This Pumpkin Pie Fudge is a sweet treat that brings all the cozy fall flavors together! With creamy pumpkin, warm spices, and a touch of chocolate, it’s hard to resist!
I love making this fudge because it’s super easy and perfect for sharing. Just mix, chill, and slice—it’s like having pumpkin pie in fudge form! Yum! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Chocolate Chips: These are essential for the creaminess of your fudge. If you can’t find them, you can substitute milk chocolate or even dark chocolate chips, though it will change the flavor profile a bit!
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices. If you’re out of pumpkin puree, homemade mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash can work in a pinch!
Walnuts: They add a lovely crunch to the fudge. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them completely or replace them with sunflower seeds or even pumpkin seeds for a different texture.
How Do I Ensure My Fudge Turns Out Smooth and Creamy?
Getting a smooth fudge can be tricky, but here’s how to make it work:
- Heat the white chocolate slowly over low heat, stirring constantly. This prevents it from burning and ensures a creamy texture.
- Once melted, blend the pumpkin puree and spices in well while the mixture is still warm for better incorporation.
- Refrigerate the fudge in a flat, even layer so it sets uniformly. Give it at least 3 hours to become firm.
Following these steps will help you achieve a silky-styled fudge that’s bursting with pumpkin flavor!
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Fudge
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Pie Fudge takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 3 hours to chill in the refrigerator until it’s firm. It’s a simple sweet treat that packs in all the flavors of pumpkin pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges—this will make it easy to lift the fudge out later.
2. Melt the White Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in the Pumpkin:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is blended together nicely and smooth.
4. Add the Walnuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly mixed throughout the fudge mixture.
5. Pour and Spread:
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it’s nice and flat.
6. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle some additional chopped walnuts on top for a nice finish. Gently press them into the fudge mixture. Now, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the fudge is firm.
7. Cut and Serve:
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares. Serve and enjoy!
8. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll be just as delicious later!
Enjoy your creamy, spiced Pumpkin Pie Fudge—this treat is perfect for fall gatherings or just a cozy snack at home! 🍂
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Yes! While white chocolate chips give the fudge its creamy sweetness, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply don’t like walnuts, you can leave them out altogether or replace them with chopped pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch without the nuts.
How Do I Store Leftover Fudge?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the fudge from drying out, make sure the container is sealed well.
Can I Make This Fudge Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This fudge is perfect for making in advance, as it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare it up to a week ahead of your event and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
