Candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. Those are Buddy the Elf’s favorite food groups. I have to admit, they sound pretty good to me. Who needs a balanced diet? I often joke sugar is at the bottom of my food pyramid, but in all seriousness I love both healthy foods and sweet treats. It’s all about balance and moderation.
With all the sugary goodness, it’s no wonder Elf is one of my favorite holiday movies. It’s just not Christmas without Elf, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Love Actually. What makes Elf so great is that it’s funny . . . no . . . hilarious, while still being moving and heartfelt. So many Christmas movies are rather depressing, but not Elf. Maybe one day there’ll be an Elf 2!
Just a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see Elf the Musical. It wasn’t quite as good as the movie, but it was still a fun night out and a good show. Like the movie, it was funny and uplifting. The original songs were all quite catchy, and they actors were so talented! I don’t know how they perform eight shows a week. One would be tough for me. My arms got tired mixing blondie dough the other day!
While my four main food groups may not be the same as Buddy’s, we both share a deep love of sweets. I know Buddy would devour this Penuche Fudge. It’s a rich, brown sugar candy that’s perfect for the holidays. There’s enough to share and give as gifts. Plus, it’s gluten free! It has a slightly grainy texture when you first bite into it that quickly dissolves in your mouth into sweet goodness. There is some complexity from the brown sugar, but this is a very sweet, rich dessert. Just what I’m craving this time of year as I sit down for another viewing of Elf!
Penuche Fudge #SundaySupper
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 64 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk (I used almond milk, but any will work)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large saucepan, combine sugars, milk, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 236 degrees F on a candy thermometer. This will take awhile and the mixture will bubble a lot during cooking. Be careful!
- Once the mixture has reached 236, remove it from the heat and either pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer or a heatproof bowl and beat it with a hand mixer. Either way, increase the speed slowly until it is on medium-high. Beat until the mixture has thickened and lightened in color, 5-10 minutes. Add vanilla extract and beat for 1 additional minute.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. Fudge may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Fudge needs an additional two hours to set in the refrigerator!
Recipe adapted from Food Babbles
Don’t forget to check out the other Sunday Supper dishes!
Party Appetizers & Snacks:
Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary & Vanilla-Inspired by the song
“Christmas in the Trenches”– Shockingly Delicious
Roasted Chestnuts Inspired by the movie “The Christmas Song” – Food Lust People Love
A Popcorn Trio Inspired by the song “Let it Snow” – Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Chai Tea Abominable Snow Buddies Inspired by the movie “Rudolph” – Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Raisin Bran Muffins for a Crowd Inspired by the movie
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” – In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacks Inspired by the movie “Snow” – Treats & Trinkets
A Christmas Carol Plum Pudding Inspired by the movie “A Christmas Carol” – No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
Yukon Mashed Potato Cakes Inspired by the movie “Rudolph” – Cookin’ Mimi
Christmas Pudding Inspired by the song “Over the River and Through the Woods” – A Kitchen Hoor
Pumpkin Pudding Inspired by the movie “Nightmare Before Christmas” – Basic N Delicious
Elf-Inspired Christmas “Grams” Inspired by the movie “Elf” – MarocMama
Sugarplums Inspired by the movie “The Nutcracker” – Happy Baking Days
Chai Spiced Roasted Nuts Inspired by the song “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” – Take A Bite Out of Boca
Festive Main Dishes
Maple Syrup Spaghetti– Inspired by the movie “Elf”- Momma’s Meals
Who Hash Inspired by the movie “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” –girlichef
Ginger Orange Glazed Cornish Hens Inspired by the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” –Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
NY Hot Dog with Sabrett-style Onion Sauce Inspired by the movie “Die Hard” – Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Classic Caesar Salad Inspired by the movie “The Santa Clause” – The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Individuals Meatloaves & Horseradish Mashed Potatoes for Mommy’s Little Piggies – Inspired by the movie
“A Christmas Story” – The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Christmas Waffles Inspired by the TV special “A Claymation Christmas Celebration” – Curious Cuisiniere
Filthy Animal Pizza Inspired by the movie “Home Alone” – Foxes Love Lemons
Chicken Orzo Soup Inspired by the song “12 Days of Christmas” – Family Foodie
Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes Inspired by the song “Christmas Is The Time To Say ‘I Love You’ ” –
Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Sweet Holiday Treats:
Gin and Tonic Cupcakes Inspired by Adam Sandler’s ” The Chanukah Song” – The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars Inspired by the movie “Love Actually” – Magnolia Days
Gingerbread Marshmallows Inspired by the song “Marshmallow World” – Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies Inspired by the movie “The Gremlins” – Killer Bunnies, Inc
White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Inspired by the song “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” – Alida’s Kitchen
Snowball Cookies – Inspired by the movie “White Christmas” –The Foodie Army Wife
Penuche Fudge Inspired by the movie “Elf” – Pies and Plots
Hot Chocolate Cookies Inspired by the movie “Santa Clause” – Mess Makes Food
South Pacific Coconut Tres Leche Cake Inspired by the movie “South Pacific” –The Ninja Baker
Cookies & Cream Fudge Inspired by the movie “Elf” – The Messy Baker
Cozy Drinks:
Toasted Coconut Hot Cocoa– Inspired by the song “Let It Snow”– Chocolate Moosey
The Christmas Gram Inspired by the movie “Elf” – An Appealing Plan
Eggnog Hot Chocolate Inspired by the movie “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” – Peanut Butter and Peppers
Vermont Hot Cocoa Inspired by the movie “White Christmas” – Kudos Kitchen By Renee
Spiked Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floats Inspired by the song “Holly Jolly Christmas “ –NeighborFood
This is Christmas; Wine Pairings for Holiday Themed#SundaySupper Recipes – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
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I was wondering what Penuche fudge was and couldn’t wait to see the recipe. Now I know it is something I need to make as it looks so caramel-y and good.
I watch Elf as many times as possible throughout the entire month of December. This fudge looks yummy, I”ll have to make it in time for our next Elf viewing! I also can’t get through December without watching A Christmas Story and It’s A Wonderful Life! Happy Sunday 🙂 –Fran
Love this recipe and couldn’t wait for you to post it so that I could see what Penuche Fudge was! YUM. Happy Holidays to you and your family. Love that you are part of our #SundaySupper Family.
Thank you so much! I’m so happy to be a part of Sunday Supper!
Yum! Your fudge looks so good! What a great recipe! I so need to see the movie Elf!
OMG! You haven’t seen Elf???? Stop what you’re doing and watch it now – you’ll love it!
Great recipe for Christmas! As some of your other comments, I too didn’t really know what Penuche Fudge was either. You make us smarter along with giving us great recipes! Great job!
Awwww, thanks, Debbie 🙂
This sweet fudge looks divine. I bet it just melts in your mouth. Yum!
I love fudge but have never made a penuche version. Definitely trying this one.
You’ll love this fudge, Micha!
I am not making fudge this year.
NO way!
That stuff is dangerous!
I would make it if someone was standing by, on the ready, to take it as soon as I’m done photographing it.
LOL
I giveaway most of it. I eat a couple servings or so, but when it’s right in front of me the urge to grab just one more piece is crazy!
Penuche always reminds me of the Christmases of my childhood! Beautifully done!
This looks like an easy recipe to make on my plant-based diet. I thought I was going to have to give up fudge. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad this recipe will bring fudge back into your life! Thanks for visiting 🙂
Sugar is my weakness too… and this fudge just looks beautiful!
I love fudge at Christmas this looks so tempting!
This looks wonderful! Mrs K R makes a lot of fudge – I gotta share this with her. Really excellent looking recipe – thanks.
My oh my…. this looks fabulous!
What a great recipe, thanks for sharing!
Yay to celebrating the Elf’s primary source of nourishment =) Your fudge looks yummy, Laura.
Good to know that Elf is a musical, too =)
Happy Holidays!
I was curious to see what was in Penuche fudge when I saw your title, and to my surprise it’s very basic and simple! Easy fudge…always a great holiday gift!
Really love this! I need to get in the kitchen and make some fudge tomorrow.
I love brown sugar and I love fudge. I would kill for a piece of this right now-of course-all in the holiday spirit!
Yummmm!! This fudge looks so good. Was wondering what penuche was when I was the tweet and couldn’t wait to see the recipe. Love that it’s brown sugar. Could get addicted to this. And girl…I agree it’s not Christmas indeed without Love Actually!! Have a Merry Christmas 😉
Merry Christmas, Zainab!
I love Elf too! I make sure to watch it every Christmas! And this fudge sounds delicious! Have a great holiday!!
Thanks, Ashley! Merry Christmas!
Yummy! I love fudge and yours looks amazing! I tell you this week’s theme has got me thinking about making food gifts next year and this one is at the top of my list! Happy Holidays Laura!
This is an amazing food gift! Merry Christmas, Martin!
I LOVE Elf!! Actually the.boy and I were just talking about Will Ferrell yesterday. He doesn’t think he’s funny. WHAT.
I much prefer this non-chocolate fudge to any chocolate variety!
Elf is one of my favorite movies. I bet the musical was fun. I love fudge, so I’m definitely going to try this recipe!
My grandmother was always in the kitchen around Christmas time making fudge as gifts for all of her friends and family, Laura, so your beautiful penuche fudge has brought back wonderful memories for me. Pinning on my Recipes to Try board!
I love when food brings back memories! Thanks for pinning, Stacy!
Ooh my! Just made this for company today. Followed the recipe to the T, then got ambitious and added the last two tablespoons of peanut butter from our pantry to the mixer. Such an amazing flavor…before and after pb. Thank you for sharing. I’m off to make your caramel apple pie sherry cake now…mmmmmm.
*sheet cake
Adding peanut butter is a great idea! I’m glad you enjoyed the fudge. And I know you’ll love the sheet cake too! Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂
ooooh I’m jealous, the Elf Musical sounds so fun!
I looooove brown sugar so this fudge looks perfect to me!
I’ve always wondered what that name meant in candy, and it’s such a simple ingredient recipe! Looks wonderful Laura!
hi….the penuche looks delicious. it looks grainy…so should i expect it to be soft, gooey and chewy?…or should it be relatively harder,firm and crunchy?
thanks
Hi Sonia! It is definitely a soft, melt in your mouth candy. Also, candy is finicky so yours may not be quite as grainy, but penuche in general tends to have a softer more grainy texture than traditional fudge. It is quite a delicious treat though!