This Pumpkin Fudge recipe is homemade and has a little something extra with peanut butter and maple syrup added. Don't miss out on making this easy recipe over the holiday season where you don't even have to turn on the stovetop.
Fudge is such a favorite candy. It's almost like it shouldn't even be called candy as it should have its own category.
There are even complete businesses dedicated to fudge where you can view all of the flavors under their glass domes. If you're lucky enough to live by one of these shops you know what I'm talking about.
You'll also know how expensive fudge can be. You can save some money and find out how easy fudge is to make if you dive into a recipe or two.
Jump to:
This Pumpkin Fudge recipe is especially easy and it is also considered a freezer fudge. Just put it in the freezer for hardening and be enjoying this very sweet treat in no time.
🧾 Pumpkin Fudge ingredients
- Pumpkin puree is the main star for this delicious autumnal treat.
- Coconut oil tastes so good and it hardens nicely.
- Creamy peanut butter goes really well with pumpkin and sweetens up really well too.
- Maple syrup is rich with sweetness.
- Vanilla extract adds another layer of flavor.
- Cinnamon is a spice that brightens up pumpkin.
- Ground nutmeg helps make the fudge pie-like in flavor.
- Ground cloves are an earthy spice that plays really well with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Pecans give a mild crunch and are used in many fall dishes, sweet or not.
🔪 How to make pumpkin fudge from scratch
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl mix the pumpkin, oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla together.
- Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Pour batter into a prepared pan or dish and smooth out with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and press them in a little bit.
- Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
- Remove from the freezer and use the parchment to lift out the fudge.
- Slice into squares. Place in an airtight container and place back in the freezer until you are ready to serve.
💭 How long does it take fudge to harden?
You can place it in the refrigerator but it will take longer to harden. The texture is just right coming from the freezer.
In the freezer it will be nice and firm in 2 to 3 hours.
It will also store well in the freezer for a couple of months. I know that's never going to happen though. Who can resist?
💭 What do I do if my fudge doesn’t harden?
- Make sure you use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Use a store-bought no-stir peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy.
- Check that you used the right measurements for each ingredient.
- It will harden just like the photos.
👩🏻🍳 FAQ's
Yes, if you use a butter that hardens. If it's whipped then I wouldn't use it. Dairy free butter will combine very well with the other ingredients.
Yes, both coconut oils will work. Refined doesn't have a coconut taste to me so choose whichever you like - or have on hand.
Yes, if it is a no-stir variety. If there is oil on the top and you have to mix and mix to blend the butter then don't use it.
No. The fudge will not come out and it will not taste good. There is added sweetener, and more, in canned pie fillings.
It may not turn out. You can try it but you may have to throw everything out. The consistency may not be right with homemade. The liquid content in homemade puree is high so I'd stick to canned.
📖 More autumn treats
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread can be enjoyed at breakfast, for a snack, and for dessert.
- Beautiful big fat homemade Cinnamon Rolls with a chocolate drizzle are easy to make and perfect every time.
- Pumpkin Muffins are simple, sweet, and easy to grab on the run too.
- Sit down to a special weekend and enjoy these Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Biscotti cookies. Dunk them in coffee or dairy-free milk.
📋 Recipe
Pumpkin Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons Creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ⅛ cup Pecans - chopped and optional
Instructions
- Line a square baking pan or glass with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, oil, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla.
- Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Pour batter into a prepared pan or dish.
- Top with chopped pecans if you'd like.
- Place in freezer for 2-3 hours.
- Remove and slice into pieces.
- Serve or store in an airtight container back in the freezer.
Nutrition
Bee
This is so good! Thedough was really good too 🙂 I'll be making it again tomorrow and thanks!
Katie
This looks fantastic!! I love that there's no cooking - can't wait to try it.
Stephanie
Wow, this was so stink'n good! I just loved the pecans in the recipe...nice touch.
Natasha
I am surprised that it is so easy to make and it’s budget friendly too! My kids loved it so much in fact they finished everything that I made the other day and they want me to do more this weekend. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Malinda
Have you tried doubling the recipe for a thicker piece of fudge? Does it hold its shape if it sets out in room temp to serve after removing from freezer?
Ginny McMeans
I have not doubled the recipe yet Malinda but I'm sure with these ingredients it would work. It does get softer if sitting out at room temperature but it stays very firm for quite a long time.