There’s something about rich, nutty chocolate fudge that just hits the spot every time. This Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe is one of my all-time favorites – it’s smooth, indulgent, and loaded with crunchy pecans that give it the perfect texture. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to for gifting or treating yourself.

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 Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this fudge is the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to holiday parties and cozy nights in. I love how it’s easy enough to make on a weekday afternoon but special enough to impress guests or family.

Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry, making it super convenient.
Perfect Texture: The marshmallow fluff adds that melt-in-your-mouth softness, while the pecans give a satisfying crunch.
Great for Gifting: It sets nicely, cuts cleanly, and looks beautiful wrapped up for friends and family.
Gluten-Free and Crowd-Pleasing: Using gluten-free dark chocolate chips means it fits many dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays an important role in making your fudge both delicious and foolproof. Choosing good-quality chocolate and fresh pecans really elevates the final result, so it’s worth shopping carefully.

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: The base sweetener and structure builder for the fudge’s classic texture.
Marshmallow fluff: Adds creaminess and smoothness that sets it apart from regular fudge.
Gluten-free dark chocolate chips: I love these for their rich chocolate flavor, plus they keep this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
Crushed pecans: These add a wonderful crunchy contrast and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
Butter: Makes the fudge deliciously rich and tender.
Evaporated milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and keeps the fudge creamy.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the chocolate flavor and add warmth.

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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 like to keep this recipe classic, but sometimes I switch up add-ins depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: One time, I swapped half the pecans for chopped dried cherries and it brought a lovely tartness that balanced the sweetness really well.
For a nut-free version: Try substituting the pecans with toasted coconut flakes or extra chocolate chips.
Kick it up a notch: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon in the vanilla stage can add a wonderful depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge 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: Prepare the Pans

Start by greasing two 9 x 13-inch pans or lining them with parchment paper. This little step saves you so much hassle when it’s time to slice the fudge. I’ve learned the hard way that fudge is sticky – parchment is a friend!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars

Melt your butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the evaporated milk. Once combined, add your granulated sugar. Keep stirring gently for about 4 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely – this helps avoid a grainy fudge. I usually set a timer and keep my whisk moving consistently.

Step 3: Mix in Chocolate and Vanilla

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the dark chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth without lumps.

Step 4: Add Marshmallow Fluff and Pecans

Remove from heat and quickly stir in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated. Then fold in the crushed pecans. If the fudge starts to stiffen before you pour it out, gently return it to very low heat just for a moment to loosen it up—don’t overheat!

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Divide the mixture evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the top with a spatula. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for at least an hour until firm. You can speed up this step by chilling it in the fridge, but I find slow cooling yields the best texture.

Top Tip

From my experience making this fudge multiple times, a few key tips can really help you get perfect results without stress.

Consistent Stirring: Stirring continuously when dissolving sugar prevents graininess and helps the fudge set smooth.
Right Temperature: Avoid boiling the mixture too hard; medium heat is best so the chocolate melts evenly and nothing scorches.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Pecans can go rancid quickly – toast them lightly and smell-check before adding to keep flavors bright.
Don’t Skip Parchment: It really makes slicing and serving a breeze and protects your pans.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top just before the fudge sets. It gives the presentation a little farmhouse-chic look that I adore, plus a hint more texture.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for cozy afternoons. During the holidays, I often serve it alongside spiced cider or creamy eggnog for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like to cut the fudge into small squares, wrap them individually in wax paper, and arrange them in a decorative tin with tissue paper. Adding a little handwritten note makes it feel extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper. It stays fresh and soft for up to two weeks this way, which means you can enjoy it slowly instead of rushing to finish it!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this fudge freezes beautifully. I wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you thaw them, the texture stays just as lovely as fresh.

Reheating

I usually let frozen fudge come to room temperature naturally—no microwaving needed. But if you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens it just enough without melting it completely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would all work beautifully. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor before adding them to the fudge.

Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk gives this fudge its creamy consistency and helps dissolve the sugar properly. If you don’t have it, whole milk can work in a pinch, but the texture might not be as smooth or firm.

How do I prevent fudge from becoming grainy?

Make sure to stir consistently when melting sugar and butter together and avoid overheating. Dissolving the sugar completely before adding the chocolate helps prevent graininess, so patience is key here.

Can I add dried fruit to this fudge?

Yes! Dried cherries, cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots make a lovely addition. Just fold them in with the pecans for a sweet and slightly tangy twist.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe always feels like a warm hug in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that brings family close and fills the house with cozy, inviting aromas. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a delightful treat that’s easier than it looks and sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.