Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This easy butterscotch fudge recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for gifting or simply enjoying a little homemade happiness. This recipe offers a quick dinner alternative, especially if you're short on time but still want a satisfying and delicious homemade dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help lift the fudge out later. This simple step makes for easy cleanup and perfect-looking fudge.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and butterscotch chips. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and thickened slightly. The butterscotch chips should be fully melted and incorporated.
Step 4: Flavor and Finish
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If using, add your choice of chopped nuts and gently mix.
Step 5: Set and Chill
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge texture.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into small squares and serve. Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Butterscotch Fudge:
- Don't overcook: Overcooking can result in grainy fudge. Keep a close eye on the mixture and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the fudge will taste.
- Patience is key: Allow the fudge to cool and set completely before cutting. This will prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Sea Salt Butterscotch Fudge: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top of the fudge before it cools for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- Chocolate Butterscotch Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the butterscotch chips for a richer, more decadent flavor.
- Peanut Butter Butterscotch Fudge: Stir in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter along with the vanilla extract for a peanut butter butterscotch twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used. A single serving (approximately 1 ounce) contains roughly:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This easy butterscotch fudge recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone. It's a great option for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, or simply a delightful treat to brighten your day. Enjoy!