Southern Pecan Fudge
Rich and creamy Southern Pecan Fudge combines smooth chocolate and crunchy pecans, offering a delightful treat perfect for sharing or gifting, suited for any fudge lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the confectioners sugar, butter, cocoa, milk, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider using dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes. Ensure the butter is softened to make mixing easier. Stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve a creamy texture. If you prefer a more decadent fudge, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For an added touch, serve it alongside Esta Berry'S Spice Cake(1926) for a delicious dessert spread. Consider garnishing with extra chopped pecans for visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it for up to two weeks. To reheat, place a small portion in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until softened, but avoid overheating to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Pecan Fudge contains roughly 702 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% 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 unsweetened cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa?
Yes, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder, but you may need to adjust the sugar content slightly since it won't have the same sweetness as regular cocoa. Just taste the mixture as you go to achieve your desired flavor balance.
How can I make this fudge more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add more cocoa powder or even fold in some chocolate chips after melting the mixture. Dark chocolate chips would complement the pecans nicely and create a richer taste.
Is this fudge suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this Southern Pecan Fudge is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Always check your cocoa and confectioners sugar for any potential cross-contamination if strict gluten-free guidelines are necessary.
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).