Penuche fudge has a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy autumn afternoons and my grandmother’s kitchen. The rich, butterscotch aroma filling the air was always the first clue that a sweet treat was on its way. This isn’t just any fudge; it’s an old-fashioned delight that’s surprisingly simple to make. I remember watching her stir the bubbling sugar mixture, her face glowing in the warm light. This butterscotch fudge recipe captures that nostalgic taste perfectly, offering a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Forget complicated candy making – this easy penuche fudge is achievable for everyone. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories!
Why You’ll Love This Penuche Fudge
You’re going to adore this easy penuche fudge for so many reasons! It’s a taste of pure nostalgia, bringing back cherished memories of simpler times.
- Incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners.
- Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Authentic butterscotch flavor from brown sugar and milk.
- This homemade penuche fudge recipe delivers classic taste without fuss.
- It’s a quick dessert that’s ready in under an hour.
- Impress your friends and family with this delightful homemade penuche fudge.
- Perfect for holidays, gifts, or just a sweet afternoon treat.
- A true taste of old-fashioned candy making.
Penuche Fudge Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delicious brown sugar fudge. You’ll be surprised at how few items you need for this classic treat!
- 2 cups packed brown sugar – This is the star, giving our penuche fudge its signature butterscotch flavor and lovely color. Make sure it’s packed down in the cup!
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Combined with brown sugar, this helps create the perfect crystalline structure for our penuche candy.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk works best here, adding richness and moisture to the fudge.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Unsalted is preferred, adding a smooth, creamy finish to the penuche fudge.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a warm aroma.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – If you love a bit of crunch in your homemade penuche fudge, nuts are a fantastic addition!
How to Make Penuche Fudge
Let’s dive into making this delightful easy penuche fudge! It’s a straightforward process that yields a truly special treat.
- Step 1: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup milk. Using a heavy pot prevents scorching, which is crucial for a smooth butterscotch flavor.
- Step 2: Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars are completely dissolved. You want a perfectly smooth base for your penuche candy.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the soft-ball stage. This is the most critical step for achieving the right texture; aim for 235-240°F (113-116°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the most critical step for achieving the right texture; aim for 235-240°F (113-116°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Step 4: Once it hits the soft-ball stage, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it stand undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This cooling period is essential for the fudge’s structure.
- Step 5: Gently stir in the 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Step 6: Now comes the magic for your easy penuche fudge! Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer. You’ll notice it start to thicken and lose its glossy shine, transforming into a luscious fudge.
- Step 7: If you’re adding nuts, stir in the 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts now.
- Step 8: Work quickly with your quick penuche fudge! Pour the thickened mixture onto a buttered baking sheet or into a greased 8×8 inch pan. Spread it evenly.
- Step 9: Allow the penuche fudge to cool completely at room temperature before cutting it into squares. Patience here ensures clean cuts and the perfect texture for your homemade penuche fudge.
Pro Tips for the Best Penuche Candy
Achieving that perfect Penuche Fudge texture is all about a few key techniques. Following these tips will help ensure your homemade penuche fudge turns out wonderfully smooth and delicious every time.
- Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heating and to prevent scorching.
- A candy thermometer is your best friend for hitting the crucial soft-ball stage accurately.
- Don’t stir the mixture too much after removing it from the heat before beating; this is vital for the texture.
- Work quickly once the fudge starts to set to get it into the pan before it becomes too firm.
What’s the secret to perfect Penuche Fudge?
The secret to perfect old fashioned penuche fudge lies in accurately reaching the soft-ball stage and then beating the fudge vigorously until it loses its gloss. This process crystallizes the sugars just right for that signature smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make Penuche Fudge ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this homemade penuche fudge up to 2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It holds up beautifully, making it great for meal prep or holiday baking. For more make-ahead dessert ideas, check out these Nutter Butter Bars.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Penuche Fudge?
The most common pitfalls are overcooking or undercooking the sugar mixture. Overcooking leads to hard, brittle fudge, while undercooking results in a runny mess. Always use a candy thermometer and trust the visual cues of the mixture losing its gloss.
Best Ways to Serve Penuche Fudge Dessert
This delightful penuche fudge dessert is a star on its own, but it also plays well with others! Its rich, butterscotch flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to a simple cup of coffee or tea after a meal. Imagine serving a small square alongside a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream – the contrast of warm and cold, creamy and slightly chewy, is divine. For a more festive presentation, try arranging cubes of this homemade penuche fudge on a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and other candies. If you’re looking for more candy-making inspiration, a classic penuche candy recipe is always a hit for sharing.
Nutrition Facts for Penuche Fudge
This classic penuche candy is a sweet indulgence, and here’s a look at its nutritional breakdown per serving. Knowing these details can help you enjoy this delightful dessert mindfully.
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade penuche fudge.
How to Store and Reheat Penuche Fudge
Properly storing your delicious homemade penuche fudge ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavor for days to come. Once your penuche candy has cooled completely at room temperature, it’s time to think about storage. I like to cut it into squares first, making it easy to grab a piece whenever a craving strikes. For best results, store the cut fudge in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors.
You can keep this lovely penuche fudge dessert at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for a small gathering or just enjoying over a long weekend. If you need to store it for longer, the freezer is your best friend! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your easy penuche fudge can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let the frozen fudge thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penuche Fudge
What is penuche fudge?
Penuche fudge is a classic American confection, essentially a type of fudge with a distinct butterscotch flavor. It uses brown sugar as its primary sweetener, giving it a unique caramel-like taste and a softer, sometimes slightly grainy texture compared to traditional chocolate fudge. It’s often considered an old fashioned penuche fudge because it’s been a beloved treat for generations.
Penuche fudge vs regular fudge?
The main difference lies in the ingredients and resulting flavor. Regular fudge typically relies on granulated sugar and cocoa or chocolate for its flavor, often resulting in a richer, denser, and sometimes fudgier texture. Penuche fudge, on the other hand, uses brown sugar and milk, creating a distinct butterscotch or caramel flavor profile. The texture of penuche candy can sometimes be a bit softer, and occasionally slightly crystalline, which is part of its charm.
How do I get the right texture for my penuche candy?
Achieving the perfect texture for your penuche candy recipe hinges on hitting the correct temperature during the boiling stage. Aim for the soft-ball stage, between 235-240°F (113-116°C). Too cool, and it will be runny; too hot, and it will be hard. After boiling, allowing it to cool undisturbed for about 10 minutes before beating is also crucial for developing that signature smooth, yet slightly yielding, texture that makes this brown sugar fudge so delightful.
Can I add other flavors to my penuche fudge?
Absolutely! While the classic butterscotch flavor is wonderful, this penuche fudge recipe is a great base for experimentation. You can add a touch of maple extract along with the vanilla, or even swirl in some melted chocolate for a marbled effect. Some people also enjoy adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness or even a bit of espresso powder for a coffee-infused twist. These penuche fudge variations can add a fun new dimension to this traditional dessert.
Variations of Penuche Fudge You Can Try
While the classic penuche fudge is absolutely divine, don’t be afraid to explore some exciting penuche fudge variations! These twists can cater to different tastes and dietary needs, making this beloved candy even more versatile. I love experimenting with these ideas when I want something a little different.
- Maple Penuche Fudge: Swap half of the granulated sugar for maple sugar or add a tablespoon of maple syrup along with the vanilla extract. This enhances the caramel notes and adds a warm, comforting flavor perfect for autumn.
- Dairy-Free Penuche Fudge: For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute the whole milk with a rich, unsweetened plant-based milk like cashew or coconut milk. Use a vegan butter substitute instead of dairy butter. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor is still fantastic.
- Spiced Penuche Fudge: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sugar mixture before cooking. This warm spice blend complements the brown sugar beautifully, making it a cozy treat for cooler months.
- White Chocolate Swirl Penuche Fudge: After pouring the basic penuche fudge into the pan, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and swirl it gently with a toothpick. This adds a creamy sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast.

Easy Penuche Fudge: Delicious Old-Fashioned Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make easy penuche fudge, a classic old-fashioned butterscotch fudge. This homemade penuche candy recipe is quick and simple for delicious results.
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F or 113-116°C on a candy thermometer). This is a crucial step for your penuche fudge.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand undisturbed for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.
- Add the butter and vanilla extract.
- Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until it thickens and loses its gloss. This is where your penuche candy starts to form.
- If using, stir in the chopped nuts.
- Quickly pour the penuche fudge onto a buttered baking sheet or into a greased 8×8 inch pan.
- Let the penuche fudge cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Ensure your saucepan is large enough to prevent boiling over.
- Using a candy thermometer will help you achieve the perfect texture for your brown sugar fudge.
- Don’t overcook the mixture, or your penuche recipe will be hard.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test for the soft-ball stage by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.
- This penuche fudge recipe can be varied with different extracts or additions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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