Pumpkin Fudge
There’s something truly magical about the first taste of Pumpkin Fudge as the cool autumn air rolls in. It reminds me of cozy evenings spent around the kitchen table, where laughter and delicious scents mingle in the air. One evening, armed with a can of pumpkin and a craving for something sweet, I decided to whip up this delightful treat. The smooth, creamy texture of the fudge paired with the warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that captures the essence of fall. Each bite is like a warm hug, enveloping you in a comforting embrace. As the fudge cools, your anticipation builds—it’s hard to resist sneaking a piece before it’s fully set!
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
45 mins
0 mins
Medium
120 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
6 g
Large Pot, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife
The Beauty of This Pumpkin Fudge
Rich and Creamy Texture
What sets Pumpkin Fudge apart is its luscious, creamy texture. The combination of unsalted butter and evaporated milk creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. When you bite into a piece, it practically dissolves on your tongue, leaving you craving more.
Perfectly Sweet
This fudge strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and spice. With granulated sugar and light brown sugar, it achieves that satisfying sweetness without being overwhelming. The addition of canned pumpkin not only enhances the flavor but also adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Versatile Flavor
While the classic recipe is delightful on its own, you can easily customize Pumpkin Fudge to suit your taste. Add chopped pecans for a crunchy texture or sprinkle some sea salt on top to enhance the flavor even more. Each variation opens up a new world of tastes!
Seasonal Delight
Perfectly capturing the essence of autumn, this fudge is a wonderful addition to your fall gatherings. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving dinner or a Halloween party, serving Pumpkin Fudge will surely impress your guests and evoke the spirit of the season.
Easy to Make
One of the best things about Pumpkin Fudge is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a delicious treat that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. No special equipment is needed—just a saucepan and a baking pan!
Great for Gifting
As the holiday season approaches, Pumpkin Fudge makes for a thoughtful homemade gift. Package it beautifully in a tin or a cellophane bag, and share it with friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a sweet gesture that’s sure to be appreciated!
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Fudge
The ingredients for Pumpkin Fudge come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect fudge consistency and taste. The natural sweetness of canned pumpkin pairs with the warm spices, while the creamy butter and evaporated milk lend a rich, indulgent mouthfeel.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups (400g)
This is the primary sweetener in the fudge, contributing to its delightful sweetness. - Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (220g)
Adds a deeper flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall richness. - Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup (170.25g)
Provides creaminess and a rich flavor, essential for the fudge texture. - Evaporated Milk: ⅔ cup (170.67ml)
Offers a creamy consistency and enhances the fudge’s richness. - Canned Pumpkin: ½ cup (122.5g)
Infuses the fudge with a warm, earthy flavor, celebrating the essence of autumn. - Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons
A blend of spices that adds warmth and depth, making the fudge incredibly aromatic. - White Chocolate Chips: 2 cups (360g)
Melts beautifully into the fudge, creating a smooth and creamy texture. - Marshmallow Creme: 7 ounces (198.45g)
Contributes to the fudge’s fluffiness and helps bind all the ingredients together. - Chopped Pecans: 1 cup (99g)
Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the fudge experience. - Vanilla Extract: 1½ teaspoons
Enhances the sweetness and flavor complexity of the fudge.
How to Make Pumpkin Fudge
Making Pumpkin Fudge is a fun and rewarding process. You’ll love how easy it is to create this delicious treat from scratch. Follow these simple steps to get that perfect fudge!
- Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper. This makes it super easy to remove the fudge later. Let the edges hang over the sides a bit for easy lifting.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring constantly. As you stir, keep an eye on the mixture; you want to avoid any sticking or burning. Let it boil for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring continuously, until the temperature reaches 234° to 240º F on a candy thermometer.
- Once the mixture is ready, quickly remove it from heat. Stir in the white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. You’ll need to stir vigorously for about a minute or until all the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Immediately pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. It’s important to work quickly, as the fudge will begin to set as it cools.
- Let the fudge stand on a wire rack for around 2 hours or until it’s completely cooled and firm. Patience is key here! After it has cooled down, cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight for the best texture.
- Once chilled, remove the fudge from the pan using the overhanging foil or parchment paper. Cut it into 1-inch pieces for serving. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Things Worth Knowing
- Be patient while boiling: Allow the mixture to reach the proper temperature for the best texture.
- Use a candy thermometer: This ensures accuracy when determining the fudge’s doneness.
- Don’t rush the cooling process: Letting the fudge cool completely will prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to try different nut varieties or spices to customize your fudge.
Expert Tips about Pumpkin Fudge
Creating the perfect Pumpkin Fudge can take a little finesse. Here are some expert tips to ensure your fudge turns out delicious every time:
- Storage: Keep any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it lasts that long!
- Freezing: You can freeze fudge! Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
- Pairing: Pumpkin Fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the flavors of fall. Try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Variations: Feel free to switch up the nuts or add in some chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe. The options are endless!
- Gifting: Package your Pumpkin Fudge in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays. It’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
How to Serve Pumpkin Fudge
Serving Pumpkin Fudge can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas for how to enjoy this delicious treat:
- As a dessert: Serve it as a sweet treat after lunch or dinner, either on its own or with a scoop of ice cream.
- At gatherings: This fudge is perfect for fall gatherings or potlucks. Place it on a dessert table alongside other seasonal treats.
- With coffee: Enjoy a piece of Pumpkin Fudge with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a delightful pick-me-up.
- During holidays: It’s an ideal treat for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn celebration. Share it with friends and family!
- For gifts: Cut the fudge into small pieces and package them in decorative bags or boxes to share with neighbors or friends.
- Pairing: Pair with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience.
FAQ
Conclusion
In essence, Pumpkin Fudge is a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of autumn. Its rich, creamy texture coupled with the warm spices creates a comforting indulgence that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share it with family and friends during the fall season. It’s a simple yet impressive way to celebrate the season’s bounty, and you might just find it becoming a new favorite tradition in your household.
Pumpkin Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides for easy removal.
- Combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, butter, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 10 to 12 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234° to 240º F.
- Quickly stir in the white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, pecans, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until the chocolate chips are melted. Immediately pour into the prepared pan.
- Let stand on wire rack for 2 hours or until completely cooled. Refrigerate tightly covered overnight. Cut into 1 inch pieces.
