Hawaiian Fudge
Hawaiian Fudge offers a delightful blend of creamy sweetness with tropical pineapple and crunchy pecans. Its rich, tender texture makes it a perfect treat for casual gatherings or holidays, appealing to those with a sweet tooth and a love for unique, fruit-infused desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, milk or cream, and well-drained crushed pineapple in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat and add pecans and coloring.
- Let cool slightly and then beat until creamy.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Cool and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier fudge, consider using heavy cream instead of milk. Ensure the crushed pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the consistency. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute. Keep an eye on the cooking temperature to avoid burning the sugar, and use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian Fudge as a delightful dessert after a tropical-themed meal. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of 'Busy Day' Fruit Or Berry Cobbler for a sweet treat. For added flair, garnish with toasted coconut or additional chopped nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly softened, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Fudge contains roughly 183 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple can be used, but it should be finely chopped and well-drained to reduce moisture. This may slightly alter the texture of the fudge, so ensure it’s not too juicy. Canned pineapple is preferred for a consistent result.
What is the soft ball stage in candy making?
The soft ball stage occurs at 234°F to 240°F (112°C to 115°C). At this point, a drop of the mixture in cold water will form a soft ball that flattens when removed. Using a candy thermometer can help achieve this stage accurately.
Can I add other flavors to the fudge?
Yes, you can enhance the fudge by adding vanilla extract or coconut extract for a tropical twist. Just a teaspoon of flavoring can elevate the taste without overpowering the pineapple and pecans. Experiment with different extracts to find your favorite combination!
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).