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Pumpkin Fudge

Pumpkin fudge with a smooth, sliceable set—made by boiling to soft-ball stage (238–240°F) and folding in white chocolate for a creamy texture. Topped with pecan halves and pumpkin pie spice, it cuts into clean squares once chilled.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
setting 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 36 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

Granulated sugar
  • 3 cup granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter
Evaporated milk
  • 0.67 cup evaporated milk
Pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
White chocolate chips
  • 1 package (10 oz) white chocolate chips or white baking chocolate
Marshmallow creme
  • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Salt
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Pecan halves
  • pecan halves for topping

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Prep the pan
  1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment and butter generously, covering the base and up the sides so the fudge lifts out cleanly.
  2. Set the pan aside while you cook the fudge base.
Cook to soft-ball stage
  1. Combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon in a heavy saucepan and stir to fully blend.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 238–240°F (soft ball stage), about 10–12 minutes, with a thick bubbling look.
  3. Remove from heat and stir until smooth, then stir in the white chocolate until fully melted and glossy.
  4. Stir in marshmallow creme, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth with no streaks.
Set and finish
  1. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  2. Press pecan halves over the top in a single even layer so they adhere to the surface.
  3. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1.5 hours until fully set and firm to the touch.
  4. Cut into squares and serve with neat edges.

Notes

Use a reliable candy thermometer and start checking around the 8–9 minute mark so you land in the 238–240°F soft-ball range for a creamy set. After cutting, store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Freeze the whole slab (wrapped) for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight. For a dairy-light option, replace evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free white baking chips if desired.