Homemade Classic Fudge with Toasted Pecans
A smooth, creamy homemade fudge infused with vanilla and studded with toasted pecans for a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, (113g) unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Toast 1 cup chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup evaporated milk, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil.
- Step 3: Once boiling, cook the mixture while stirring constantly for 4 minutes to reach the soft-ball stage (234-240°F), then remove from heat immediately.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup marshmallow cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Quickly fold in the toasted pecans, then pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Step 6: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 3 hours or until firm before cutting into small squares and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homemade Classic Fudge with Toasted Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Homemade Classic Fudge with Toasted Pecans?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Homemade Classic Fudge with Toasted Pecans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Homemade Classic Fudge with Toasted Pecans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Homemade Classic Fudge with Toasted Pecans?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
