Maple Walnut Fudge
This Maple Walnut Fudge is a rich, creamy treat flavored with natural maple syrup and crunchy toasted walnuts. It’s a classic, buttery fudge perfect for gifting or enjoying as a special dessert.
📝 Ingredients
-
3 cups granulated sugar
-
¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
-
⅔ cup evaporated milk
-
1 cup pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 cups chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
-
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
-
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
-
Lightly butter or spray the liner.
2. Toast walnuts
-
Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once.
-
Remove and let cool.
3. Cook the fudge mixture
In a heavy saucepan combine:
-
Sugar
-
Butter
-
Evaporated milk
-
Maple syrup
-
Salt
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage), about 10–15 minutes. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water—if it forms a soft ball that holds its shape but flattens when removed, it’s ready.
4. Beat the fudge
-
Remove saucepan from heat.
-
Let it cool for 5 minutes without stirring.
-
Add vanilla extract and walnuts.
-
Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon or hand mixer until mixture thickens and loses some gloss (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Pour and set
-
Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
-
Spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Cool and cut
-
Let fudge cool at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.
-
Lift fudge from pan using parchment overhang.
-
Cut into squares.
🍽️ Storage
-
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for longer.
✅ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Set Time: 2 hours
🍬 Yield: About 36 pieces
💡 Tips for Perfect Fudge
-
Stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
-
Use pure maple syrup, not imitation, for best flavor.
-
Don’t skip the cooling step before beating—this is key to texture.
If you want, I can also share:
-
🍁 Classic old-fashioned maple fudge with cream
-
🌰 Maple walnut fudge with cream cheese twist
-
🍬 Quick microwave maple fudge recipe.
