Penuche Fudge(One Pound)
A rich, creamy fudge with a delightful caramel-like flavor from brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides and bottom of a pan.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, milk, and salt in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer or forms a soft ball when tested in water.
- Remove from heat and add butter.
- Cool to 120°F without stirring; the bottom of the pan will be lukewarm.
- Add vanilla; beat vigorously and continuously for 5 to 10 minutes with a wooden spoon until the candy is thick and no longer glossy.
- Quickly stir in chopped nuts.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a buttered pan.
- Cool until firm and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to monitor the temperature closely with a candy thermometer. If you don't have one, you can test by dropping a small amount in cold water to see if it forms a soft ball. For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can easily omit the nuts or substitute them with dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Penuche fudge is delicious on its own but can also be served alongside coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Cookies (I Usually Make These At Halloween And Thanksgiving Time.) for a festive dessert platter. Consider cutting it into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at gatherings or as a sweet addition to gift baskets.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover penuche fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it from sticking, you can layer the pieces with parchment paper. If you need to reheat, place it in the microwave in short intervals, being careful not to overheat, as it can lose its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penuche Fudge(One Pound) contains roughly 154 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg 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
What if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge is too soft, it may not have cooked long enough to reach the right temperature. You can try re-cooking it for a few minutes while stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency. If it sets too hard, it can be softened slightly by placing it in a warm area or gently reheating it.
Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with different sugars! Using light brown sugar will give a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar will enhance the caramel notes in the fudge. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary slightly, so adjust cooking times as needed.
How long does the fudge take to cool?
The fudge should cool for at least 2 hours in the pan until it is firm enough to cut into squares. For best results, let it cool at room temperature and avoid refrigerating it, as this can alter the texture and make it too hard.
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).