Description
Old-Fashioned Penuche Fudge is a rich, caramel-toned confection made with brown sugar, butter, and cream. With its deep butterscotch flavor and smooth, creamy texture, this nostalgic treat melts beautifully in every bite and is perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
2 cups packed light brown sugar
¾ cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly butter it.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream (or evaporated milk), butter, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling gently for 5–7 minutes until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (234–240°F / 112–116°C).
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth and thick.
- Fold in chopped nuts if using.
- Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Let cool at room temperature for 2–3 hours (or refrigerate for 1 hour) until firm.
- Lift from the pan and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
A candy thermometer ensures accurate soft-ball stage results.
Avoid stirring while cooling to prevent grainy texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
