Brown Butter Fudge is a delightful treat that brings together the rich, nutty flavors of browned butter with the creamy sweetness of fudge. This melt-in-your-mouth confection is not only a nostalgia-filled dessert but also a gourmet experience. With its deep caramelized flavor, this easy recipe transforms a simple idea into something truly special. Whether you’re planning holiday gifts, homemade candy for parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, Brown Butter Fudge is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Fudge
There are countless reasons to love this Brown Butter Fudge. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect treat for beginners. Second, the unique flavor of brown butter adds a depth that standard fudge simply can’t match. Third, it’s versatile; you can customize it with nuts for a nutty brown butter treat or keep it simple for a classic version. Fourth, it makes an excellent homemade candy gift for friends and family. Fifth, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, enhancing your afternoon snack. Finally, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests at parties with its gourmet taste. The combination of these elements makes it a standout Brown Butter Dessert Recipe.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Fudge
Gather these items:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make Brown Butter Fudge Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and cook until golden brown with a nutty aroma.
- Step 3: Add granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Stir until combined.
- Step 4: Bring to a boil and cook to 234–240°F (soft-ball stage), stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Add vanilla extract and fine sea salt, then beat until slightly thickened.
- Step 7: Fold in nuts if using.
- Step 8: Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.
- Step 9: Cool at room temperature for 3–4 hours until set.
- Step 10: Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Fudge
Keep these in mind:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the butter.
- Ensure you reach the soft-ball stage for the right texture.
- Let the fudge cool fully before cutting for clean edges.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding brown sugar in place of some granulated sugar.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Fudge
There are many delightful ways to enjoy Brown Butter Fudge. Serve it alongside fresh fruit for a balanced treat, or pair it with coffee for a luxurious afternoon snack. It also makes a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings, especially when you showcase various Brown Butter Fudge Variations.
How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Fudge
To store your Brown Butter Fudge, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Reheat gently in the microwave if the fudge becomes too firm, but be cautious not to overheat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Fudge
What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Fudge?
The secret lies in properly browning the butter. Cooking it until it reaches a golden-brown color enhances the nutty flavor that makes Brown Butter Candy so special.
Can I make Brown Butter Fudge ahead of time?
Absolutely! Homemade Brown Butter Fudge can be made several days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Fudge?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature and monitor the temperature closely while cooking. This will help you achieve the perfect texture without burning the fudge.
Variations of Brown Butter Fudge You Can Try
There are several variations of Brown Butter Fudge to explore. For a more decadent twist, try Brown Butter Chocolate Fudge by adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate. For a crunchy texture, incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts, or experiment with Brown Butter Fudge with Sea Salt for a delightful sweet-salty contrast. Each variation brings its own unique charm to this classic treat.
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Delicious Brown Butter Fudge: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty sweetness of this Brown Butter Fudge — a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels both nostalgic and gourmet. The deep caramelized flavor of browned butter transforms this easy recipe into something truly special. Perfect for holiday treats, homemade candy gifts, dessert ideas, and sweet snack cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and cook until golden brown with nutty aroma.
- Add granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Stir until combined.
- Bring to a boil and cook to 234–240°F (soft-ball stage), stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and fine sea salt, then beat until slightly thickened.
- Fold in nuts if using.
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.
- Cool at room temperature for 3–4 hours until set.
- Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg