White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances creamy, nutty, and gooey goodness, you have to try White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge. This melt-in-your-mouth confection is an irresistible marriage of rich white chocolate, buttery caramel ribbons, and crunchy pecans, all finished with a hint of sea salt. It’s the kind of fudge that disappears quickly—whether you’re sharing at a holiday party or sneaking a square with your afternoon coffee. And the best part? It’s astonishingly easy to make, yet looks and tastes like a showstopper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge is all about simple, quality ingredients coming together in the most delightful way. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bite: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little salty.
- White chocolate chips (3 cups): The star of the show, lending luscious creaminess and sweetness to the fudge base.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Gives the fudge its smooth, silky texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps everything come together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and gives that classic homemade warmth.
- Pecans, chopped (3/4 cup, toasted if desired): Crunchy, nutty bites that pair perfectly with the sweet fudge; toasting boosts their flavor even more.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade): Swirled throughout for gooey, buttery ribbons of caramel in every bite.
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): A pinch on top adds a sophisticated finish and balances all the sweetness.
How to Make White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on two sides. This little trick will make lifting out your finished fudge a breeze, so you can get clean, beautiful squares every time.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly, watching as everything slowly melts together into a glossy, smooth mixture. This step is all about patience and gentle heat—white chocolate can scorch easily, so keep that spoon moving!
Step 3: Add Flavor and Pecans
Once your mixture is perfectly smooth and melty, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic note, and fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans. You’ll get a beautiful, speckled fudge base with bits of nutty crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Now comes the fun part: drizzle the caramel sauce over the surface. Grab a toothpick or knife, and swirl the caramel into the fudge for those irresistible marbled ribbons. Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup pecans on top, and if you love a salty-sweet combo, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let the magic happen! The White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge needs at least 3 hours to set up completely—if you can stand the wait. Once it’s firm, use the parchment overhang to lift it out and cut into bite-sized squares. Admire those gorgeous swirls before digging in!
How to Serve White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge
Garnishes
This fudge already looks stunning, but a little garnish can make it even more festive. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of extra caramel, or a dusting of finely chopped toasted pecans. Each garnish adds a little something special and hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of dark roast coffee or strong black tea—the bitterness balances the sweetness. For a party platter, surround the fudge with fresh berries or tart apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
To really dazzle, stack fudge squares in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade holiday gifts, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with other sweets. For a fun twist, skewer fudge cubes on cocktail sticks for bite-sized dessert kebabs at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it perfect for nibbling whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
Need to stash some fudge for later? Wrap individual squares in wax paper, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. Stored this way, your fudge can last up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving if it’s been chilled or frozen. There’s no need to microwave—this keeps the texture creamy and dreamy!
FAQs
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
You absolutely can, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile entirely. The classic White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge gets its signature creamy sweetness from white chocolate, but experimenting can be fun!
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 2 to 4 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to your fudge for the best crunch and flavor.
Can I make this fudge without nuts?
Of course! If you need a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans. The fudge will still be rich and delicious—consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a few mini marshmallows for extra texture.
How long does it take for the fudge to set?
Patience pays off here: the fudge needs at least 3 hours in the refrigerator to fully set, but letting it chill overnight ensures the cleanest cuts and best texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Just make sure to keep an eye on the melting process so everything blends smoothly, and give the larger pan a bit more chill time to set completely.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge with family and friends. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping a secret stash for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a little extra sweetness to your day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite fudge!
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White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Fudge is a rich, creamy, and decadent no-bake treat combining smooth white chocolate, luscious caramel swirls, and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gifting or festive celebrations, this easy fudge recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, delivering an indulgent dessert that sets beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins & Toppings
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is fully melted, smooth, and glossy.
- Add Flavor and Nuts: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and half (1/2 cup) of the chopped pecans evenly into the fudge mixture.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Add Caramel Swirl: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the fudge. Using a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the caramel into the fudge for a marbled effect.
- Top with Pecans and Salt: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pecans evenly over the top, and optionally add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours or until it is completely set and firm to touch.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 36 even squares and serve at room temperature for the best texture.
Notes
- To deepen the flavor of the pecans, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before chopping and adding to the fudge.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- Allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and bring out the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
