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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to naturally cool to 110F without disruption. This cooling phase typically requires 30-40 minutes.
- 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.
- Incorporate powdered sugar, finely chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Swiftly transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform surface.
- Allow the fudge to solidify at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches a firm consistency.
- 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