My Grandma'S Penuche
Creamy, rich penuche fudge with deep caramel flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the brown sugar, sugar, cream, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat to a soft ball stage or 235°F.
- Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.
- Beat until smooth.
- Pour into an 8-inch pan and let cool before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of regular cream. If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Make sure to stir continuously while cooking to avoid burning. If you prefer a nutty flavor, adding chopped pecans or walnuts can enhance the recipe, similar to the delightful taste found in Oklahoma Brown Candy.
Serving Suggestions
Penuche is delicious on its own but can also be served with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Layered Artichoke Dip as a savory contrast during gatherings. Consider drizzling it over ice cream or using it as a filling for cakes for an extra touch of sweetness. It's perfect for sharing during holidays or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the penuche to cool completely before cutting it into squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, but be aware that the texture may become firmer. To soften, let it sit at room temperature for a short while before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Grandma'S Penuche contains roughly 663 calories, with 1g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of sugar for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different sugars. Using coconut sugar will provide a similar flavor profile but may result in a darker color. However, it’s important to keep the sugar type consistent to maintain the right balance of sweetness and texture.
What should I do if my penuche doesn't set properly?
If your penuche is too soft, it likely hasn’t reached the soft ball stage. You can reheat it gently and cook it a bit longer until it reaches the desired temperature. If it has set too hard, briefly warming it in the microwave can help soften it for easier cutting.
Can I add flavor variations to the penuche?
Absolutely! You can infuse flavors by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist or citrus zest for a refreshing hint. Experimenting with different extracts, like almond or hazelnut, can also create delightful variations that complement the sweetness.
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).