Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines sweet, buttery richness with a little salty kick — you’re in for a treat. This Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe is hands-down one of my all-time favorites, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s simple, quick, and the kind of fudge that disappears before you even want to admit how many pieces you ate. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple for holidays, gifts, or just indulging your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe is how these simple ingredients combine to create that classic creamy fudge texture. Each component brings its own charm—like the vanilla adding warmth or the pecans bringing a toasty contrast. For the best results, grabbing high-quality butterscotch chips makes all the difference.

• Chopped Pecans: Toasting them first really intensifies their flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Butterscotch Chips: Use good-quality chips for the smoothest, richest flavor; avoid generic brands.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This keeps the fudge creamy and perfect without any fuss.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth — I recommend pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Sea Salt (or Kosher Salt): Sprinkled on top, it contrasts beautifully with the sweet butterscotch and gives that signature salty-sweet bite.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add extra texture, swap out nuts, or adjust the saltiness, there’s room to make it your own. I’ve tried a few variations over the years, and each brings something a little different to the table.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mixing in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips creates a bittersweet contrast that my family absolutely adores.
• Swap Pecans for Walnuts or Almonds: Toasting other nuts works just as well — I love the crunch and earthy flavor of toasted walnuts here.
• Drizzle with Caramel: For an extra indulgent touch, adding a caramel drizzle after it sets makes it extra fancy for holiday gifts.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a coconut milk-based condensed milk substitute and skip or replace nuts for allergy-friendly fudge.

How to Make Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Toast Your Pecans

Start by lining a 9”x9” pan with foil and spraying it lightly with cooking spray—this will make it a breeze to lift the fudge out later. Then, grab a small frying pan and toast your chopped pecans over low heat. Keep a close eye and stir continuously because pecans go from perfectly toasted to burnt in just seconds. Trust me, that smoky scent is your cue to take them off the heat. Spread them out on a plate to cool while you prep the fudge base.

Step 2: Melt the Butterscotch and Condensed Milk

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your butterscotch chips with sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently but constantly until everything melts into one smooth, luscious mixture. Patience here is key—low and slow wins the game. If the heat’s too high, you risk burning the butterscotch and ending up with gritty fudge, so don’t walk away during this step!

Step 3: Stir in Flavors and Nuts

Once your mixture is silky and completely melted, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the toasted pecans. You’ll already smell how inviting this is, but the real trick is to pour this quickly into your prepared pan, so don’t waste any time.

Step 4: Salt It and Let It Set

Immediately after pouring the fudge into the pan, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top. That final hit of salt contrasts with the sweetness beautifully, making each bite pop with flavor. Let the fudge cool to room temperature on the counter, then pop it in the fridge for at least an hour until it’s firm and ready to cut into squares.

How to Serve Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top just before serving, especially if the fudge has been refrigerated for a while. Sometimes I add a few whole toasted pecans on the surface for an inviting rustic look. A drizzle of melted chocolate is another favorite of mine to add an elegant, glossy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this salted butterscotch fudge with a hot cup of coffee or a smooth glass of milk to balance its sweetness. It also stands out alongside rich desserts like bread pudding or vanilla ice cream if you want to go all out during a dinner party.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I like to cut the fudge into bite-sized nuggets and serve in pretty mini cupcake liners—these make perfect little gifts or party favors. You can also layer it with crushed nuts and caramel in a clear box for a beautiful gift presentation that looks like it took ages but is so easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover salted butterscotch fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and firm for up to two weeks, which is plenty of time because it rarely lasts that long in my house! For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Freezing

This fudge freezes beautifully. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. I’ve done this several times for holiday prepping, and it doesn’t lose any texture or flavor.

Reheating

Since it’s a fudge, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer it softer, a few seconds in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works wonders. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t get too melty or lose that perfect fudge texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Salted Butterscotch Fudge Recipe turns out every single time—creamy, buttery, sweet with that perfect hint of salt, and with toasted pecans for a little crunch. Making fudge used to feel intimidating to me, but this recipe changed everything because it’s straightforward, quick, and nearly foolproof. If you want a no-fail crowd-pleaser that’s both nostalgic and a little special, give this one a go. You’ll be handing out pieces like candy and keeping some just for yourself — no judgment here!

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