Irresistible Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Have you ever stumbled upon a maple walnut fudge that instantly transports you to cozy autumn afternoons?

Sweet memories dance through kitchens where classic desserts reign supreme.

Maple’s rich complexity weaves magical threads into every creamy bite.

Walnuts add delightful crunch and earthy undertones to this irresistible treat.

Home bakers can recreate this nostalgic confection with surprising ease.

Each square promises comfort and indulgence in a single, delectable moment.

I promise this recipe will become your new favorite sweet obsession.

What Makes Maple Walnut Fudge a Must-Try

• Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
• Requires only 30-40 minutes of cooking and cooling time, making it an ideal last-minute holiday gift or weekend project.
• Maple and walnut create a classic, comforting taste that reminds you of traditional homemade candies and family gatherings.
• Easy to adjust thickness by beating the mixture, allowing you to create a softer or more firm fudge based on personal preference.

Ingredients in Maple Walnut Fudge

• Granulated Sugar, Maple Syrup: Sweet base that creates the classic fudge flavor, with maple syrup adding rich, deep sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and stabilize the fudge texture, creating smooth consistency.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Provide rich, creamy texture and help create smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge.

• Walnuts: Crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet maple base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other ingredients' flavors.

• Parchment Paper: Helps easy removal and prevents sticking of the fudge.

How to Make Maple Walnut Fudge at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Maple Base

• Granulated sugar
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Salt

Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Boil and Monitor

Increase heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Use a candy thermometer to track temperature, cooking until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). Avoid stirring during boiling process.

Step 4: Allow Cooling

Remove saucepan from heat, letting mixture cool to 110°F without disturbing. This cooling period typically takes 30-40 minutes.

Step 5: Whip the Mixture

Once cooled, use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to beat mixture until it thickens and loses its glossy appearance, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Final Ingredients

• Powdered sugar
• Chopped walnuts
• Vanilla extract

Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 7: Transfer to Pan

Quickly spread fudge mixture evenly into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Let Fudge Set

Allow fudge to solidify at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until completely firm.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Remove fudge from pan using parchment paper overhang. Cut into square pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips for Smooth Texture and Perfect Nut Ratio

• Precise Temperature Tracking: Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the maple mixture reaches exactly 240F for the perfect soft-ball stage, which guarantees smooth, creamy fudge consistency.
• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Avoid stirring the mixture while boiling to prevent sugar crystals from forming, which can make your fudge grainy and less silky.
• Cooling Technique Matters: Allow the mixture to cool naturally to 110F without disturbing it, giving the fudge a chance to develop its signature texture and prevent unwanted crystallization.
• Beating for Perfection: When beating the fudge, mix until it starts losing its glossy shine, which typically takes 5-7 minutes- this step is crucial for achieving the ideal fudge texture.
• Nut Distribution Tip: Fold chopped walnuts gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the fudge, creating a consistent nutty crunch in every bite.

How to Store Fudge Without Losing Flavor

• Store fudge in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks when chilled.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain smooth consistency.
• Keep fudge in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 1 week for best taste and texture.

Best Pairings for Maple Walnut Fudge

• The creamy, sweet maple walnut fudge finds perfect harmony with a spiced chai's warming cardamom and cinnamon notes, creating a luxurious taste experience that balances the fudge's richness.
• A smooth, caramel-forward bourbon complements the maple's deep sweetness, cutting through the fudge's richness while highlighting the nutty walnut undertones in a sophisticated sipping companion.
• Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, where the cold, smooth texture contrasts delightfully with the dense fudge, amplifying the maple and walnut flavors in each decadent bite.
• A bold, slightly bitter dark roast coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the fudge's sweetness, creating a balanced dessert moment that awakens the palate with complex flavor interactions.

Maple Fudge with a Twist

• Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Fudge: Replace regular powdered sugar with certified gluten-free powdered sugar to ensure the recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Maple Walnut Fudge: Swap butter with coconut oil, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and choose maple syrup from vegan-certified sources.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute walnuts with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining a similar crunchy texture.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic maple flavor profile.

Maple Walnut Fudge Q&A

• What are the key ingredients for Maple Walnut Fudge?

The key ingredients are granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, maple syrup, salt, powdered sugar, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this fudge?

You’ll need a candy thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature and ensure the perfect soft-ball stage for your fudge.

• Why is it important to avoid stirring during boiling?

Stirring during boiling can cause sugar crystallization, which will make your fudge grainy instead of smooth and creamy.

• How can I tell if the fudge is ready when beating?

The fudge is ready when it thickens and starts to lose its glossy appearance, which typically takes 5-7 minutes of beating.

Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent maple walnut fudge brings Canadian comfort to dessert tables with rich, creamy layers of sweet maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. Maple lovers will savor each melt-in-mouth square that promises pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (118 ml) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup (118 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) chopped walnuts

Sweetening Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar, sifted

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless removal.
2. Combine granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, maple syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gently heat while continuously stirring until butter completely melts and sugar dissolves.
3. Increase temperature to medium-high, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Carefully monitor the temperature using a candy thermometer until it precisely hits 240F (soft-ball stage). Refrain from stirring during the boiling process.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to naturally cool to 110F without disruption. This cooling phase typically requires 30-40 minutes.
5. Once cooled, vigorously beat the mixture using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until it transforms, becoming thick and losing its initial glossy appearance, which takes approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Incorporate powdered sugar, finely chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Swiftly transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform surface.
8. Allow the fudge to solidify at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches a firm consistency.
9. Carefully lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into precise squares and serve. To maintain freshness, store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Test candy thermometer accuracy by checking boiling water temperature before starting, ensuring precise soft-ball stage measurement.
• Avoid humid days when making fudge, as moisture can prevent proper crystallization and affect texture.
• Use freshly roasted walnuts for enhanced nutty flavor and crunch, toasting them briefly before adding to the mixture.
• Switch maple syrup with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave for different flavor profiles, adjusting quantities carefully to maintain consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 253
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg