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Old-Fashioned Penuche Fudge: Creamy Brown Sugar Candy Recipe

A stack of rich, caramel-colored squares of homemade penuche fudge sitting on a white plate.
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Learn the secret to unbelievably creamy homemade Penuche Fudge. This old-fashioned candy uses rich brown sugar and butter for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla flavor, perfect for gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  3. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugars dissolve completely. Stop stirring once the mixture boils.
  4. Insert a candy thermometer into the side of the pan, making sure it does not touch the bottom.
  5. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches exactly 234°F (112°C) on the candy thermometer. This is the soft-ball stage.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Add the butter and salt. Do not stir yet.
  7. Let the mixture cool undisturbed until it reaches 110°F (43°C). This cooling step is crucial for creamy texture.
  8. Once cooled to 110°F, add the vanilla extract.
  9. Begin beating the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula. Continue beating until the fudge loses its glossy shine and begins to thicken and set, resembling thick frosting. This takes several minutes.
  10. Quickly pour the thickened fudge into the prepared pan. Do not scrape the sides of the pan.
  11. Allow the Penuche fudge to set completely at room temperature for several hours, or chill briefly to speed up setting.
  12. Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and serve your classic brown sugar fudge.

Notes

  • For the smoothest texture, cool the mixture to 110°F before beating. Beating too early results in grainy fudge.
  • Use high-quality butter for the best buttery confection flavor.
  • If you prefer a slightly deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/penuche-fudge-recipe-brown-sugar-candy/