National Penuche Fudge Day Date in the current year: July 22, 2025
July 22 is National Penuche Fudge Day in the United States. Penuche is a type of fudge made with butter, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla. It has a lighter texture than regular fudge and is often tannish in color due to the caramelization of the brown sugar.Penuche is mainly popular in New England and some parts of the American South. In the latter, however, it is usually referred to as brown sugar fudge candy. In Hawaii, it is known as panocha or panuche. A similar confection is traditionally prepared in Quebec during the winter holiday season. It is called sucre à la crème.
Penuche fudge is usually prepared as follows. A mixture of brown sugar, butter, and milk is heated to the soft ball stage and set aside to cool. Once lukewarm, flavorings such as nuts, vanilla, or maple syrup are added. The mixture is beaten until thick and poured into a pan. The penuche is then cooled and cut into pieces before serving.
Penuche is never flavored with chocolate or other strong flavors. Brown sugar is the key to its unique caramel-like flavor. Nuts, such as pecans, are added for texture, not flavor.
In celebration of National Penuche Fudge Day, treat yourself to this New England favorite.
- Category
- Unofficial Holidays
- Country
- USA
- Tags
- National Penuche Fudge Day, food holiday, unofficial holiday, informal holiday, food day