Indulge your sweet tooth with our Brown Butter Fudge recipe, a delightful treat that combines simplicity with gourmet taste. This fudge is velvety, nutty, and irresistibly creamy, making it the perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive holiday celebration. The secret behind its rich flavor? Browned butter, which adds a toasted richness, elevating this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort. If you’re searching for an easy dessert idea, a quick gift for loved ones, or just a sweet snack to enjoy while cozying up at home, this fudge is sure to hit the spot.
Making fudge can often seem like a daunting task, but this recipe strips away the complexity, allowing you to whip up a beautiful batch in just a few hours. You can expect to yield around 36 pieces, so it’s perfect for sharing—or maybe keeping all to yourself! With a cook time that emphasizes the importance of quality and technique without requiring advanced culinary skills, this is truly an approachable and satisfying endeavor for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Plus, it’s vegetarian, ensuring that all your friends can enjoy it regardless of dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Fudge
- Rich Flavor: The use of browned butter introduces deep, nutty notes that create a uniquely indulgent taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday gift, dessert at a potluck, or your next cozy night in, this fudge fits the bill.
- Minimal Effort: With only a few steps and straightforward instructions, you can simplify your dessert-making routine.
- Great for Sharing: With 36 pieces, it’s a wonderful treat to bring to parties or to share with friends and family.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start crafting your delicious Brown Butter Fudge, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for success. Gather all your ingredients and tools, ensuring you have everything within reach. You’ll need a light-colored saucepan for browning the butter as it helps you monitor the color change that is critical for achieving that nutty flavor. Prepare an 8×8-inch dish lined with parchment paper, as this will make removing the fudge much simpler once it’s set.
Make sure to also have a spatula or wooden spoon on hand to stir your mixture adequately. A sharp knife is crucial when it comes time to cut the fudge into squares. Finally, patience is key; allow the fudge ample time to set in the refrigerator, ensuring the best texture. This preparation not only aids in smooth cooking but also enhances your overall enjoyment of making this delectable treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by placing the unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan, which is crucial for monitoring the browning process. Set the heat to medium and let the butter melt, stirring continuously. As it melts, it will begin to foam and develop a delightful golden hue. Pay close attention to the color and aroma; you’re looking for brown flecks to appear along with a rich, nutty scent. Once this stage is reached, promptly remove the pan from heat to prevent burning.
Step 2: Combine with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk into the hot brown butter while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth texture. Turn the heat back on to low and mix until the two elements are fully combined and the mixture becomes smooth. This step ensures that the fudge will have a creamy consistency once it sets.
Step 3: Incorporate the Chocolate
Next, stir in the white chocolate chips into your hot mixture. Ensure that the heat remains low as you mix, allowing the chocolate to melt into the fudge base without scorching. Stir until each chip is thoroughly blended and you are left with a rich and creamy mixture.
Step 4: Flavor with Vanilla and Salt
After the chocolate has completely melted and combined, take the saucepan off the heat. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, blending well to incorporate them into the fudge. These additions enhance the flavor profile, bringing out the sweet and nutty notes.
Step 5: Set the Fudge
To prepare for setting, line your 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the lined dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles that may be trapped within. This will help ensure a smooth, even texture.
Step 6: Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the fudge for 2–3 hours or until it is completely set. Once firm, carefully lift the fudge out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut it into squares using a sharp knife; for cleaner cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it between slices.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for a delightful crunch.
- Vegetables: Though not traditional, finely grated zucchini can be added for a unique twist.
- Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to continuously stir the fudge while it’s cooking to prevent any burning or sticking.
- Using a light-colored saucepan is essential when browning butter, allowing you to see the desired color change easily.
- Don’t rush the refrigeration process; waiting for the fudge to fully set enhances its texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Brown Butter Fudge with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Make it part of a dessert tray during holidays or celebratory occasions for visual appeal and flavor variety.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider using high-quality chocolate chips.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For a fun touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top before cutting the fudge into pieces.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chill time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per piece
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 50mg
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter; however, you might want to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe to taste.
How long does the fudge last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for about two weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the fudge?
Yes, Brown Butter Fudge can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container for freezing.
What if my fudge doesn’t set?
If your fudge doesn’t set correctly, it may need more chilling time. Alternatively, you can reheat and add more white chocolate until it reaches the correct consistency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brown Butter Fudge is not just a simple dessert but a fantastic treat that’s bursting with flavor and elegance. Whether you want to enjoy it yourself or share with friends, this fudge is bound to impress everyone. It’s an excellent addition to any dessert spread and also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift for anyone who loves sweets. We invite you to try this recipe and leave your comments on your experience. Don’t forget to share it with your friends, and mix in your preferred variations to make it uniquely yours!
Print
Brown Butter Fudge
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
Description
Indulge your sweet tooth with our Brown Butter Fudge recipe, a delightful treat that combines simplicity with gourmet taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by placing the unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan, which is crucial for monitoring the browning process. Set the heat to medium and let the butter melt, stirring continuously.
- Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk into the hot brown butter while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth texture.
- Next, stir in the white chocolate chips into your hot mixture.
- After the chocolate has completely melted and combined, take the saucepan off the heat. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, blending well.
- To prepare for setting, line your 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the lined dish, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate the fudge for 2–3 hours or until it is completely set.
Notes
Make sure to continuously stir the fudge while it’s cooking to prevent any burning or sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 per piece
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 1.5 g