Easy Penuche
The ultimate comfort food that satisfies your sweet cravings! This Easy Penuche is creamy, buttery, and loaded with pecans, making it the perfect treat. Whether it's a special occasion or a simple craving, you won't be able to resist making it tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 2 cups Packed brown sugar
- ½ cup Whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups Sifted powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups Coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Start by preparing your workspace. Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. This ensures that your Penuche won’t stick, making it easy to remove later.
- In a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan, melt 1 cup unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Keep stirring as needed to prevent burning. You want it to become completely melted and bubbly.
- Once the butter has melted, stir in 2 cups packed brown sugar and cook for about 2 minutes. Continue stirring constantly to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Now, it’s time to add in the liquid! Gently pour in ½ cup whole milk, stirring constantly to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while keeping an eye on it to avoid overflows.
- As soon as it reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for about 30 to 40 minutes. You want it to be lukewarm or at room temperature; this helps it to thicken properly.
- After the mixture has cooled, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The aroma will be amazing, adding a lovely flavor layer to your Penuche.
- Next, gradually add in 3 ½ to 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, one half cup at a time. Stir well after each addition until fully combined. Your mixture should become thick, resembling fudge.
- Finally, fold in 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens, as the nuts add that perfect crunch to each bite.
- Spoon the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle additional pecans on top if desired. Spread it evenly and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Cover the pan and let the Penuche cool until firm. Once set, cut into squares and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Notes
Penuche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure it's sealed well to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy it later, transfer the Penuche to a freezer-safe container, using parchment paper to separate the layers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.