Butter rum fudge is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves rich, creamy sweets with a hint of warm, comforting flavor. This decadent treat combines the luscious texture of classic fudge with the smooth, aromatic notes of butter and rum, creating a dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply treating yourself after a long day.
Whether you’re a seasoned fudge maker or a beginner looking for a foolproof recipe, this butter rum fudge is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, melts in your mouth, and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and depth.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to create the perfect batch of butter rum fudge. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking process, you’ll find everything you need here.
Plus, I’ll share some handy tips, variations to personalize your fudge, and serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter rum fudge recipe stands out because it strikes the right harmony between creamy sweetness and the subtle warmth of rum. The butter enriches the fudge, making it incredibly smooth and velvety, while the rum adds a sophisticated twist that elevates the flavor profile beyond ordinary fudge.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. Using common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of fudge that tastes like it came from a gourmet candy shop.
It’s perfect for gifting, party treats, or a cozy night in. Plus, the fudge sets nicely so you can cut it into perfect squares or get creative with shapes.
If you enjoy exploring rich desserts, you might also love these other recipes: Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1.5 sticks)
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup dark rum (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Candy thermometer (highly recommended)
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Line the 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Combine sugar, butter, milk, and corn syrup: In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and light corn syrup. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts completely.
- Bring to a boil and cook: Attach your candy thermometer to the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until the temperature reaches 234°F (soft ball stage). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Add chocolate chips and salt: Remove the pan from heat immediately once it reaches 234°F. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and salt to the hot mixture. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in rum and vanilla: Stir in the dark rum and vanilla extract thoroughly. The rum adds that signature warmth and flavor to the fudge, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference, but avoid adding too much or the fudge may not set properly.
- Beat the fudge: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, beat the fudge vigorously for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it cools the fudge and helps it thicken to the right consistency.
- Fold in nuts (optional): If you like some crunch, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now.
- Pour into prepared pan: Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the lined pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Let it set: Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until firm.
- Slice and serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Cut into small squares and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
For best results, use a reliable candy thermometer to monitor temperature precisely.
Here are some ways to customize your butter rum fudge:
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace the rum with an equal amount of vanilla extract or rum-flavored extract to keep the flavor without alcohol.
- Spiced fudge: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced twist.
- Chocolate variations: Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter fudge or a mix of dark and white chocolate for contrast.
- Nut-free: Skip the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
- Fudge swirl: Add a swirl of caramel or peanut butter before the fudge sets for extra decadence.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 piece, approx. 2×2 inches) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Sugars | 23 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Butter rum fudge is a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with many occasions and beverages. Serve it as a delightful after-dinner dessert alongside a cup of strong coffee or black tea.
It also complements creamy drinks like hot chocolate or a rich eggnog during the holiday season.
For festive gatherings, arrange the fudge pieces on a decorative platter with fresh berries or dried fruits for a colorful contrast. You can also wrap small squares in wax paper and package them as charming homemade gifts for friends and family.
Looking for more sweet treats to try? Check out our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or explore Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts for a chocolate lover’s dream.
Conclusion
Making butter rum fudge at home is a rewarding experience that results in a truly indulgent treat. With its rich texture, buttery flavor, and the subtle warmth of rum, this fudge recipe is sure to become a favorite for your dessert repertoire.
The process is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients and basic equipment, but the outcome is impressively luxurious.
Whether you’re preparing it for yourself, gifting it to loved ones, or serving it at a special event, this butter rum fudge offers a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and share your creations!
For more inspiring recipes, explore delicious dishes like the 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals and keep your cooking adventures exciting.
📖 Recipe Card: Butter Rum Fudge
Description: A rich and creamy fudge infused with buttery rum flavor. Perfect for holiday treats or gifting.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 36 pieces
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, chocolate chips, rum, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Let cool at room temperature until set, about 2 hours.
- Cut into 36 pieces and serve.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 22g
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