Creamy Penuche Fudge
Creamy penuche fudge with rich caramel notes, marshmallow cream, and crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan and stir to mix well.
- Add the evaporated milk and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture slowly to the boiling point over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, cook exactly 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking, until reaching the soft-ball stage.
- Remove from heat and add the butter, marshmallow cream, maple flavoring, and chopped nuts.
- Beat the mixture until it loses its shine, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour into a buttered 9 x 9-inch pan and let cool before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. Keep an eye on the boiling mixture to avoid scorching, and use a candy thermometer to check for the soft-ball stage accurately.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into squares and serve as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, consider gifting it during the holidays or serving it at gatherings alongside other sweets like Pumpkin Casserole or Amish Raisin Pie for a varied dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to three weeks. To enjoy it later, allow the fudge to come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance its creamy texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Penuche Fudge contains roughly 237 calories, with 2g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% 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
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or use a mix of regular milk and cream for a similar richness. If using regular milk, you may need to cook the mixture a bit longer to reach the desired consistency.
How do I know when the fudge is done?
The fudge is done when it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is around 234°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer. Alternatively, you can test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball. Remember to stir continuously while cooking to prevent burning.
Can I add flavor variations to this fudge?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts such as vanilla, almond, or even orange for unique flavors. Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder will give you a chocolate variation, or you could mix in different types of nuts or dried fruits for added texture and taste.
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).