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Easy Pumpkin Fudge

posted by Liz Berg on October 17, 2023 (updated 11/7/24)

Pumpkin Fudge can give you the same delicious creamy, autumn-spiced flavors of pumpkin pie generally reserved for Thanksgiving. Plus, everyone LOVES Homemade Fudge!

This Easy Fudge Recipe takes just minutes to make with pantry ingredients. If you love pumpkin treats, this pumpkin candy will rock your taste buds!

Easy Pumpkin Fudge stacked on a round white plate.

Table of Contents hide

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 You May Also Like:

7 Easy Pumpkin Fudge

Why You Must Make

I was intrigued when I came across a few recipes for pumpkin fudge on the Internet. My family, die-hard chocolate fudge fans, were skeptical. I shouldn’t have worried!

I used my very popular No-Fail Fudge recipe and tweaked it to make this pumpkin fudge.
When offering to some girlfriends, the two who were brave enough to eat fudge at 10 AM went back for seconds!
It’s a super easy recipe and perfect for fall! Who wouldn’t want to try Pumpkin Spice Fudge?!!
Note that the white chunks in the fudge are pieces of white chocolate that didn’t melt completely. If you prefer a solid orange fudge, chop your chocolate chips before melting them with the other ingredients.

How to Make

This was my basic fudge recipe with a few minor changes.

First, some brown sugar replaced a cup of granulated sugar.
PRO-Tip: For the pumpkin twist, add a half cup of pumpkin plus the same melange of spices used in pumpkin pie.
Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, stir in white chocolate chips.
PRO-Tip: If you don’t want any visible chocolate, finely chop the white chocolate before adding it. Note that chocolate chips are designed to keep their shape for the best results with chocolate chip cookie recipes but don’t always melt completely without some vigorous stirring.
PRO-Tip: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, just allow your fudge mixture to boil for 5 minutes so it will be firm enough when it is chilled.
In addition to vanilla, the fudge is flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, which are warm autumn spices that are used in pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread.
Pour the fudge into a foil-lined pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Cool completely before cutting.

My friends enjoyed the little bits of white chocolate interspersed in this easy fudge recipe. I took a batch across the street to share with my knitting group.

Easy Pumpkin Fudge on a white plate, topped with a candy pumpkin with a forkful removed.

Ingredient Notes

Kitchen Staples – Sugar, Brown Sugar, Butter, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves
Evaporated Milk – I used the Carnation brand.
Pumpkin Puree -You will not use the whole can. Do not buy pumpkin pie filling, you want pure pumpkin puree with no sugar or spices.
White Chocolate Chips – I used the Ghirardelli brand. Chop if you don’t want bits of white chocolate in your fudge.
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème – I use Jet-Puffed brand
Vanilla Extract – Use pure vanilla extract, never artificially flavored.

Expert Tips

If you’ve ever made the No-Fail Fudge recipe on the back of a jar of marshmallow creme, you can make this pumpkin pie spice recipe. Here are a few tips specifically for this pumpkin version.

PRO-Tip: There is a major difference between a can of pumpkin pie filling and a can of pumpkin puree. You want the pumpkin puree which is just plain pumpkin with no sugar or spices added.
I like adding a combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, the same spices I use in my pumpkin pie. If there are other pumpkin pie spices you like, feel free to add them to your fudge.
Chop your white chocolate chips if you’d prefer a smooth textured pumpkin fudge.
You can also use 12 ounces of chopped white chocolate if you’d like, though white chocolate bars will be more expensive than chocolate chips.
If you’d like to add some crunch, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts before pouring the fudge into the prepared pan.
PRO-Tip: Use Kraft Marshmallow Creme. A friend tried another one of my recipes using Marshmallow Fluff and it didn’t set well, so do not substitute.
Using a candy thermometer helps ensure the fudge comes to the proper temperature, 234º.
A reader asked about adding nuts. I think that’s a delicious option. Add up to a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans before scraping the fudge mixture into the pan. If your nuts have been in the pantry for ages, warm them in a skillet first to bring out their essential oils (which means more flavor!) and cool them before using.

Easy Pumpkin Fudge stacked on a white plate with candy pumpkins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pumpkin Fudge Need to Be Refrigerated?

This fudge keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days as long as it’s in an airtight container. We’ve kept it out for a week or longer, After that, store it in the refrigerator or wrap well and freeze it.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Fudge?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months if wrapped airtight. Just defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

How Do You Cut Fudge Squares?

Make sure to line your pan with non-stick foil so you can use that to remove the cooled fudge using the foil as a sling. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife, wiping it off after each cut as needed, and cut into squares.

How Do You Package Fudge for Gifts?

For gifts, use cellophane bags with festive ribbons, candy boxes with wax or parchment paper between layers, or on a festive plate covered with plastic wrap.
Add a candy pumpkin to each square for a fun presentation.