There’s something irresistibly cozy about a fudge that’s rich, creamy, and packed with a satisfying crunch. This Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe does exactly that—it’s like a festive hug in every bite, combining smooth dark chocolate with toasty pecans that will have you reaching for more.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made plenty of fudge over the years, but this Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe stands out because it balances silky chocolate and marshmallow fluff with the perfect crunch of pecans. It’s just simple enough for a busy day but impressive enough for gift-giving and get-togethers.
- Simple yet impressive: The ingredients are easy to find, but the result tastes like something you spent hours perfecting.
- Perfect texture: Creamy and smooth with just the right nutty crunch, thanks to fresh pecans.
- Versatile and shareable: Cut it into squares or triangles—you’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
- Great for gifts: Makes thoughtful, homemade presents that friends and family will love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a key part in creating the magic of this Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe. Using quality dark chocolate chips and fresh pecans really elevates the flavor. I recommend grabbing gluten-free dark chocolate chips if you want a safer option, and don’t skip the evaporated milk—it gives the fudge that luscious creaminess.
- Granulated sugar: The sweet backbone that dissolves smoothly into the mixture.
- Marshmallow fluff: A secret weapon for extra creaminess and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Provides depth of flavor and a rich, velvety base for the fudge.
- Crushed pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty note that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Butter: Essential for richness and helps bind the fudge together.
- Evaporated milk: Intensifies the creaminess without watering down the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with warmth and aroma.
Make It Your Way
While I love the classic pecan and dark chocolate combo, I often play around by swapping in some toasted walnuts or even adding dried cranberries for a tart twist. Feel free to tweak this Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe to suit your mood or occasion—it's pretty forgiving and always delicious.
- Variation: I once made this fudge with a sprinkle of sea salt on top before it set—it was a game changer that added a subtle salty balance to the sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep your pans
Start by greasing two 9x13 inch pans, or better yet, line them with parchment paper for easy removal later. I always prefer parchment because it peels the fudge cleanly without sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Melt and mix the base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter along with the evaporated milk over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar, keeping the mixture moving for about 4 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves. This part is critical to avoid grainy fudge, so be patient—you’ll notice the mixture getting smoother with steady stirring.
Step 3: Add chocolate and vanilla
Lower the heat slightly and gently stir in the dark chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts fully into that velvety base. Don’t rush here; this silky phase makes all the difference in texture.
Step 4: Fold in fluff and pecans
Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the marshmallow fluff until it’s completely mixed in—this gives the fudge its light, airy richness. Right after, fold in the crushed pecans. If the mixture starts to thicken too fast, pop it back on low heat briefly while stirring to keep it workable.
Step 5: Pour and chill
Pour the luscious fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pans. Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour, then slice into your favorite shapes—squares or triangles work beautifully!
Top Tip
From my many fudge attempts, I’ve found these simple tips make your Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe come out perfect every time—smooth, creamy, and easy to cut.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan: Distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching the sugar mixture.
- Keep stirring constantly: Especially when melting sugar and chocolate to avoid grainy texture or burnt bits.
- Don’t skip parchment paper: Makes cleanup easier and keeps fudge pieces intact when removing.
- Cool completely before cutting: Patience pays off for clean slices without crumbles.
How to Serve Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans on top right after pouring the fudge into the pan—it looks inviting and ups the crunch factor. Another favorite is a light dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold flakes when serving for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this fudge with a cup of hot coffee or a bold black tea to balance the sweetness. At holiday parties, it’s nice alongside spiced nuts or even a tangy cheese platter for a sweet-and-savory snack combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, I like to stack individual fudge squares in a pretty tin lined with wax paper and tie with a rustic ribbon. For parties, arranging the fudge on a wooden board with small labels about the ingredients gives a charming, homemade feel that guests appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve kept fudge fresh like this for up to a week without losing softness or flavor. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works fine; just bring fudge to room temp before eating for best texture.
Freezing
This fudge freezes really well. I wrap pieces individually in parchment and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temp—this way, you can enjoy homemade fudge anytime without the last-minute rush.
Reheating
If your fudge gets a little firm after storage, just let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. I avoid microwaving since it can change texture, but a quick warm towel wrapped around the container can soften it slightly if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully in this recipe. Just toast them lightly before adding to bring out their flavor and maintain that crunch.
Marshmallow fluff is key for the smooth and creamy texture in this fudge, but if you can’t find it, you can try using homemade marshmallow creme or melting marshmallows gently while stirring the fudge.
The biggest factor is dissolving the sugar completely without letting it burn. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves smoothly, about 4 minutes as indicated in the recipe, and avoid high heat to keep the texture silky.
Make sure your fudge cools completely to room temperature before cutting. Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then dried, helps create clean cuts without crumbling.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe has become my go-to for both celebrations and simple moments of indulgence. I love how easy it is to make yet feels so special when shared. Trust me—you’ll find yourself coming back to it, whether for a cozy night in or holiday giving. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Delicious Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fantasy Fudge recipe combines rich dark chocolate, sweet marshmallow fluff, and crunchy pecans to create a creamy, decadent treat perfect for holiday gifting and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups butter
- 1.25 cups evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 15 oz Marshmallow Fluff
- 18 oz gluten-free dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Pans: Grease or line two 9 x 13-inch pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Milk: In a large saucepan, melt the butter together with the evaporated milk over medium heat.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar continuously until it dissolves completely. Continue stirring and cook for 4 minutes to achieve the right consistency.
- Add Chocolate and Vanilla: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the gluten-free dark chocolate chips and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff and Pecans: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the marshmallow fluff completely. Then fold in the crushed pecans until evenly distributed. If the fudge thickens too fast, briefly return it to the heat while stirring.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pans. Allow to cool at room temperature for about one hour or until firm enough to slice.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the fudge into squares or triangles and serve or package for gifting.
Notes
- This Fantasy Fudge recipe is perfect for holiday gifting and festive gatherings.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or your preferred nuts.
- Ensure constant stirring during sugar melting to prevent burning or crystallization.
- Use gluten-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate fudge after cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 303 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 69 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg

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