January 27, 2025

butterscotch pumpkin fudge

Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

Butterscotch pumpkin fudge combines sweet, creamy, and seasonal flavors, making it a delightful treat for autumn. It’s easy to prepare, requires no baking, and can be customized with your favorite nuts or spices. As you gather ingredients and prepare to make this fudge, consider how it can be the perfect addition to your fall gatherings. Discover the history behind this recipe and learn how to make it step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge recipe, you’ll discover just how easy it’s to make a delicious treat that captures the essence of fall. The no-bake preparation means you can whip it up even with limited kitchen time.

You’ll enjoy the rich, creamy texture from sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips, all while savoring that authentic pumpkin flavor. Plus, the warm spices enhance its seasonal appeal. This fudge is an ideal sweet dessert for Halloween parties, potlucks, and Thanksgiving, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

You can customize it with add-ins like nuts or butterscotch chips, making it versatile for everyone’s taste. Serving is effortless since you can simply slice it into pieces.

Refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful fudge for days.

History

The history of Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge is deeply rooted in the cultural and culinary traditions of North America and beyond.

Pumpkins, native to North America, made their way across oceans during the Columbian Exchange, while European colonization brought spices like ginger, allspice, and nutmeg that enhanced pumpkin’s natural sweetness.

Nutmeg, essential for pumpkin spice, was once controlled by European powers, leading to conflicts over spice trade. These spices found their way into colonial recipes, where they complemented pumpkin dishes. Today, Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge combines these historical influences, reflecting a fusion of flavors that evolved from traditional recipes and features a cookie base that adds a delightful texture to the dessert.

This treat not only celebrates seasonal traditions but also highlights the rich cultural exchanges that shaped our culinary landscape.

Recipe

Ingredients
– 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
– 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
– Dash of ground cloves
– 12 oz butterscotch chips
– 7 oz marshmallow creme
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions
1. Begin by lining an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with foil, making certain to butter it generously to prevent sticking.

In a heavy-bottomed 5-quart pot, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, half-and-half (or evaporated milk), canned pumpkin, and the spices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium to medium-low heat, stirring frequently to guarantee even heating.
Once boiling, continue to cook the mixture while stirring constantly until it reaches the soft ball stage, which is about 235°F on a candy thermometer. This step is essential to achieving the right texture for your fudge.
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the butterscotch chips. Mix until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Next, add the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract to the melted mixture, stirring until everything is well blended and creamy. If desired, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool at room temperature until set, then refrigerate for faster setting if needed.
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the foil and cut it into squares for serving.

Extra Tips
For the best results, use a quality candy thermometer to guarantee you reach the correct temperature, as this will prevent the fudge from becoming grainy.

If you prefer a smoother texture, consider blending dates, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree before adding the butterscotch chips.

Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Experiment with different mix-ins, such as coconut or cinnamon chips, to personalize your fudge! Additionally, this fudge is perfect for fall days and holiday celebrations, making it a delightful treat during the festive season.

Final Thoughts

Butterscotch pumpkin fudge is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Its rich and decadent flavor, enhanced by butterscotch, truly intensifies the taste of pumpkin. This fudge is ideal for the holiday season, fitting perfectly on dessert tables or cookie trays. You can customize it by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture, or keep it smooth for a classic fudge experience. While it’s high in calories and sugars, it’s a delicious indulgence. Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months, but avoid freezing to maintain its texture. Additionally, this fudge is gluten-free and can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy this versatile dessert, whether as a treat for yourself or to share with friends and family.

FAQ

If you’re curious about making butterscotch pumpkin fudge, you might’ve some questions.

First, you’ll need the right ingredients: 2 ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup canned pumpkin. For dairy, use 1 cup of half-and-half. You can add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts if you like nuts. This delicious fudge combines the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, making it a delightful treat.

When cooking, boil the mixture to 235°F for the soft-ball stage and stir constantly to avoid crystallization. To enhance flavor, add spices like pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon.

If your fudge doesn’t melt well, verify you’re stirring thoroughly. Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer.

Enjoy your delicious creation!