Penuche Fudge is a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. This creamy fudge is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with its smooth texture and caramel-like taste.
What is Penuche Fudge?
Penuche fudge is a southern-style treat that combines the deep, rich flavor of brown sugar with the smoothness of a condensed milk base. It’s often compared to traditional maple fudge but stands out with its warm, toffee-like flavor that comes from using light brown sugar as its main sweetener. The recipe is simple, but it requires precision and care in the cooking process to achieve that perfect, creamy texture that penuche fudge is known for.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Penuche Fudge
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: The key to achieving the perfect texture is to control the heat while cooking the fudge. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, which prevents scorching and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
Stir Constantly: While making the fudge, it’s crucial to stir constantly. This prevents the sugar from crystallizing and helps keep the mixture smooth. The constant stirring also ensures that the ingredients fully incorporate and prevent burning.
Watch the Temperature: The temperature of the fudge is a critical factor in determining its consistency. Use a candy thermometer to make sure the fudge reaches a temperature of 234-240°F (soft-ball stage). At this point, the fudge will be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape once it cools.
Cool Before Cutting: Once the fudge is set, let it cool completely in the pan before cutting it into squares. This will ensure you get clean, neat cuts rather than crumbly pieces.
Add Nuts for Extra Texture: If you like a bit of crunch in your fudge, consider adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts. These nuts pair wonderfully with the caramel flavor of the fudge and add a nice contrast in texture.
Variations of Penuche Fudge
- Maple Penuche Fudge: For a different flavor twist, you can substitute maple syrup for a portion of the milk or butter. This adds a more distinctive maple flavor to the fudge and makes it a great variation for those who love maple-flavored treats.
- Chocolate Penuche Fudge: You can incorporate melted chocolate into your penuche fudge recipe to add a chocolatey twist. Simply stir in a handful of chocolate chips after the fudge has cooled slightly and before pouring it into the pan.
- Nutty Penuche Fudge: Adding chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans gives the fudge a delightful crunch. You can either mix them into the fudge before it sets or sprinkle them on top for added visual appeal.
How to Serve Penuche Fudge
Penuche fudge can be served in small, bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for holiday platters, dessert trays, or party snacks. It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making it a comforting treat for any occasion. You can also garnish the fudge with a dusting of sea salt or sprinkle some cocoa powder on top for added flavor.
If you’re looking for a fun presentation, consider cutting the fudge into heart or star shapes for a festive occasion like a birthday or a holiday celebration. It’s also a great treat for packaging in gift boxes or tins for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
How to Store Penuche Fudge
Once you’ve made a batch of penuche fudge, you’ll want to store it properly to maintain its freshness and delicious flavor. Follow these steps to ensure it stays perfect:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store your penuche fudge at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for about 1 week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can store the fudge in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to allow it to soften up.
- Freezing Penuche Fudge: Yes, you can freeze penuche fudge! If you have leftovers or want to make a big batch for later, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for penuche fudge?
While you can use dark brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor, it may slightly alter the texture and color of the fudge. Light brown sugar is traditionally used for its subtle sweetness, so it’s best to stick with it for the most authentic penuche flavor.
What do I do if my penuche fudge is too soft?
If your penuche fudge is too soft, it may not have reached the right temperature during cooking. Simply reheat the fudge and bring it back up to the correct temperature (234-240°F) and stir it vigorously. Let it cool again and test its consistency.
Can I add flavorings to penuche fudge?
Yes, absolutely! You can infuse your penuche fudge with other flavorings like vanilla bean paste, maple extract, or even coffee for a rich twist. Just add these flavorings after removing the fudge from the heat and before it sets.
Why is my fudge grainy?
Grainy fudge is usually a result of sugar crystallization. This can happen if the fudge is stirred too vigorously while it’s cooling or if the temperature wasn’t monitored carefully while cooking. To avoid this, always use a candy thermometer and stir gently while cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of penuche fudge. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, and keep an eye on the temperature as it will take longer to reach the right consistency.
Penuche Fudge
Penuche Fudge is a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. This creamy fudge is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with its smooth texture and caramel-like taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while stirring constantly. Once it boils, stop stirring (this prevents the fudge from becoming gritty).
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (236°F/113°C). This should take about 10 minutes.
- Important: Do not stir the mixture after it reaches a boil, or large sugar crystals may form, making the fudge grainy!
- Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla extract. Do not stir. Let the mixture cool until it reaches 110°F (43°C), about 20 minutes. Check every 5 minutes to ensure it cools properly.
- While cooling, butter an 8-inch square pan and set it aside.
- Once cooled, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until the butter is fully incorporated and the fudge starts to thicken. If using chopped nuts, stir them in quickly before the fudge hardens.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and let it cool completely. Once set, cut it into 1-inch squares.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Yield
36Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 96Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 3mgSodium 5mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 0gSugar 16gProtein 1g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Penuche fudge is a sweet, creamy treat that brings together the warm flavors of caramel and brown sugar in one decadent bite. It’s easy to make, customizable with different variations, and perfect for every occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or a simple afternoon snack. By following the tips and tricks in this recipe, you can make sure your penuche fudge turns out perfectly every time, offering that signature melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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