Fall in love with this rich and creamy pumpkin fudge! It’s made with smooth pumpkin puree, sweet chocolate, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect treat for chilly days.
I can’t resist snagging a piece whenever I make this. It’s great to share with friends or keep all to yourself—just don’t blame me if it disappears quickly! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Chocolate Chips: These give the fudge its creamy base. If you want a darker flavor, you can use milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Adjust the sweet factor as needed for your taste!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds richness and sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you have it! Just make sure to cook and blend the pumpkin until smooth. It gives an excellent fresh flavor.
Spices: The spices really enhance the pumpkin flavor. Feel free to tweak them based on what you have on hand. A little ground clove can add a nice touch if you like it more spiced!
How Do I Ensure My Fudge Sets Perfectly?
Setting the fudge right can be tricky. To get that perfect, firm texture, pay attention to the cooling process:
- Make sure to heat your chocolate and sweetened condensed milk gently over low heat. If it gets too hot, it can burn, which affects the final texture.
- After mixing in the pumpkin and spices, ensure everything is smooth. Any lumps can lead to uneven melting.
- Chill the fudge for a minimum of 3 hours in the fridge. This helps it firm up properly before cutting.
- When cutting, use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner edges.
These tips will help your fudge turn out deliciously every time! Enjoy making this autumn treat.
Delicious Pumpkin Fudge Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fudge:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 3 hours for chilling in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy treat to whip up, perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the fudge from sticking. This will make it easier to lift out the fudge later on.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to help the chocolate melt evenly. Keep stirring until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Pumpkin and Spices:
Once the chocolate is melted, take the saucepan off the heat. Add in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. This is where the magic happens—those cozy fall flavors come together!
4. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the pumpkin fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top. It’s okay if it looks a little messy; it will taste amazing!
5. Chill the Fudge:
Pop the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm. This is a great time to catch up on your favorite show or read a book!
6. Cut and Serve:
After chilling, take the fudge out of the pan by lifting it using the edges of the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner edges.
7. Enjoy Your Treat:
Serve your pumpkin fudge chilled or at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy this creamy and spiced delight!
This pumpkin fudge is the perfect seasonal treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making and sharing it!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of White Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for white chocolate. Just remember that it will alter the sweetness and overall flavor of the fudge, so you may want to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
Can I Make Pumpkin Fudge Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Look for dairy-free white chocolate chips or use dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free. For the sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with a dairy-free condensed milk alternative or use coconut cream for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Fudge?
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add in chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of how the extra ingredients may affect the final texture and setting of the fudge.