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- 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped Importance of quality maple syrup Using pure maple syrup is key. It gives the fudge its rich and unique flavor. Avoid imitation syrup, as it lacks depth and can taste too sweet. Real maple syrup enhances the fudge and makes it special. Choosing the right walnuts Select fresh walnuts for the best crunch. Look for walnuts that are light in color and free from dark spots. Toasting them lightly before adding can boost their flavor. Just remember to chop them coarsely, so they blend well into the fudge. Substitutions for dairy-free options If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For butter, try a plant-based alternative. These swaps keep the texture creamy while making the fudge suitable for all diets. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, prepare your baking dish. Use an 8-inch square dish. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help you lift the fudge out later. Next, gather your ingredients for cooking. In a medium saucepan, combine: - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Place the saucepan on medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it boils. This step is key to mix all the ingredients well. After the mixture boils, stop stirring. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. You want to reach the soft-ball stage. This is when the temperature hits 235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer. Using a thermometer helps ensure your fudge sets right. If the mixture is too hot, it can harden too much. Once you reach the right temperature, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it cool for about a minute. Now, stir in: - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped Mix until everything is well combined. Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This time is important for getting the best texture. After it sets, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut the fudge into squares for serving. - Overheating the fudge mixture: If you cook it too long, the fudge will become hard. Aim for soft-ball stage, around 235°F to 240°F. - Not measuring temperature accurately: A candy thermometer helps you track the heat. This tool ensures you get the best texture. - Enhancing maple flavor with natural extracts: A drop of maple extract boosts the taste. It makes your fudge taste rich and sweet. - Using fresh walnuts for crunch: Fresh walnuts add a great texture. Toasting them lightly will bring out their flavor. - Garnishing with walnuts and maple drizzle: Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for looks. A drizzle of maple syrup adds shine and sweetness. - Serving ideas for parties and gatherings: Cut fudge into small squares. Use a fancy plate to wow your guests. You can even add a few whole walnuts for style. Pro Tips Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer ensures precision in reaching the soft-ball stage, preventing overcooking which can lead to a hard fudge. Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for high-quality pure maple syrup and fresh walnuts for the best flavor profile in your fudge. Cooling Time is Key: Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature before cutting; this ensures clean, neat squares. Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add other nuts or chocolate chips to the fudge for variations that suit your taste preferences. {{image_4}} You can make your maple walnut fudge even more fun by adding flavors. Try mixing in chocolate or cocoa powder. This twist gives your fudge a rich, deep taste. Use about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a nice chocolate kick. You can also add dried fruits or other nuts. Chopped dried cherries or cranberries work well. They add a sweet and tangy burst. You can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds too. This lets you customize the fudge to your taste. If you want a vegan version, it’s simple. Use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of dairy. This keeps the fudge creamy and delicious without animal products. You can also use maple syrup, which is naturally vegan. For nut-free options, skip the walnuts. You can use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. These still add crunch and flavor without the nuts. This way, everyone can enjoy this sweet treat! Store your fudge at room temperature if you plan to eat it in a few days. It stays soft and delicious this way. If you want it to last longer, put it in the fridge. Just remember, cold fudge can be a bit hard to cut. Use an airtight container to keep your fudge fresh. This helps prevent it from drying out. If you don’t have one, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap. It will help keep the moisture in and the air out. You can keep homemade fudge for about one to two weeks at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to three weeks. Just check for any changes in smell or texture. Signs that your fudge has gone bad include a dry or hard texture. If you see any mold, it’s time to throw it away. Always trust your senses—if it smells off, don’t eat it. You can make fudge without a thermometer. First, watch for bubbles in your mixture. When you see large, steady bubbles, this means it’s close. Use the cold water test: drop a little fudge into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready! This method works well, but keep a close eye on it. Yes, you can swap the walnuts for other nuts. Pecans or almonds work great too. Just chop them coarsely like the walnuts. This gives your fudge a new twist. Experiment with your favorite nuts to find the best flavor for you! If your fudge is too soft, it may not have cooked long enough. You can reheat it gently, stirring often. Cook it until it reaches the soft-ball stage again. Once it cools, it should set better. If it still doesn’t firm up, try chilling it in the fridge for a few hours. You can use sugar alternatives like maple sugar or coconut sugar. These can replace regular sugar in a one-to-one ratio. However, the texture may change slightly. Always check the cooking time, as different sugars may behave differently when heated. You learned how to make delicious Maple Walnut Fudge with simple steps. We covered key ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips to avoid mistakes. Remember to use quality maple syrup and fresh walnuts for the best taste. Be creative with variations to suit your taste or diet. Store your fudge properly to keep it fresh longer. Now, you can make this treat for yourself and share it with friends and family. Enjoy your homemade fudge with pride!

Maple Walnut Fudge

A rich and creamy fudge made with pure maple syrup and crunchy walnuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing an 8-inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on each side. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out once set.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, and sea salt. Stir this mixture continuously until it begins to boil.
  • Once the mixture reaches a boil, carefully stop stirring and let it cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to monitor it closely until it reaches the soft-ball stage, which is approximately 235°F to 240°F when measured with a candy thermometer.
  • Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for about a minute. Next, stir in the pure vanilla extract and coarsely chopped walnuts, mixing until everything is incorporated.
  • Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until it is completely set.
  • After the fudge has set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift it out of the baking dish. Cut the fudge into squares for serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the fudge squares artfully on a decorative serving plate. Garnish them with a light sprinkle of chopped walnuts and an artistic drizzle of extra maple syrup.
Keyword dessert, fudge, maple, walnut