Few things melt hearts quite like rich, creamy fudge bursting with crunchy pecans. This Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe delivers a luscious, buttery texture and deep chocolate flavor, making it a treasured treat you'll want to keep on hand year-round.

A stack of three square fudge pieces is shown on a white marbled surface, each piece filled with visible dark dried fruits and light-colored nuts. The top piece reveals a dense chocolate texture with chunks of dried fruit, the middle piece also shows scattered nuts and dark fruit inside, and the bottom piece clearly displays large nut pieces embedded in the chocolate. Around the stack, there are small nut pieces scattered on the white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, keeping the attention on the rich, dense fudge texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this fudge, folks beg me for the recipe. It strikes the perfect balance of creamy sweetness, nutty crunch, and chocolatey goodness — plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up once you know the little tricks.

Simple yet impressive: You’ll wow everyone without hours in the kitchen.
Texture that delights: The pecans add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Perfect for gifting: Slice it into squares, wrap it up, and you’ve got a homemade gift that feels special.
Customizable: Add your own flair with mix-ins or toppings to make it truly yours.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe combines familiar ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final texture and flavor. Understanding these will help you make this classic treat with confidence.

Flat lay of six heaping cups of granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, a generous scoop of glossy white marshmallow fluff on a white plate, a simple white bowl filled with shiny dark gluten-free chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding roughly crushed pecans, a chunk of creamy pale yellow butter on a white dish, a small white bowl of smooth beige evaporated milk, and a tiny white bowl containing a clear to light amber vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated sugar: The foundation for that classic, sweet fudge texture—dissolving it properly is key for smoothness.
Marshmallow Fluff: Creates a creamy, fluffy consistency and adds a subtly sweet stickiness that sets fudge apart.
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Provides deep, rich chocolate notes while staying allergy-friendly.
Crushed pecans: Give that iconic nutty crunch which compliments the sweet base beautifully.
Butter: Adds a velvety richness and helps balance the sugar’s intensity.
Evaporated milk: Thickens the mixture and imparts a slight caramel undertone that elevates the fudge.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love about this fudge is how easily it adapts to your tastes. Play around with your favorite nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before it sets – little tweaks make it your signature version.

Variation: Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or even toasted almonds for a twist in flavor and crunch.
Dietary tip: Using gluten-free chocolate makes this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal spin: Around the holidays, I love stirring in dried cherries or cranberries alongside the pecans for a festive burst.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe

The image shows a stack of five rectangular pieces of chocolate fudge on two white plates, one plate stacked on top of the other, against a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece is rich brown with visible chunks of walnuts and dark dried fruits inside. The top fudge piece has a walnut half placed on it, and more walnut pieces are scattered around the plates. In the background, there is a blurred glass jar with a light wood lid holding dark chocolate pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pans

Start by greasing two 9x13 pans or lining them with parchment paper. This step prevents any sticky drama when it’s time to slice your fudge. Having your pans ready before you cook saves stress later on.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Evaporated Milk

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter with evaporated milk over medium heat. This combo thickens beautifully and sets the stage for smooth fudge. Stir often so it heats evenly without scorching.

Step 3: Dissolve the Sugar

Add 6 cups granulated sugar and keep stirring until completely dissolved. I like to set a timer for about 4 minutes and stir gently but consistently. This step is crucial — undissolved sugar leads to grainy fudge.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate and Vanilla

Lower the heat, then add your dark chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir until melted and fully incorporated, creating that rich chocolate base you’re craving. The lower heat ensures it melts smoothly without burning.

Step 5: Blend in Marshmallow Fluff and Pecans

Remove the pan from heat, then fold in the marshmallow fluff until no streaks remain—this gives fudge that creamy, luscious texture. Immediately add crushed pecans for crunch. If your mixture firms up too fast, briefly return to low heat and stir to soften.

Step 6: Pour and Chill

Transfer the fudge mixture evenly into your prepared pans. Let cool for at least an hour to set before slicing into squares or triangles. I find the longer it chills, the better it slices without crumbling.

Top Tip

I've learned the hard way that patience and good stirring are your fudge's best friends. Here are my go-to tips to make sure your Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Even Heating: Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent hot spots and burning.
Sugar Dissolution: Stir gently but thoroughly until the sugar fully dissolves to avoid gritty texture.
Marshmallow Mixing: Fold in marshmallow fluff off the heat quickly so it blends smoothly without clumping.
Timing Chill: Allow fudge to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to maintain soft yet sliceable consistency.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as the fudge sets. It instantly elevates the chocolate-pecan combo. You can also dust with a bit of cocoa powder or add chopped pecans for that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Serve this fudge alongside a cup of strong coffee or black tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries that help cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange fudge squares in decorative tins lined with festive wax paper. Another fun idea: layer pieces between parchment with ribbons for charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover fudge tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps it soft but firm enough to slice easily.

Freezing

If you want to keep fudge longer, freezing works great! Wrap portions individually, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

I avoid reheating fudge directly, as it can lose shape or texture. Instead, let frozen or chilled fudge sit at room temp for 30 minutes to soften before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

You can substitute regular whole milk, but evaporated milk provides a richer, creamier texture and helps the fudge set properly. Using milk might result in softer fudge that takes longer to firm up.

How do I prevent my fudge from crystallizing?

Make sure to dissolve the sugar completely by stirring continuously at the beginning, and avoid stirring after adding the marshmallow fluff. Using a heavy-bottomed pan helps maintain even heat.

Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter and evaporated milk, so for a vegan or dairy-free version, you’d need to use substitutes like coconut oil and a plant-based evaporated milk alternative. However, texture and flavor will differ slightly.

How long does this fudge last?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the fudge lasts up to two weeks. It can be frozen for up to three months for longer storage, maintaining its flavor and texture when thawed properly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe has become my go-to treat for celebrations and quiet nights in alike. It's sweet, nutty, and just plain comforting—like a warm hug in dessert form. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough; once you make it your own, it’ll be a staple you’ll want to share and savor time after time.