7 Dangerously Irresistible No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge Squares (Better Than Baked!)

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By Gianna Poulef

No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge Squares

When I tell you this recipe disappears faster than anything I’ve ever baked, I mean it. The first time I made this no-bake caramel pecan fudge, I was just looking for a quick sweet treat without turning on the oven. One bite later, I knew this was going to be a forever recipe.

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Overview of Recipe Content

This no-bake caramel pecan fudge is rich, creamy, and beautifully swirled with golden caramel and crunchy toasted pecans. It’s the kind of dessert that looks fancy but takes barely any effort—my favorite kind.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge

  • No oven required (perfect year-round!)
  • Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
  • Rich, creamy texture with nutty crunch
  • Perfect for holidays, gifting, or quick desserts
  • Stores beautifully and freezes well

What Does It Taste Like?

Silky white chocolate fudge with buttery caramel ribbons and toasted pecans in every bite. Sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Seasonal & Lifestyle Notes

  • Ideal for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter
  • Great make-ahead dessert
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Perfect for dessert boards and edible gifts

Ingredients (Full List)

This Now, Make It Later!

For the Fudge Base

  • 3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the Caramel Pecan Swirl

  • ½ cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¾ cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted

Tools You’ll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Rubber spatula
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Substitutions & Additions

  • Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
  • Use dark chocolate instead of white for a deeper flavor
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for contrast

How to Make No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt the Fudge Base

In a saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until smooth and fully melted. Low heat is key here—no rushing.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. The smell alone will tell you you’re doing something right.

Step 4: Layer the Fudge

Pour about two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out.

Step 5: Swirl the Caramel

Stir caramel sauce into the remaining fudge mixture. Pour it over the base and gently swirl with a knife.

Step 6: Add the Pecans

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans evenly over the top, pressing them in slightly.

Step 7: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Lift from the pan, slice into squares, and try not to eat half of them immediately.

What to Serve with No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge

This fudge pairs beautifully with:

  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries
  • A dessert board with cookies and fruit

It also fits perfectly alongside:

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Always melt chocolate on low heat
  • Toast the pecans for deeper flavor
  • Chill completely before slicing
  • Use a warm knife for clean cuts

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
  • To Serve: Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes

General Information

No-bake fudge recipes became popular for a reason—they’re fast, reliable, and nearly foolproof. This caramel pecan version is a modern twist on classic American fudge, combining creamy sweetness with nutty crunch. My nonna always said the best desserts don’t need an oven—just patience and good ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without pecans?

Absolutely—leave them out or replace with another nut.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl.

Why did my fudge turn grainy?

Chocolate was overheated—always melt gently on low.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase chill time slightly.

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Conclusion

This no-bake caramel pecan fudge is proof that the easiest desserts are often the most unforgettable. Creamy, sweet, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you keep the ingredients for at all times—because once people try it, they always ask for more.

If you love no-bake treats, you’ll also enjoy:

  • No-Bake Chocolate Energy Bites
  • Healthy Peanut Butter Balls

More Relevant Recipes You’ll Love

From my kitchen to yours:

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Interactive Elements

Made this fudge?
Leave a review, drop a comment, or share a photo on Pinterest and tag me—I LOVE seeing your sweet creations

Nutritional Information (Per Square – Approximate)

NutrientAmount
Calories210
Fat13g
Saturated Fat8g
Carbohydrates24g
Sugar22g
Protein2g
Sodium75mg
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7 Dangerously Irresistible No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge Squares (Better Than Baked!)


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This no-bake caramel pecan fudge is rich, creamy, and completely irresistible. Made without an oven, it comes together quickly and disappears even faster. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or whenever you need a sweet treat in a hurry.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Fudge Base:

3 cups white chocolate chips

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Pecan Swirl:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (thick)

3/4 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted


Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

4. Pour about two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan.

5. Gently swirl caramel sauce into the remaining mixture.

6. Pour caramel mixture over the base and swirl lightly with a knife.

7. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.

8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.

9. Lift from pan and cut into squares before serving.

Notes

Use low heat to prevent scorching the chocolate.

For clean cuts, chill well before slicing.

Store chilled for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
7 Dangerously Irresistible No-Bake Caramel Pecan Fudge Squares (Better Than Baked!)
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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