🤍✨ Butter Pecan Caramel Swirl Fudge

🤍✨ Butter Pecan Caramel Swirl Fudge

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🤍✨ Butter Pecan Caramel Swirl Fudge

Creamy white-chocolate fudge marbled with buttery caramel and packed with toasted pecans.

This Butter Pecan Caramel Swirl Fudge is everything a perfect homemade fudge should be — creamy, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and beautifully marbled with ribbons of golden caramel. Toasted pecans add crunch and warmth, making each bite rich, buttery, and irresistible.

Perfect for holiday platters, edible gifts, bake sales, and sweet cravings any time of year.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Fudge

  • 3 cups white chocolate chips

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped

For the Caramel Swirl

  • ½ cup soft caramels or caramel baking bits

  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Topping

  • Additional pecan halves

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the fudge out later.

2. Toast the Pecans

  1. Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.

  2. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.

  3. Let cool, then roughly chop.

  4. Reserve a few whole halves for the top.

3. Make the Fudge Base

  1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt together:

    • white chocolate chips

    • sweetened condensed milk

    • butter

  2. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and fully melted.

  3. Remove from heat and mix in:

    • vanilla

    • salt

    • chopped toasted pecans

4. Prepare the Caramel

  1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel pieces + heavy cream.

  2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and pourable.

5. Layer & Swirl

  1. Pour half the fudge mixture into the prepared pan.

  2. Drizzle half the caramel over it.

  3. Repeat with remaining fudge and caramel.

  4. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl to create ribbons — do not overmix.

6. Add Toppings

Press pecan halves onto the top for decoration and extra crunch.

7. Chill

Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or until completely firm.
Cut into small squares using a warm knife for perfectly clean edges.

🧊 Storage

  • Refrigerator: 1 week in an airtight container

  • Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap well)

  • Room Temperature: Keep chilled for best texture

⭐ Tips for Perfect Fudge

  • Use low heat — white chocolate burns easily.

  • Toasting the pecans boosts their flavor dramatically.

  • For ultra-clean cuts, warm your knife under hot water and wipe between slices.

  • Swirl lightly — too much mixing will muddy the caramel pattern.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my white chocolate fudge grainy?

This happens if the chocolate overheats. Melt on low heat and stir constantly.

2. Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead?

Yes! The recipe works with any chocolate — but the flavor will be richer and less buttery.

3. What can I use instead of soft caramel candies?

You can use:

  • Homemade caramel

  • Caramel sauce thickened with extra cream cheese

  • Dulce de leche (for a creamy caramel swirl)

4. Do I have to toast the pecans?

No, but toasting enhances the nutty flavor and gives a better crunch.

5. Can I make this fudge without nuts?

Absolutely! Substitute:

  • Pretzel pieces

  • Crushed cookies

  • Toffee bits

  • M&Ms

6. How do I keep fudge from sticking to the pan?

Always use parchment paper with overhang, and lightly butter the sides if needed.

7. Why didn’t my fudge firm up?

It needs enough chill time — at least 3–4 hours. If still soft, refrigerate longer or freeze briefly.

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