Pecan Buttermilk Fudge

A rich, creamy Southern-style fudge made with toasted pecans, buttermilk, and honey, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This classic candy delivers the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

12 servings
1 hr 34 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 piece candy thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5" loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on long sides; set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darkened in color, 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Heat sugar, buttermilk, butter, honey, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until butter and sugar are melted, about 3 minutes. Fit saucepan with thermometer, bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thermometer registers 238°F (mixture will be pale golden and smell faintly of toffee), 6-8 minutes.

    11 min

  4. 4.

    Immediately pour mixture into a medium bowl and, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat until cool and thickened (it will be stiff and matte), 5-8 minutes. Fold in pecans. Scrape fudge into prepared pan; smooth top and sprinkle with sea salt. Let sit at least 1 hour before cutting into pieces.

    68 min

  5. 5.

    DO AHEAD: Fudge can be made 1 week ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.