg
- Calcium: 13.25mg
- Potassium: 37.86mg
- Iron: 0.20mg
- Vitamin A: 32.78µg
- Vitamin C: 0.11mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Butter Pecan Fudge Delight
When toasting your pecans, be sure to keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're slightly darkened and have a rich, nutty aroma. This will enhance the flavor of your butter pecan fudge delight.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Fudge Delight
Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to avoid last-minute searches.
Organize your workspace: Clear your workspace and organize all the ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-toasted pecans: Save time by using pre-toasted pecans, or toast a large batch in advance and store them for future use.
Chill the fudge quickly: Place the fudge in the freezer for a shorter cooling time, ensuring it sets faster.
Double the batch: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra fudge for later enjoyment.
Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer to beat the fudge mixture, saving time and effort compared to hand mixing.
Cut with a warm knife: Dip the knife in hot water before cutting the fudge to achieve clean, smooth cuts without sticking.
Substitute Ingredients For Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter in this recipe, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy whipping cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the fudge delight.
Presenting Butter Pecan Fudge Delight
Elevate the plating: When presenting the butter pecan fudge delight, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and minimalistic plating to showcase the fudge as the star of the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a textural element to the plate by adding a crunchy element, such as a delicate tuile or a sprinkle of crushed candied pecans. This will provide a delightful contrast to the smooth and creamy fudge.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the fudge to stand out. By strategically leaving areas of the plate empty, you can draw attention to the exquisite simplicity of the dessert.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the presentation by delicately garnishing the fudge with a dusting of edible gold leaf or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce. These subtle accents will elevate the overall aesthetic.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a pristine, high-quality plate that complements the colors of the fudge and enhances its visual appeal. Opt for a neutral-toned plate to allow the fudge to take center stage.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the fudge is positioned thoughtfully and with precision. This meticulous approach demonstrates a commitment to culinary excellence.
Add a touch of sophistication: Elevate the presentation by incorporating a small quenelle of vanilla bean whipped cream on the side, adding a touch of elegance and a hint of complementary flavor to the fudge.
Create a visual focal point: Arrange the fudge in a manner that creates a captivating visual focal point on the plate. Consider layering the fudge squares or arranging them in a geometric pattern to captivate the eye.
Balance the composition: Strive for a balanced composition on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is visually harmonious. Pay attention to the arrangement of elements to create an aesthetically pleasing display.
Highlight the fudge's natural beauty: Let the fudge speak for itself by focusing on highlighting its natural beauty. Avoid overwhelming the plate with excessive garnishes, allowing the fudge to shine through its simplicity.
Essential Tools for Making Fudge Delight
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the 8x8-in. pan to prevent the fudge from sticking and to make it easier to remove from the pan.
- Medium pot: A medium pot is used to cook the fudge mixture over the stovetop.
- Candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is used to monitor the temperature of the fudge mixture to ensure it reaches 234 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spoon: A spoon is used to beat and stir the fudge mixture as it cools and thickens.
- 8x8-in. pan: An 8x8-inch pan is used to set the fudge mixture and allow it to cool and set.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients and beat the fudge mixture until smooth.
- Waxed paper: Waxed paper is used to store the cut fudge squares in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Storing and Freezing Butter Pecan Fudge Delight
Let the fudge cool completely before storing or freezing. This will help prevent condensation from forming on the surface, which can cause the fudge to become sticky or soggy.
To store the butter pecan fudge delight, cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. Separate each layer with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the fudge from sticking together.
Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The fudge will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
If you want to keep the fudge for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece of fudge individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. The butter pecan fudge will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw the frozen fudge, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Once thawed, the fudge may have a slightly different texture than when it was fresh, but it will still be delicious. If you notice any condensation on the surface of the fudge, gently blot it with a paper towel before serving.
Interesting Fact About Butter Pecan Fudge Delight
The butter pecan fudge delight recipe is a classic Southern treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, pecans, and creamy fudge. It's a perfect indulgence for those with a sweet tooth. This delightful treat is often enjoyed during the holiday season and is a popular choice for homemade gifts. The combination of butter, sugar, and toasted pecans creates a decadent and irresistible flavor that is sure to please anyone who tries it. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a special treat, this butter pecan fudge delight is a delicious and satisfying dessert option.
Is Making Butter Pecan Fudge Delight at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this butter pecan fudge delight recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While butter, sugar, and pecans can be relatively affordable, the use of heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract may increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe could be rated a 7/10 for taste and indulgence. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, factoring in the cost of ingredients and the quantity produced.
Is Butter Pecan Fudge Delight Healthy or Unhealthy?
This butter pecan fudge delight recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - butter, heavy cream, and sugars - are all high in saturated fats and added sugars, which can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues when consumed in excess. The recipe also lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals that could provide nutritional benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a lower-fat dairy option, such as half-and-half or evaporated milk, instead of heavy cream
- Incorporate some whole grain flour or oats to add fiber and nutrients
- Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for additional flavor and nutrition
- Experiment with using a portion of the nuts to make a nut butter, which can help create a creamy texture with healthy fats
By making these adjustments, you can create a treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth but with a slightly more balanced nutritional profile. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying indulgent desserts like this one.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Fudge Recipe
The butter pecan fudge delight recipe is a delightful indulgence that combines the rich flavors of butter, pecans, and creamy fudge. The use of toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the fudge, while the combination of sugars and vanilla creates a perfect balance of sweetness. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can create this delectable treat. This fudge is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of this delightful fudge!
Enhance Your Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe:
This delightful butter pecan fudge recipe is a tried and true classic, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a perfect balance of granulated and brown sugar, and the rich creaminess of heavy whipping cream, this recipe promises a decadent treat. The addition of toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Trust in the meticulous process of boiling the mixture to the precise temperature and allowing it to cool to the perfect consistency. Indulge in the rich, velvety texture and the irresistible aroma of vanilla extract. This recipe is a testament to the art of fudge-making, ensuring a delectable result every time.
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