There’s something truly irresistible about creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge, especially when it’s studded with crunchy pecans. This Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe has become my go-to for cozy nights and gifting around the holidays—rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

A stack of three square chocolate fudge pieces sits on a textured white cloth over a white marbled surface. Each fudge piece has visible chunks of dark cherries and walnut pieces inside, creating dark and light spots in the creamy brown chocolate layers. The top fudge shows a smooth, slightly rippled surface, and whole walnut halves are scattered around the base. The background is bright and softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe hits all the right notes for me—and I bet it will for you too! It combines creamy chocolate goodness with the nutty crunch of pecans, offering that perfect balance between sweet and textured. Whether it’s your first try or you’re a seasoned fudge lover, this recipe makes it easy to achieve that classic fudge consistency every time.

Decadently Rich: The use of dark chocolate chips and evaporated milk creates a luscious, velvety fudge base that feels indulgent without being overly sweet.
Perfectly Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans add wonderful texture that complements the smooth fudge beautifully.
Simple but Impressive: The step-by-step process is straightforward, yet the results look like they came from a specialty chocolatier.
Great for Gifting: This fudge holds up well, making it ideal for packaging as homemade presents or sharing at parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe plays a special role. From the sweetness that balances the bittersweet chocolate to the luscious marshmallow fluff that helps create that dreamy fudge texture—choosing quality components here truly makes a difference.

Flat lay of six small white ceramic bowls containing granulated sugar, glossy marshmallow fluff, shiny dark chocolate chips, golden butter cubes, creamy evaporated milk, and a translucent vanilla extract liquid, arranged symmetrically with a white ceramic plate holding a neat pile of crushed pecans, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweet backbone; dissolving it entirely is key to a smooth texture.
Marshmallow Fluff: Adds creaminess and helps the fudge set without graininess.
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for good-quality chocolate chips that melt smoothly to get the best flavor and texture.
Crushed Pecans: Give a satisfying crunch and a lovely nutty contrast.
Butter: Enriches the fudge with a silky mouthfeel and richness.
Evaporated Milk: Concentrated milk flavor that keeps the fudge creamy without making it runny.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm, homey note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this fudge to suit different occasions. Adding pecans is my favorite, but sometimes I’ll swap in walnuts or even a mix of nuts for variety. You can also throw in dried cherries or cranberries for a tart twist that balances the sweetness.

Nut-Free Version: I’ve made this fudge without nuts by simply skipping the pecans, and it still turns out deliciously creamy—plus, it’s easier to share with everyone.
Extra-Chocolatey: For days when I’m feeling decadent, I add a little more dark chocolate chips—it boosts that chocolate punch without changing the texture.
Mini-Fudge Bites: Try pouring the mixture into a silicone mini-muffin pan for bite-sized treats. Great for parties or kid-friendly snacks!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of five square-shaped chocolate fudge pieces, each containing visible chunks of walnuts and dark dried fruit. The top piece has a walnut half placed on it, with a few more walnut halves scattered around the plate. The fudge has a smooth, creamy texture with slight indentations and rich brown color. The setting is a white marbled surface with a blurred glass jar filled with dark round objects in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Ingredients

I always start by greasing or lining two 9x13 pans with parchment paper. This bit saves you from the headache of scraping fudge off later. Have all your ingredients measured out—that way, the process flows smoothly without scrambling.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugar

On medium heat, melt the butter together with the evaporated milk. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and stir consistently. I set a timer for 4 minutes here and keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved—you want a smooth, glossy mixture without any graininess. Patience here pays off!

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Vanilla

Lower the heat, then toss in your dark chocolate chips along with the vanilla extract. Keep stirring gently. The chocolate should melt smoothly, creating a shiny, rich fudge base. If you notice it thickening too quickly, don’t hesitate to briefly return it to low heat—it can save the texture.

Step 4: Stir in Marshmallow Fluff and Pecans

Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the marshmallow fluff until the mixture becomes silky and lump-free. Finally, fold in the crushed pecans. At this stage, the fudge should be thick but still pourable—if it’s getting too stiff, a quick warm-up helps.

Step 5: Pour, Cool, and Cut

Pour the fudge evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the top with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour or longer until it sets firm. To get clean edges, I like to freeze it briefly before slicing into squares or triangles—makes serving easier.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe foolproof. Paying attention to sugar dissolving and controlling the heat at each step ensures you get smooth fudge every single time.

Consistent Stirring: Stir continuously when melting sugar and chocolate to prevent scorching and graininess.
Temperature Control: Keep the heat medium or low—too hot, and the fudge can separate or crystallize.
Marshmallow Integration: Add marshmallow fluff fully off the heat to avoid lumps and keep the mixture creamy.
Cooling Patience: Don’t rush setting—allow fudge to cool completely at room temperature before cutting for best texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a few extra pecans on top before the fudge sets—it adds a pretty finish and extra crunch. Sometimes, a pinch of flaky sea salt takes the flavor to the next level and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. I also love serving it alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I want dessert with a little contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts, I wrap individual pieces in wax paper tied with twine or place them in a festive tin with parchment dividers. For parties, I like arranging bite-sized fudge pieces on a decorative board garnished with whole pecans and a sprinkle of cocoa powder—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s well covered to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

Freezing fudge works like a charm for me. I wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When I want to enjoy, I thaw them in the fridge overnight, and the texture remains creamy and smooth.

Reheating

If you find your fudge a bit too firm from refrigeration, I gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds—not too long, just enough to soften for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the pecans for a nut-free version. The fudge will still be creamy and delicious—just adjust by slightly reducing stirring time to maintain the right texture.

How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?

The key is to keep stirring constantly while the sugar dissolves to prevent crystals from forming. Also, avoid overheating and add the marshmallow fluff off the heat to keep the mixture smooth.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?

Yes, but remember that dark chocolate gives rich depth without excessive sweetness. Using milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and possibly softer, so adjust sugar and cooking times accordingly.

How long does homemade fudge last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, homemade fudge stays fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to several months.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Fudge with Pecans Recipe always brings a smile to my face and warmth to any gathering. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in dessert form—perfectly sweet, satisfyingly nutty, and effortlessly shareable. I really hope you give it a go and enjoy every sticky, chocolaty bite as much as I do!