Velvety Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Everyone

Creamy and decadent maple walnut fudge captures the essence of comfort in every sweet bite.

Rich maple syrup blends seamlessly with crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful treat that melts on your tongue.

The balance of sweetness and nuttiness makes this dessert irresistible.

Each piece promises a luxurious experience with its silky texture and deep flavor profile.

Walnuts add a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the smooth fudge base.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning confection that will impress anyone who tastes it.

Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 253 kcal

Servings: 16

Gather Your Ingredients for Maple Walnut Fudge

• Granulated Sugar: Provides foundational sweetness and structure, select fine-textured, pure white sugar for smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, silky texture, choose fresh, high-fat content cream for luxurious mouthfeel.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients, opt for unsalted butter with high butterfat content.
• Maple Syrup: Delivers signature maple flavor, select pure, dark Grade A maple syrup for intense, authentic taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use fine sea salt for precise seasoning.

• Powdered Sugar: Helps stabilize and thicken fudge, ensure fresh, lump-free sugar for smooth incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile, choose pure vanilla extract for most authentic taste.
• Walnuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertone, select fresh, crunchy walnut pieces for best texture.

• Parchment Paper: Enables easy fudge removal, choose non-stick, high-quality parchment for clean release.

Gear Guide for Maple Walnut Fudge

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for precise temperature monitoring during fudge cooking.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Used for setting and shaping the fudge.
• Parchment Paper: Helps line the baking dish for easy fudge removal.
• Medium Saucepan: Needed for cooking the maple mixture.
• Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: Used for beating the fudge to the right consistency.
• Spatula: Helps smooth the fudge into the pan and create an even surface.
• Knife: Required for cutting the fudge into squares after setting.

Making It Happen for Maple Walnut Fudge

• Prepare Baking Surface

Line a pan with parchment paper, creating extra edges for easy lifting.

• Create Sweet Maple Base

Combine sugar, cream, butter, maple syrup, and salt in a saucepan. Gently heat while stirring until ingredients blend smoothly.

• Boil and Watch Carefully

Turn up heat and let mixture bubble. Use a candy thermometer to track temperature until it reaches 240F without stirring.

• Allow Cooling Period

Remove from heat and let mixture rest until it drops to 110F. This takes around 30-40 minutes.

• Transform Mixture

Use a mixer or wooden spoon to beat the liquid until it thickens and loses its shiny appearance, about 5-7 minutes.

• Blend Final Ingredients

Fold in powdered sugar, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

• Shape and Set

Pour mixture into prepared pan, smoothing the surface quickly. Let fudge settle at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

• Serve and Store

Remove fudge using parchment edges, slice into squares. Keep in sealed container at room temperature for up to one week.

Smart Tips + Tweaks for Maple Walnut Fudge

• Perfect Fudge Texture Trick: Beat the mixture slowly and consistently to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without overworking the fudge, which can make it grainy.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap walnuts with toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture that maintains the recipe's richness without nuts.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Replace half the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic fudge taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This fudge freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container, perfect for advanced holiday preparations.
• Flavor Fusion Option: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon during the cooking process to create a more complex maple walnut profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

Presentation Ideas for Maple Walnut Fudge

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair this maple walnut fudge with warm, freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful morning treat that melts smoothly with each bite.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Create a stunning presentation by arranging fudge squares alongside other sweet bites like chocolate truffles, mini meringues, or fruit-based petit fours for an impressive after-dinner spread.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual fudge pieces in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and place inside a charming mason jar or decorative tin for a homemade gift that feels personal and heartwarming.
• Holiday Cheese Board Accent: Incorporate fudge squares into a festive cheese board, nestling them between aged cheddar, soft brie, and seasonal dried fruits for a sophisticated flavor combination that surprises guests.

Make-Ahead Notes for Maple Walnut Fudge

• Fridge-Free Storage Magic: Keep your maple walnut fudge in a sealed container at room temperature for up to one week, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Cool and Dry Sanctuary: Select a dark, cool pantry or kitchen cabinet with consistent temperature to maintain fudge's smooth texture and prevent sugar crystallization.
• Layer Protection Strategy: Separate fudge pieces with wax paper or parchment sheets when stacking in storage containers to prevent sticking and preserve individual piece integrity.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Wrap individual fudge squares in colorful cellophane or small treat bags for charming homemade gifts that stay fresh and delightful for several days.

Smooth Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Maple walnut fudge delivers a rich Canadian dessert experience with deep woodland flavors. Sweet maple syrup and toasted walnuts create a classic treat you’ll savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml / 16 fl oz) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (237 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
• ½ cup (118 ml / 4 fl oz) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup (118 ml / 4 fl oz) pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups (170 g / 6 oz) chopped walnuts
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, extending edges for easy removal.
2. Syrup Creation: Merge granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, maple syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat gently while stirring until ingredients seamlessly combine and butter melts completely.
3. Boiling Phase: Elevate temperature to medium-high, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous boil. Track temperature with a candy thermometer until it precisely hits 240F (soft-ball stage). Avoid stirring during this critical cooking stage.
4. Cooling Interval: Remove from heat and let mixture naturally cool to 110F without interference. This transformation typically requires 30-40 minutes.
5. Texture Development: Energetically beat the mixture using a hand mixer until it thickens and loses its glossy sheen, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Final Incorporation: Fold in powdered sugar, finely chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Setting Process: Transfer fudge swiftly into prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Allow to solidify at room temperature for 2-3 hours until firm.
8. Serving Preparation: Extract fudge from pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise, uniform squares. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for optimal freshness, maintaining quality for up to one week.

Notes

• Precision in Temperature: Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate soft-ball stage (240F), as slight temperature variations can dramatically affect fudge texture and consistency.
• Avoid Stirring During Boiling: Resist the urge to stir while mixture reaches soft-ball stage, preventing sugar crystallization and ensuring smooth, creamy fudge.
• Beating Technique Matters: Vigorously beat the cooled mixture until it loses glossiness and thickens, which develops the signature fudge smoothness and prevents graininess.
• Storage and Freshness: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain optimal texture and prevent sticking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 172
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg