There’s something truly magical about rich, creamy fudge studded with crunchy nuts, and this Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe hits that sweet spot every single time. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just sneaking a bite when no one’s watching.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe countless times for family and friends, and it’s become my go-to during the holidays. The balance of deep chocolate flavor with crunchy pecans and that velvety marshmallow fluff is just irresistible.

Effortless yet impressive: The recipe comes together quickly, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect texture play: Creamy fudge meets crunchy pecans for an addictive bite every time.
Versatile gifting option: Makes a beautiful homemade gift or party treat that everyone raves about.
Gluten-free friendly: Uses gluten-free dark chocolate chips, making it suitable for various diets.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfectly rich and fudgy texture with bursts of flavor. Here’s why I love using these specific ones and a few tips for picking them out.

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: Gives the fudge its classic sweetness and structure—the base of any good fudge.
Marshmallow Fluff: This is my secret ingredient for ultra-smooth, creamy fudge that melts in your mouth.
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose good-quality chips for deep chocolate flavor; gluten-free makes it inclusive for guests.
Crushed pecans: Roasting them lightly ahead of time really amps up their nutty flavor and crunch.
Butter: Adds richness and that smooth mouthfeel you expect in fudge.
Evaporated milk: Gives a velvety creaminess without making it too runny—essential for perfect fudge consistency.
Vanilla extract: Always enhances chocolate flavors and rounds out the sweetness.

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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 to switch things up a bit with this Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m sharing it with—feel free to personalize yours to make it even more special.

Swap or mix nuts: I sometimes use walnuts or even toasted almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch and flavor profile.
Add a touch of sea salt: Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top right after pouring the fudge into the pan brings a perfect sweet-salty balance that I’m obsessed with.
Try with dried cherries or cranberries: I’ve added dried tart cherries in the mix before, which adds a lovely chew and tart contrast to the rich fudge.
Make mini fudge bites: Pour the mixture into silicone molds for cute, bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gifting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 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: Prep Your Pans and Ingredients

Start by greasing or lining two 9 x 13 pans with parchment paper—this makes removing the fudge a breeze later. Measure out your ingredients to keep things moving smoothly once you start cooking.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Evaporated Milk

In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter together with the evaporated milk over medium heat. This combo creates the creamy foundation of your fudge and helps dissolve the sugar evenly.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Stir Constantly

Once melted, add the granulated sugar. Stir continuously to prevent burning, and I like to set a timer for about 4 minutes to make sure the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth — this timing is crucial for the perfect texture.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Vanilla

Turn the heat down to low before stirring in the gluten-free dark chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is glossy and smooth.

Step 5: Fold in Marshmallow Fluff and Pecans

Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated — this is what gives the fudge its creamy, fluffy texture without any graininess. Next, fold in the crushed pecans evenly. If the fudge starts to get too thick too fast, feel free to pop it back on low heat for a minute to loosen it up.

Step 6: Pour, Cool, and Slice

Pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared pans and spread it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour or more until it’s set well. Once firm, slice into squares or triangles and enjoy!

Top Tip

From my many batches of this Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe, a few tips have made all the difference in getting that perfect texture and flavor every time.

Constant stirring: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth, creamy fudge.
Timing the sugar dissolve: Four minutes of stirring after adding sugar is just right — not too long to burn, not too short to leave gritty texture.
Marshmallow fluff last: Mixing this in after removing from heat preserves the fluffy, creamy texture without scorching it.
Cool thoroughly: Don’t rush slicing! Let the fudge cool completely at room temp to get clean, perfect pieces.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra crushed pecans on top right after pouring the fudge for added texture and visual appeal. Sometimes a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few sea salt flakes really take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with strong black coffee or a glass of cold milk—both balance out the sweetness beautifully. For a party, try serving alongside fresh berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, I love packing the fudge squares in decorative tins or wrapping them individually with parchment and festive ribbons. Another fun idea is layering different flavored fudge in a clear jar for a colorful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and maintain that perfect chewy texture. It stays delicious for about 1-2 weeks, but it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen fudge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil with great success—the texture holds up well. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and slice with a sharp knife.

Reheating

If you want to soften up leftover fudge a bit, I gently microwave small portions for 10–15 seconds on low power. It softens without melting completely, making it easier to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! By using gluten-free dark chocolate chips and no gluten-containing ingredients, this fudge is safe for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can be used depending on your preference — just toast them lightly first for best flavor and crunch.

What's the key to getting smooth fudge texture?

Constant stirring when melting the sugar and butter is critical, along with carefully timing when to add marshmallow fluff—these steps help avoid graininess and ensure creaminess.

How long does the fudge keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge stays fresh and delicious for about 1-2 weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my dessert lineup because it’s always a crowd-pleaser and such a joy to make. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or just sneaking a piece after dinner, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try—you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe year after year!