Creamy Butter Pecan Treats
Indulge in the rich and delicious world of homemade candy with these Creamy Butter Pecan Treats. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the luxurious flavors of butter and heavy cream with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, creating a melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays or at any gathering. With a touch of vanilla and a sweet finish from confectioners' sugar, this delightful confection is a sure crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this decadent treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (room temperature)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
pecan halves
1 cup (toasted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing an 8-inch square baking dish. Lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring frequently until it reaches a gentle boil.
3
Once boiling, continue to stir constantly for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired consistency of the fudge.
4
After 5 minutes, promptly remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully stir in the toasted pecan halves and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
5
Gradually incorporate the confectioners' sugar into the mixture, stirring continuously until it is smooth and well-blended. Ensure there are no lumps.
6
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about an hour or until fully set. Once cooled, cut into 1-inch squares.
8
Serve immediately or store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to enjoy it.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Butter Pecan Treats?
They are a rich and delicious homemade candy that combines the flavors of butter and heavy cream with the crunch of toasted pecans to create a melt-in-your-mouth fudge.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
An 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for these treats.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly coat the 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the fudge from sticking.
What ingredients are needed for the base mixture?
The base mixture requires butter, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt.
What temperature should I use to heat the sugar mixture?
The mixture should be heated over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
How long should the mixture boil?
Once it reaches a boil, you must continue to stir constantly for exactly 5 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
Why is constant stirring important?
Constant stirring for 5 minutes is crucial for achieving the correct fudge consistency and preventing burning.
When should I add the pecans and vanilla?
The toasted pecan halves and vanilla extract should be stirred in immediately after removing the saucepan from the heat.
Do the pecans need any special preparation?
Yes, the recipe calls for pecan halves that have been toasted for optimal flavor and crunch.
When is the confectioners' sugar added?
The confectioners' sugar is incorporated gradually after the pecans and vanilla have been mixed in.
How do I ensure the fudge is smooth?
Stir continuously while adding the confectioners' sugar until the mixture is smooth and all lumps are removed.
How long does the fudge take to set?
The fudge should cool at room temperature for about one hour or until it is fully set.
What size should the fudge squares be?
Once cooled, the fudge should be cut into 1-inch squares.
How should the finished treats be stored?
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to enjoy it.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter; if using salted, you may want to reduce the additional 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
What type of cream is best?
Heavy cream at room temperature is recommended for the best texture.
Can I substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar?
Yes, light brown sugar is called for, but dark brown sugar can be used for a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for these treats.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Yes, it is described as a perfect treat for sharing during the holidays or at any social gathering.
Does this fudge require a candy thermometer?
No, the recipe relies on a specific 5-minute boiling time rather than a thermometer reading.
What should the consistency of the final mixture be?
The final mixture should be smooth and well-blended with no lumps before being poured into the dish.
Can I serve the fudge immediately after pouring?
No, it needs to cool at room temperature for about an hour to set properly before cutting and serving.
What is the sweet finish in this recipe?
The sweet finish comes from the addition of 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe designed to impress friends and family.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
While it is a butter pecan recipe, walnuts can be used as a substitute if you prefer their flavor.
How much granulated sugar is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How do I spread the mixture in the pan?
Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 8-inch square baking dish.
What is the total amount of pecans used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of toasted pecan halves.