Christmas Penuche(Original Recipe)
A rich, creamy fudge infused with brown sugar and butterscotch, perfect for holiday gifting or festive gatherings, appealing to sweet tooths and fudge lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and a candy thermometer.
- Combine brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (around 234-240°F or 112-116°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in butterscotch or peanut butter pieces, marshmallow creme, and nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a greased dish and let it cool until set before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect soft-ball stage, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully. If you don't have butterscotch pieces, peanut butter chips can be a delightful substitute. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Stir constantly to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cut penuche into small squares and serve as a sweet treat during the holidays. It pairs beautifully with a warm beverage, such as coffee or hot chocolate. Consider serving it alongside other festive sweets like Reese'S Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover penuche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To enjoy again, let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Penuche(Original Recipe) contains roughly 1817 calories, with 8g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium.
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 sugar for this recipe?
While brown and white sugar are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can experiment with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Be aware that these may change the overall taste and consistency of the penuche.
What can I do if my penuche doesn't set properly?
If your penuche remains too soft, it may not have reached the soft-ball stage. You can try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it a bit longer to reach the correct temperature before letting it cool again.
Can I add flavorings to the penuche?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt when you mix in the butterscotch or peanut butter pieces. This will give your penuche a delicious depth of flavor.
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).