Description
Maple Butter Pecan Fudge is a rich and creamy homemade treat combining the natural sweetness of maple syrup with buttery, toasted pecans. This classic confection has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty crunch, making it an irresistible dessert or gift during holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Base
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (Toast in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until fragrant)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the fudge once it’s set.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the maple syrup, heavy cream, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and salt.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil to dissolve the sugar and combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage), which ensures proper fudge consistency.
- Cool slightly: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes to cool slightly without stirring, allowing the temperature to stabilize.
- Add vanilla and pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans thoroughly into the warm fudge mixture.
- Pour and spread: Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Set the fudge: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for approximately 2 hours until it is fully set and firm.
- Cut and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the dish. Cut into 16 equal pieces and serve or store.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic flavor.
- Be sure to toast the pecans to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- The soft-ball stage is critical; use a reliable candy thermometer for accuracy.
- For easier cutting, you can refrigerate the fudge for 30 minutes after it sets at room temperature.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer keeping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop cooking, candy making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1.5 inch square)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Maple syrup fudge, pecan fudge, homemade fudge, soft ball stage fudge, holiday fudge recipe
