The Perfect Pumpkin Fudge Recipe for Cozy Fall Sweetness

When autumn whispers its pumpkin fudge magic, cozy kitchens come alive with warmth and sweet anticipation.

Crisp breezes outside signal the perfect moment for indulgent treats.

Creamy textures and rich spices promise comfort in every delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavor that captures harvest happiness.

Maple undertones and velvety smoothness make this dessert irresistible for gatherings.

Spice lovers and sweet enthusiasts will find pure delight in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Take a delicious journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Why Pumpkin Fudge Is A Fall Favorite Treat

• Spice Up Your Dessert: Dive into a rich, aromatic pumpkin fudge that brings warm autumn flavors to your taste buds with a perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Master Candy Making at Home: Learn professional candy-making techniques with this straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet treat without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Create Instagram-Worthy Dessert: Impress friends and family with a stunning marbled cream swirl on top, making this fudge not just delicious but also visually spectacular for gatherings and holiday parties.
• No-Fuss Crowd Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels, promising a delectable dessert that requires minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor satisfaction.

What Goes In Pumpkin Fudge

• Butter: A key component that provides rich, creamy texture and helps melt other ingredients smoothly.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds signature pumpkin flavor and creates a seasonal, autumnal taste profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the classic fudge consistency.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Contributes to the smooth, creamy texture and adds extra sweetness.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: These warm spices create a classic pumpkin pie flavor and enhance the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of other flavors.

• White Chocolate Chips: Melts into the mixture to create a smooth, rich base for the fudge.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Used for creating a decorative marbled effect on top of the fudge.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal of the fudge from the pan and prevents sticking.

How To Make Pumpkin Fudge In A Snap

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra edges hang over for super easy fudge removal later.

Step 2: Melt Butter Smoothly

Gently melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until completely liquefied and silky.

Step 3: Combine Liquid Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Sweetened condensed milk

Stir continuously to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 4: Sprinkle Warm Spices

• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt

Ensure spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Cook Fudge Base

Simmer the mixture gently, stirring constantly, until the candy thermometer hits 234°F (soft-ball stage), which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancer

Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly for rich flavor.

Step 7: Incorporate Chocolate

Fold in white chocolate chips, stirring until completely melted and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Transfer to Pan

Pour the fudge into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.

Step 9: Create Decorative Swirl

Drizzle heavy cream across the surface, then gently swirl with a knife to create a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until the fudge becomes completely firm and set.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Lift the fudge out using parchment paper edges, slice into small squares, and serve chilled for a delightful treat.

Tips For Creamy Pumpkin Fudge

• Prevent Burning: Stir the mixture constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the soft-ball stage at 234°F for perfect fudge consistency.
• Cream Swirl Technique: Create elegant marbling by drizzling heavy cream gently and using a knife to make delicate swirling patterns.
• Storage Secret: Keep fudge refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining its smooth, creamy texture.
• Spice Balance: Adjust ground spices to taste, ensuring the warm autumn flavors complement the sweet white chocolate base.

Tasty Add-Ins For Pumpkin Fudge

• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Fudge: Replace white chocolate chips with toasted pecans and add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Fudge: Melt dark chocolate and create intricate swirls on top of the pumpkin fudge for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
• Salted Caramel Pumpkin Fudge: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the fudge before chilling, creating a sweet and salty contrast.
• Chai Spice Pumpkin Fudge: Incorporate additional chai spices like cardamom and cloves to enhance the warm, aromatic undertones of the traditional pumpkin fudge.

What Pairs Well With Pumpkin Fudge

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Brew a hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and cloves, complementing the pumpkin fudge's warm spice profile and creating a cozy autumn flavor experience.
• Complement with Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of maple bourbon, adding a luxurious and slightly boozy topping that enhances the fudge's creamy richness.
• Match with Toasted Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle freshly toasted and chopped pecans over the fudge, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that balances the sweet, smooth texture.

Best Way To Store Pumpkin Fudge

• Transfer fudge squares to an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal exposure to air to prevent freezer burn.
• Avoid leaving fudge at room temperature for extended periods, as it can soften quickly and lose its signature creamy consistency. Consume within 2-3 hours if served at room temperature.
• Always store fudge in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Use sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption and maintain the fudge's pristine texture.

Pumpkin Fudge Questions, Answered

• What is the soft-ball stage in candy making?

The soft-ball stage occurs at 234°F, where sugar syrup forms a soft, flexible ball when dropped into cold water, crucial for achieving the perfect fudge texture.

• Why use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for this recipe?

Heavy-bottomed pans distribute heat evenly, preventing sugar from burning and ensuring smooth, consistent cooking of the fudge mixture.

• Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute individual spices with 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a similar warm, aromatic flavor profile in the fudge.

Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy “Pumpkin Fudge” blends autumn’s warmest spices with silky chocolate richness. Sweet seasonal comfort melts smoothly on your palate, delivering pure harvest happiness in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar

spices and flavoring:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

additional ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (480 ml / 16 fl oz)

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Instructions

1. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until smooth and fully liquefied.
3. Add pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
4. Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices.
5. Cook the mixture at a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage), approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
7. Fold in white chocolate chips, stirring until completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
8. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate air pockets.
9. Drizzle heavy cream across the surface in a decorative pattern, gently swirling with a knife to create marbled effect.
10. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until the fudge is completely set and firm.
11. Lift the fudge out of the pan using parchment paper edges, slice into small squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Select a high-quality pumpkin puree without added sugars for the most authentic flavor and control over sweetness.
• Use an accurate candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature for perfect fudge texture and prevent burning.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free white chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Add toasted pecans or pepitas on top for extra crunch and nutty complexity that complements the warm pumpkin spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 72 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 41 mg