Butterscotch Rum Fudge
Indulge in rich butterscotch rum fudge infused with raisins, nuts, and flavorful extracts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup light rum ⓘ
- 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) package butterscotch morsels
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon rum extract ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine raisins and rum in a small bowl; cover and let stand 8 hours.
- Combine brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to soft ball stage, 238°F (115°C).
- Remove from heat; stir in marshmallow cream and butterscotch morsels.
- Add the reserved raisins mixture, rum extract, and vanilla extract; stir well.
- Spread the mixture into a buttered 8-inch square pan.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark rum instead of light rum. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans and walnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds. To ensure a smooth texture, make sure to stir the mixture continuously while it cooks to prevent burning. If you want to add a twist, try mixing in a pinch of sea salt for a salted butterscotch flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for a delightful dessert treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also package them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled butterscotch rum fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate it, which can extend its shelf life to about a month. If you prefer to enjoy it warm, you can briefly microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds to soften them before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterscotch Rum Fudge contains roughly 515 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the nuts based on your preference. Almonds or hazelnuts can be excellent alternatives to pecans and walnuts. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the fudge.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can use a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, coconut milk can be a great dairy-free substitute that adds a unique flavor to the fudge.
How do I know when the fudge is cooked enough?
The fudge is done cooking when it reaches the soft ball stage, which is at 238°F (115°C). You can test this by dropping a small amount of the mixture in cold water; if it forms a soft, malleable ball, it’s ready to be removed from the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).