Are you tired of the same old chocolate fudge? Well, it’s time to try something new and exciting – Maple Walnut Fudge! This delightful treat combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the crunch of walnuts to create a confection that will leave you wanting more.
For most of my life, I only knew fudge to be made with chocolate. But all that changed when a friend introduced me to Maple Walnut Fudge. From the moment I tasted it, I knew I had been missing out on something truly special. The combination of maple and walnuts creates a flavor profile that is rich, nutty, and utterly delicious.
Making Maple Walnut Fudge at home is easier than you might think. You’ll need maple syrup, sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Combining maple syrup and sugar provides the best results, as maple syrup behaves differently than sugar in candy making.
To begin, you’ll bring the maple syrup, sugar, cream, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. It’s important to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches the right temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, don’t worry – there are alternative ways to determine when the fudge is ready.
Once the mixture reaches 248°F (also known as the “firm ball” stage), you’ll remove it from the heat and stir in some butter and vanilla extract. Then, transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat it with the whisk attachment. This process requires a bit of patience, as the fudge will undergo a transformation. Keep beating until the candy loses its sheen, lightens in color, and thickens enough to create ribbons when lifted with a whisk. This will take about ten minutes.
Next, stir in some chopped walnuts and pour the mixture into a pan lined with foil or parchment paper. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra walnuts on top for an added crunch.
Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until it becomes firm. If it doesn’t set properly, you can place it in the freezer for a complete setting.
Once the fudge has set, it’s time to indulge! Slice it up and enjoy it as a sweet treat, perfect for snacking or adding to Christmas cookie boxes. Maple Walnut Fudge melts in your mouth, with just the right amount of crunch from the walnuts. Its sweetness is subtle yet delightful, and the distinct maple flavor will make you forget all about chocolate (well, at least for a few minutes).
Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pure maple syrup
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
Preparation:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, ensuring there are no bunches in the corners.
- In a medium to large saucepan, combine maple syrup, sugar, cream, and salt. Place over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook until the temperature reaches 248°F, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Using the whisk attachment of the stand mixer (or regular beaters on a hand mixer), beat the mixture until it starts to crystallize. Continue beating until the mixture becomes thick, lightens in color, and loses its sheen, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Mix in 3/4 cup of the chopped walnuts, then turn off the mixer. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top.
- Chill the fudge in the refrigerator until it becomes firm, about 1 hour. Lift it from the pan using the foil or parchment paper, then cut it into squares.
- Enjoy your homemade Maple Walnut Fudge!
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Recipe adapted from A Spicy Perspective.
