Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe

Butter pecan fudge is a rich buttery, creamy fudge that is amazingly decadent and the perfect gift for the holidays.

And, the pecan fudge prep is easy and turns out amazing every time.

A Decadent Butter Fudge

Butter pecan fudge cut up and sitting on the counter.

If you love decadent desserts with pecans, you will adore this fudge. I can’t even explain just how good it is.

One bite and the fudge melts in your mouth. The creamy texture along with the crunchy toasted pecans will have you hooked immediately.

Fudge is a wonderful gift for the holiday season if you can part with it!

A piece of butter pecan fudge on parchment paper.

What Ingredients Do You Need For Butter Pecan Fudge?

  • Toasted pecans
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

How Do I Make The Easy Fudge Recipe?

  1. Toast the pecans and set them aside.
  2. Add the butter to the saucepan, on medium heat, and melt.
  3. Next, add the brown and white granulated sugar and mix well.
  4. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and the cream and mix.
  5. Bring the recipe to a boil and boil for four minutes. Stir occasionally while it cooks. (See pictures below).
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar.
  7. Add the pecans and mix, pour into a baking dish, and sprinkle a few more chopped pecans on top.
  8. Allow the fudge to set up for at least three hours.

How To Make The Fudge

Buttered Pecans

Toasting chopped pecans in a saucepan.

Throw a couple of tablespoons of butter into a skillet and add the chopped pecans. Toast them in the butter for about five minutes.

This adds a wonderful butter flavor to the pecans.

Fudge

Melting butter in a saucepan.

Grab a saucepan and put it on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.

Melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a saucepan.

Next, add the brown and granulated white sugar to the saucepan and mix.

When you combine the two sugars in the fudge, it gives a wonderfully sweet taste that is perfect for your sweet tooth.

Pouring heavy cream into the fudge saucepan.

Pour the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract into the pan and mix well.

Four pictures of boiling sugar and butter.

Turn the burner up to medium-high or high heat and bring the butter and sugar mixture to a boil. Once it reaches the boiling point (picture number 3), start timing it for four minutes.

Stir occasionally while it cooks.

I added the four pictures so you could see how it evolves in the boiling process.

Typically, when you’re making fudge, you want to bring the hot mixture to a temperature of 234-degrees before removing from the heat.

For this recipe, you don’t need need to use a candy thermometer (that’s hard for me to say because I always use one with fudge). Just keep track of the time.

I usually get my fudge to a full rolling boil before timing it, but I did that once before with this recipe and it came out super crumbly.

So, start your four-minute timer when your fudge looks like picture number three. You can see there’s still a bit of the mixture not boiling at the edge of the pan.

Powdered sugar and fudge in a pan.

Once the fudge reaches the four-minute mark, take it off of the heat and stir in the powdered sugar.

There will be a few lumps, so I use a whisk to try and get most of them out.

You can also use a whisk in the powdered sugar before you add it to the butter, just be sure to do that before you start the recipe so it’s ready to pour in.

If you have a few little lumps, that’s ok, because once the fudge sets up it will all be absorbed.

Toasted pecans added to fudge mixture.

Finally, add the toasted pecans to the mixture and stir until combined.

Butter pecan fudge in a baking dish.

Pour the butter pecan fudge into a baking dish and sprinkle a few more pecans on the top of the fudge.

For best results, allow it to set up for at least three hours.

I used some parchment paper in the dish to help take it out when it sets up. It’s not necessary, but it helps to be able to lift the fudge up, take it out, and cut it up a little more easily.

As you can see in the picture above, I got a little impatient and didn’t wait until the fudge completely set up (gee, I am never impatient with fudge, ha!) and I made the top crack a little.

It doesn’t hurt a thing, it just doesn’t look as pretty. It still tastes just as fantastic.

I used a smaller dish for this recipe because I like my fudge good and thick. But, you can use a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish and you’ll get more pieces out of it.

Butter pecan fudge cut into pieces on parchment paper.

Once the fudge sets up you can cut it into 1-inch squares for sharing.

This is honestly one of the most delicious fudge recipes I’ve ever eaten. I don’t usually like nuts in my fudge, but these pecans make this taste incredible.

The buttery fudge combined with the crunch of the pecans is out of this world amazing.

It’s one of the best candy recipes. The wonderful holiday treat is a great gift for teachers, friends, neighbors, co-workers or any of your favorite people.

It’s super-duper rich and creamy and some of the best fudge recipes you’ll ever eat.

How Do I Store The Butter Pecan Fudge Recipe?

You can store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. You can place it in the refrigerator but it will make it more crumbly.

How Long Does Homemade Fudge Last?

Homemade fudge will last about two to three weeks if kept refrigerated. If you leave it on the counter it will last about one week. In either case, keep it in an airtight container.

Do You Need Butter For Fudge?

If you make fudge in the traditional way it does require butter.

How Do I Cut Fudge Without Breaking It?

Make sure to bring the fudge to room temperature. Heat a sharp knife before cutting the fudge by running it under hot water. Carefully dry the knife and then cut the fudge.

A piece of butter pecan fudge

More delicious fudge recipes:

There are so many different flavors of fudge out there, but here are a few to get you started for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

  • Old fashioned fudge recipe with peanut butter is one of my favorite recipes on the blog. It uses real peanut butter.
  • Tiger butter fudge is actually one of the easiest fudge recipes I’ve ever made and it turns out beautiful. Be sure to go over to that post and look at the pics.
  • This chocolate fudge recipe has been one of my most popular recipes on the blog and it’s a hit around the holidays.
  • This peanut butter fudge recipe really is to die for. It’s a fun recipe because it uses peanut butter chips instead of peanut butter for a much sweeter taste. You get the nutty flavor along with the creamy rich fudge.
  • Cake batter fudge is another easy recipe that turns out fun because you can add any type of sprinkles to the mix! And, it uses cake batter. Who knew?
  • Reese’s peanut butter fudge is a rich and creamy peanut butter fudge with Reese’s Pieces. It’s another super easy recipe.
  • Dark chocolate fudge with sea salt is a wonderful addition to the holidays. It’s easy to make and adds a different flavor to the season.
A piece of butter pecan fudge on parchment paper.

Delectable Pecan Recipes

  • Praline pecans are easy to make and everyone falls in love with the recipe.
  • Pecan pie cobbler is a must-have around the holidays. It’s great for Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert–and it feeds a lot of people.
  • Pecan cinnamon roll recipe will feed a lot of people for breakfast. And, there’s no waiting for it to rise.
  • Pecan pie brownies are super duper decadent. You get the best of both worlds in a brownie and pecan pie.
  • Stovetop candied pecans are great for snacking during those holiday parties.

Easy Butter Pecan Fudge

Check out the recipe card below, grab those ingredients, and start cooking! This is a wonderfully decadent dessert and I think you’ll love the sweetness of the fudge.

Then, share your comments below and share a picture of your fudge on the Pinterest Pin!  If you made any changes or added something different, be sure to share it with us so we can try it, too!

Butter pecan fudge cut into pieces on parchment paper.

Butter Pecan Fudge

4.41 from 118 votes
Julie Pollitt
Butter pecan fudge is a rich buttery, creamy fudge that is amazingly decadent and the perfect gift for the holidays. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Additional Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 19 minutes
Course Fudge
Cuisine American
Servings 48 pieces
Calories 204 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups toasted pecans + 2 Tbsp.
  • 1 cup butter 2 sticks + 2 Tbsp.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1-1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Toast the two cups of pecans with two tablespoons of butter for five minutes and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, add the two sticks of butter and melt on medium-high heat.
  • After the butter melts, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and mix well.
  • Add the heavy whipping cream, salt, and vanilla extract and mix well.
  • Turn the temperature to medium-high to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the mixture starts to boil, start the timer for four minutes. Stir occasionally while it cooks.
  • When the timer reaches four minutes, take the fudge off of the burner, add the powdered sugar, and mix well.
  • Finally, add the two cups of chopped pecans and stir.
  • Pour the fudge into a baking pan, sprinkle the two tablespoons of chopped pecans on top, and allow it to set up for at least three hours.
  • Slice the fudge into little squares.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 24mgSugar: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Find more delicious recipes at Julia’s Simply Southern, and South Your Mouth.

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4.41 from 118 votes (115 ratings without comment)

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61 Comments

  1. I just love all your recipes! My mother made old-fashioned fudge (no marshmallow cream) and also the same with peanut butter, which was really rich and creamy…kind of like an early Reese peanut butter cup without the cup! I’ve looked for years for a recipe similar but with no luck. Mama, bless her soul, had no recipes….for anything!! She was quite the cook but left no legacy for a daughter who had to “wing” it in the kitchen. When she started using marshmallow cream for her fudge, it didn’t set well with me because there’s just no substitute for the old-fashioned kind! Thanks for any ideas you or your subscribers have.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Gwen,

      I love to hear that about your mom. Sounds like she was a wonderful cook! Thank you so much for the sweet words and for sharing your memories!

  2. Sheila Herndon says:

    Do you need to refridgerate it for it to set?

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Sheila,

      You don’t have to, but it will set up faster if you do.

  3. Do you stir it at all while it’s boiling? It looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it!!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Suzanne,
      You can stir it on occasion. I hope you love it!

  4. I made this today-it was easy and delicious!!! I like that directions were very specific(I don’t have a thermometer) I timed it 4 min after boiling like it said and it came out perfect-I have tried to make fudge before and sometimes it comes out crumbly : ( NOT THIS ONE!!!!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Awesome! I love to hear that! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  5. first time fudge maker and it was a fail. I read the recipe only and it did not say “to stir while cooking or “do not stir while cooking”, so i didnt and I had a pot of scorched brown blob.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Oh no! I am so sorry. I will go add that to the recipe. I am terribly sorry! I hope you try again. It’s so worth it.

  6. Just got done making this fudge – omg, delicious. I followed directions to the T and was not disappointed! Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. You’re welcome. I am quite a little piggy with this fudge, lol!

    2. Jodie Waller says:

      @Jui love..loce..loce the butter pecan fufge..gave made it 3 times in the past few weeks..how can I convert this recipe to make a chocolate version of thus..would that be possible thanks
      jodie Pollitt,

      1. Julie Pollitt says:

        Hi! I think it’s possible. I would keep the recipe the same, but add about 6 oz. of chocolate chips after you add the powdered sugar. I’m going to have to try it. What a great idea!

      2. Sandra Cook says:

        @

        You needd to put how much to add with the ingredients

        1. Julie Pollitt says:

          Hi Sandra, I would only add 6 oz. of chocolate chips with all of the other ingredients that are listed in the recipe for chocolate fudge. Hopefully, that will work. I haven’t made it with chocolate before.

  7. This recipe is not what you show in the video for butter pecan fudge… you used only powdered sugar….?

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Lorio,

      It calls for granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. If you scroll to the bottom of the post, you’ll find the recipe card and you can print it out. It will have all of the ingredients, measurements, and instructions. Enjoy!

    2. JoAnn Salvisberg says:

      @Julie Pollitt, thanks for sharing this delectable treat. I hadn’t roasted pecans before, and am now a fan of the flavor. Unfortunately after leaving overnight mine is still too soft and gooey. Any idea what might have gone wrong? I have now got it in the fridge.

      1. Julie Pollitt says:

        Hi JoAnn, I so glad to hear you love the roasted pecans! Did you let the fudge get close to a full rolling boil before starting the timer? Sometimes taking it off too soon can make it not set up. Sometimes fudge can just be fickle and not set up because of the weather. Is it better now that you have it in the fridge?

  8. glenna cox says:

    Looks like something I want to make.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hope you love it! It’s rich and decadent!

  9. I made this tonight following the directions word for word. It came out perfect! I wouldn’t change a thing.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Awesome! I love to hear that!

  10. 5 stars
    I made this tonight following the directions word for word. Without a thermometer, I timed my 4 minutes of boiling as best as I could. The fudge came out beautifully and tasted divine.

  11. Really good flavor but I just cannot get it to set up. I tried letting it set in the freezer but not much luck.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Casey, I’m sorry it didn’t set up. Was it super liquidy? Did it set up at all? It might have needed to cook a little more. Fudge can be fickle sometimes.

    2. @Casey, just warm it a bit in the microwave and serve it over Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice cream!

  12. Made this today & it turned out great! I have put it in the fridge bc I live in north Fla. The humidity was 100% today. Didn’t think it would work out, so glad it did! Merry Christmas to all❣

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Julie,

      Yes, I’m down here in Florida, too and it’s hot! I am so glad you like it! Merry Christmas to you, as well. 🙂

  13. The fudge tastes amazing, but it is gooey soft. Can you suggest a fix? Can it be recooked? I really need it to be stable at room temps (I’m in Florida and was 79 degrees today)

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Mikki, it’s probably too late now. I see you asked last night. Sorry I didn’t see it then! You can recook it some more. Or, you can try to place it in the refrigerator. Sometimes that helps. I’m down here in hot Florida, also.

  14. Should this be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature?

    I like to keep it at room temperature because it keeps the fudge soft.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Nicole,

      You can store this at room temperature or in the fridge. Either one will work.

  15. Miz Helen says:

    Your Butter Pecan Fudge looks so creamy and delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday, 567 and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
    Miz Helen

  16. Tina Little says:

    Wow wow wow!! These are AMAZING!! I will be making these for gifts!!!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      That’s great to hear! So glad you love them. They do make wonderful gifts. 🙂

  17. Made this today followed recipe to the t .it doesn’t look like yours didn’t set up good and its so sweet you can’t eat it.but it does have a good taste.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi D. King, so glad it tasted good! Sometimes fudge can just be fickle. Give it a try again. 🙂

  18. Hi – this is delectable recipe and it’s so addictive! Thank you for sharing. I followed the instructions pretty perfectly, but my fudge is “grainy” in texture and taste. Any suggestions?

    1. @Julie Pollitt, what size pan do you use? The recipe doesn’t say.

      1. Julie Pollitt says:

        Sorry about that! I will go in and fix it. I used a 7” x 11” pan. But you can use a 9 x 9 or a 9 x 13. Any of those will work it will just make the fudge a little thicker or a little thinner.

  19. Try mixing the following ingredients for a really great fudge that everyone I know loves.

    1 14 oz can condenced milk
    2 1 3 cups any chocolate chips
    1. Cup chopped, toasted nuts

    Pour condenced milk into micro wave bowl, heat for 75 seconds
    Add the chocolate chips let sit while the nuts are “roasting” in the micro wave
    Oven for 110 seconds, while the nuts are roasting beat the fudge until smooth
    When nuts are done quickly add to fudge and stir until well mixed pour into a buttered or sprayed 8″×8″ pan smooth out and let cool. Delicious

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Sounds delicious!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      I used a pan that is a couple of inches smaller than 9×13-inches. But, 9×13 will work great.

  20. This the best thing I have made in years and I bake constantly.
    My family and work friends enjoy my love for baking, but this was the first time I have made fudge in years because honestly I did not personally crave it.

    That has changed.

    Turns out I just don’t like plain typical choc fudge.

    There is NOTHING plain about this stuff and it was devoured.
    HIGHLY recommend this recipe…just as written.

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Love to hear this!

  21. How much powder sugar vanilla and whipping cream do you use?

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Jessie,

      If you scroll to the bottom of the post you will see all of the measurements. And you can print it out. Hope you love the fudge!

  22. Can you make half a recipe?

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      You can. I would just cut all the ingredients in half and use an 8×8 inch pan.

  23. That’s alot of sugar, finding it quite sweet, is there anything I can do

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Hi Marion,

      You can add 1/4 teaspoon more of salt to the recipe to help balance out the sweetness. You can also try to add some more pecans to the recipe and see if that helps.

  24. 5 stars
    This fudge turned out perfect! It has a beautiful silky finish and is setting up perfectly. The only adjustments I made was to cook it two minutes longer than recommended and I beat in the powdered sugar with a mixer as I am making this as part of a gift and didn’t want to chance the lumps would dissolve in the fudge as it set. Great recipe! Thanks!

  25. I’ve made this twice now this Christmas season (2023) and it’s arguably the most delicious sweet I’ve ever eaten. The second time I roasted the pecans in the saucepan I was going to cook the fudge in. I also browned the butter a bit. It made for an even deeper buttery pecan flavor. This one is definitely going into my regular Christmas candy making routine!

    1. Julie Pollitt says:

      Love to hear that and so glad you liked it!