Velvety Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Irresistible Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Decadent and rich, this maple walnut fudge recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures the essence of cozy autumn afternoons.

Sweet maple syrup swirls through creamy fudge, creating a luxurious treat that speaks to comfort and indulgence.

Toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety texture.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

The simplicity of this recipe belies its remarkable depth of flavor and elegant presentation.

Whip up this irresistible dessert and watch as it becomes an instant favorite at every gathering.

Prepare to be transported by a confection that embodies pure, unadulterated deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 15min

Total Time: 16-25 pieces

Calories: 244 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Maple Walnut Fudge

Here’s the new Ingredient section:

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy foundation that adds richness and depth to the fudge's smooth texture.
  • Evaporated Milk: Concentrated dairy that ensures a silky, luxurious consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the perfect crystalline structure.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds complex caramel notes and moisture to the fudge.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Chocolate: Delivers a creamy, sweet backdrop that complements the maple essence.
  • Maple Extract: Infuses the fudge with authentic, woodsy maple flavor.
  • Marshmallow Creme: Creates a fluffy, soft texture and helps bind ingredients together.
For Crunch and Toasting:
  • Walnuts: Brings earthy, robust crunch and nutty depth; choose fresh, plump nuts without any rancid smell.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps toast walnuts evenly and prevents burning during the roasting process.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor profile of the fudge.

Kitchen Essentials for Maple Walnut Fudge

  • Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking the fudge base and handling high temperatures.
  • Candy Thermometer: Crucial for accurately measuring the precise temperature of the sugar mixture.
  • 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for creating evenly sized fudge pieces.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.
  • Small Skillet: Used for toasting walnuts with minimal oil.
  • Microwave-safe Bowl: Necessary for melting white chocolate smoothly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching cookware.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting fudge into neat squares.

Making Maple Walnut Fudge from Scratch

  • Baking Surface

Create a smooth foundation by lining an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper, allowing extra edges for easy lifting.

  • Sweet Mixture Base

Gently combine butter, milk, sugars, and a touch of salt in a large saucepan over low warmth, stirring until everything blends smoothly.

  • Boiling Point

Elevate the heat and let the mixture reach a vigorous bubble without stirring. Monitor the temperature until it hits the candy-making sweet spot between 234-237 degrees.

  • Cooling Stage

Remove from heat and allow the liquid to rest undisturbed, watching the temperature slowly drift down to 110 degrees.

  • Nutty Enhancement

Transform plain walnuts into a toasty delicacy by briefly sautéing them with a splash of oil and pinch of salt until wonderfully fragrant.

  • Chocolate Transformation

Melt white chocolate carefully in short microwave bursts, creating a silky smooth texture.

  • Final Fusion

Marry the cooled mixture with melted chocolate, marshmallow cream, maple essence, and most of the toasted walnuts, stirring until perfectly combined.

  • Setting Time

Pour the luscious blend into the prepared pan, scatter remaining walnuts on top, and let nature work its magic for 2-3 hours until perfectly set.

  • Serving Delight

Lift the fudge using parchment edges, slice into delectable squares, and savor the sweet creation.

Tips for Maple Walnut Fudge Success

  • Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a delightful flavor twist that keeps the recipe exciting and personal.
  • Reduce maple extract or use light brown sugar to dial down the sweetness if you prefer a more subtle dessert experience.
  • Use a reliable candy thermometer to guarantee perfect fudge texture, preventing grainy or too-soft results every single time.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper and keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or sprinkle sea salt for an elegant gourmet presentation that elevates the classic fudge.

Serving Maple Walnut Fudge

  • Festive Holiday Dessert Platter: Create a stunning display by arranging maple walnut fudge squares alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and chocolate truffles for a delightful winter dessert spread.
  • Coffee Pairing Delight: Serve these sweet fudge squares alongside a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso, allowing the rich maple and walnut flavors to complement the robust coffee notes.
  • Gifting Charm: Package the fudge in cute decorative boxes or mason jars with ribbons, making them perfect homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for a professional touch.
  • Nutty Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the maple walnut fudge over vanilla bean or caramel ice cream, transforming a simple dessert into an indulgent treat with added texture and sweet maple undertones.

How to Store Maple Walnut Fudge

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, ensuring freshness and protecting from moisture.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: For extended enjoyment, store fudge in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Gift-Ready Packaging: Package fudge in decorative tins or cellophane bags with ribbons for delightful homemade gifts. Include a small card with storage instructions to help recipients enjoy the treat longer.
Print
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Velvety Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Velvety Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 16-25 pieces
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Creamy maple walnut fudge delivers a rich Canadian dessert experience with deep woodland flavors. Smooth maple syrup and toasted walnuts create a classic treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate chunks, roughly chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 7 oz (198 g) (1 jar) marshmallow creme
  • ⅔ cup (168 g) evaporated milk
  • ¾ cup (88 g) chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup (57 g) (½ stick) butter
  • 2 tsps kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tbsps maple extract
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over edges for easy removal.
  2. Base Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine butter, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and initial salt over low heat, melting ingredients into a smooth foundation.
  3. Caramelization: Increase heat to medium, bringing mixture to a rolling boil without stirring. Continue cooking until candy thermometer precisely hits 234°F-237°F, creating a rich caramel-like consistency.
  4. Cooling Phase: Remove from heat and let mixture rest undisturbed until temperature drops to 110°F, allowing natural temperature stabilization.
  5. Walnut Enhancement: Meanwhile, toast chopped walnuts in a skillet with vegetable oil and remaining salt, stirring frequently to develop a deep, nutty fragrance for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Chocolate Integration: Melt white chocolate in microwave using short 15-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure smooth texture.
  7. Fudge Composition: Combine melted white chocolate, marshmallow creme, maple extract, and a portion of toasted walnuts into the cooled base mixture, stirring until completely uniform.
  8. Finishing Touch: Pour fudge into prepared dish, spreading evenly and garnishing top with remaining toasted walnuts for visual and textural appeal.
  9. Setting: Allow fudge to cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours, enabling complete solidification and flavor development.
  10. Serving: Lift fudge from dish using parchment paper, slice into elegant squares, and indulge in the luxurious maple walnut creation.

Notes

  • Precision Matters: Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature tracking, as it’s crucial for achieving the perfect fudge consistency.
  • Toasting Technique: Carefully toast walnuts to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning by stirring frequently and watching closely.
  • Cooling Caution: Allow fudge to cool naturally at room temperature; refrigeration can cause unwanted crystallization and affect texture.
  • Storage Tip: Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment layers, keeping at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 244
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 88 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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