Creamy Pumpkin Walnut Fudge
Creamy pumpkin walnut fudge offers a rich, sweet treat with warm pumpkin spices and crunchy walnuts, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, extending over the sides of the pan. Grease the foil.
- Butter the sides of a large heavy saucepan.
- Combine sugar, evaporated milk, cooked pumpkin, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in the buttered pan.
- Stir constantly and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat; add marshmallows, vanilla baking chips, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until everything is dissolved and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared greased pan.
- Chill until firm, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, make sure the butter is fully melted before adding the sugar and evaporated milk. If you want to substitute, try using almond butter instead of regular butter for a nutty flavor. Adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your taste preference, and you can use dark chocolate chips instead of vanilla for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pumpkin walnut fudge pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a delightful treat during the fall season or for holiday gatherings. For a festive touch, serve alongside Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll-Up for a perfect dessert duo.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. To reheat, place a piece in the microwave for just a few seconds to soften it without melting it completely. Avoid refrigerating for long periods as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Pumpkin Walnut Fudge contains roughly 434 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 464mg per serving (20% 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 fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it is cooked and pureed until smooth. Fresh pumpkin will give your fudge a more vibrant flavor, but make sure to measure it properly to maintain the recipe's balance.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or even sunflower seeds for a crunch without the nuts. Chocolate chips can also be added for a sweeter twist.
How long does it take for the fudge to firm up?
Generally, the fudge takes about 2 to 4 hours to chill and firm up in the refrigerator. However, for best results, leave it overnight. This will ensure that it sets properly and is easier to cut into squares.
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).