Homemade Pumpkin Fudge – Easy Fall Dessert Everyone Loves
Homemade Pumpkin Fudge | The Next Recipes
This Homemade Pumpkin Fudge is creamy, rich, and full of cozy fall flavor. A quick and easy treat perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave pumpkin spice sweetness — from The Next Recipes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something magical about fall — the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the irresistible scent of pumpkin spice in the kitchen. If you’re a pumpkin lover looking for a unique dessert beyond pie or cookies, this Homemade Pumpkin Fudge is your next obsession.
Smooth, creamy, and bursting with warm autumn spices, this fudge takes all the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie and turns them into bite-sized pieces of heaven. Best of all, it’s easy to make, requires no fancy tools, and can be prepared ahead of time — making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or gifting to friends.
At The Next Recipes, we believe desserts should be both delicious and approachable. This pumpkin fudge recipe proves that homemade candy doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few pantry staples and a little love, you’ll create a treat that feels special and tastes like fall in every bite.
Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Fudge
You’ll Need:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme or fluff
- A pinch of salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, velvety pumpkin fudge that’s sweet, spiced, and impossible to resist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the sides with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix and Heat
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
Stir constantly as the mixture melts and begins to bubble. Once boiling, continue stirring for about 10–12 minutes, or until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234–240°F) on a candy thermometer.
Step 3: Stir in the Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract. Mix quickly until smooth and creamy. The fudge should have a silky consistency with a beautiful orange hue.
Step 4: Pour and Set
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 more hours, or until fully set.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut it into small squares. Each bite will be soft, creamy, and full of cozy pumpkin flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Pumpkin Fudge is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few fun ways to serve it:
- Holiday Treat Tray: Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert spread.
- Party Favor: Wrap squares in parchment paper or small boxes for homemade gifts.
- After-Dinner Dessert: Serve with hot coffee, apple cider, or a spiced latte.
- Topping Idea: Crumble over ice cream or stir into warm oatmeal for a decadent fall twist.
- Festive Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps, sea salt, or a drizzle of caramel before the fudge sets for extra flavor and texture.
Each way brings out the smooth sweetness and irresistible spice of this creamy pumpkin fudge.
Homemade Pumpkin Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Cook the Base
- In a saucepan, combine butter, sugars, pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Chocolate & Vanilla
- Remove from heat and stir in white chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour & Chill
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut & Serve
- Once set, lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No complicated candy techniques required.
- Perfect Texture: Smooth, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Full of Fall Flavor: The pumpkin puree and warm spices shine in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — perfect for holidays.
- Crowd Pleaser: Both kids and adults will love this festive fudge.
It’s a treat that feels like autumn — warm, comforting, and a little indulgent.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Fudge
- Use real pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Cook to the right temperature. Use a candy thermometer if possible — it ensures perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix. Once you add the white chocolate and marshmallow creme, stir just until smooth.
- Chill completely. Fudge needs time to firm up for clean, even slices.
FAQ
Yes, you can! Boil the mixture for about 10–12 minutes, stirring constantly. It’s ready when it thickens and drips slowly from the spoon.
You can, but it will change the flavor and color. White chocolate allows the pumpkin spice to shine through best.
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or candied ginger make wonderful additions.
If your fudge is too soft, chill it longer or reheat gently, adding a bit more white chocolate to thicken it.
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
This Homemade Pumpkin Fudge is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy — everything you love about fall packed into one indulgent bite. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for holiday gifting.
So grab your saucepan and a can of pumpkin — it’s time to make a batch of this irresistible fudge that tastes just like the season.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to comment below, share it with fellow pumpkin lovers, and explore more fall dessert recipes at The Next Recipes — your destination for creative, delicious, and easy-to-follow dishes that make every season special.
