Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Creamy Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Minutes

Sweet maple walnut fudge captures the essence of comforting homemade desserts with its rich, indulgent flavor profile.

Creamy textures meld perfectly with nutty undertones, creating a decadent treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Smooth maple syrup infuses each bite with deep, caramel-like warmth that lingers delightfully on your palate.

Walnuts add a satisfying crunch, revolutionizeing this classic confection into a multi-dimensional sensory experience.

Skilled home bakers can easily master this straightforward recipe that promises impressive results every single time.

The combination of simple ingredients revolutionizes ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary confectionery delight.

Your taste buds will dance with excitement when encountering this irresistible maple-infused sweet.

Pairing Recommendations for Maple Walnut Fudge

  • Brew a Maple Walnut Coffee Companion: Pair this sweet fudge with a warm, medium-roast coffee that has nutty undertones. The coffee's rich flavor will complement the maple and walnut notes, creating a delightful taste harmony.
  • Serve with Creamy Vanilla Elegance: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the fudge provides a cool, smooth contrast to the dense, sweet treat. The classic vanilla will enhance the maple and walnut flavors without overpowering them.
  • Create a Dessert Wine Delight: Select a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato to accompany the fudge. These wines' honeyed characteristics will beautifully match the maple sweetness and bring out the toasted walnut complexity.
  • Craft a Maple Milkshake Match: Blend the fudge with cold milk and a touch of maple syrup to create a decadent milkshake. This pairing transforms the fudge into a luxurious, creamy beverage that celebrates its original flavors.

Creative Variations on Maple Walnut Fudge

  • Pecan Paradise: Swap walnuts with toasted pecans for a southern-style fudge that brings rich, buttery flavors and a slightly different nutty crunch.
  • Chocolate Maple Dream: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to create a deeper, more intense maple-chocolate experience.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet maple notes with a sophisticated salty contrast.
  • Bourbon Maple Elegance: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the mixture for an adult version that adds warmth and complexity to the classic fudge recipe.

Maple Walnut Fudge with Rich Autumn Notes

  • Craft Creamy Comfort: This maple walnut fudge delivers a silky-smooth texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue, creating a luxurious dessert experience with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Elevate Seasonal Flavors: The combination of rich maple extract and toasted walnuts transforms a classic fudge into a warm, autumnal treat that captures the cozy essence of fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
  • Master Simple Candy Making: With clear step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen tools, even novice cooks can confidently create a professional-looking dessert that looks like it came from a gourmet candy shop, impressing family and friends with minimal technical skills.

Ingredients for Maple Walnut Fudge

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds deep flavor and smooth texture to the fudge.
  • Evaporated Milk: Provides thick, concentrated dairy goodness that helps create smooth consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation that creates classic fudge structure and caramel-like depth.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the fudge.
Chocolate and Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Chocolate: Creamy element that provides luxurious base and smooth texture.
  • Marshmallow Creme: Adds glossy sheen and helps create soft, spreadable fudge consistency.
  • Maple Extract: Delivers classic maple flavor that defines the recipe's signature taste.
Nut and Oil Components:
  • Walnuts, Vegetable Oil: Walnuts provide crunchy texture and nutty flavor, while oil helps toast them evenly.
  • Additional Salt: Helps bring out walnut's natural richness during toasting process.

How to Make Maple Walnut Fudge

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Sanctuary

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating gentle overhangs for effortless fudge removal. This will be your sweet creation’s cozy home.

Step 2: Craft The Sugary Foundation

In a large saucepan, gently melt butter over low heat. Add:
  • Evaporated milk
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt

Stir ingredients until they merge into a harmonious mixture.

Step 3: Unleash The Boiling Adventure

Crank up heat to medium and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once bubbling, stop stirring. Let the concoction dance until it reaches 234-237 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.

Step 4: Allow Cooling Magic

Remove saucepan from heat. Let the mixture rest undisturbed until temperature drops to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Patience is your secret ingredient.

Step 5: Transform Walnuts

In a skillet, combine:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Salt

Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until walnuts release their aromatic charm. Set aside.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Clouds

Microwave white chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring between each session until silky smooth.

Step 7: Blend Magical Elements

When fudge mixture reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit, introduce:
  • Melted white chocolate
  • Marshmallow creme
  • Maple extract
  • Toasted walnuts

Stir until ingredients dance together perfectly.

Step 8: Create Fudge Masterpiece

Pour mixture into prepared pan. Spread evenly and sprinkle remaining walnuts on top. Allow fudge to set at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

Step 9: Slice And Celebrate

Lift fudge from pan using parchment paper. Slice into delectable squares and savor your sweet creation.

Pro Tips for Maple Walnut Fudge Success

  • Precise Temperature Tracking: Use a reliable digital candy thermometer for accurate heat measurement, ensuring perfect fudge consistency every time.
  • Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Avoid stirring while boiling to prevent sugar crystals from forming, which can make your fudge grainy and less smooth.
  • Master Walnut Toasting: Watch walnuts carefully while toasting, as they can quickly burn; remove from heat when they become fragrant and golden brown.
  • Smooth Chocolate Melting: Melt white chocolate slowly and gently to prevent scorching, stirring between microwave intervals for even melting.
  • Perfect Cooling Technique: Allow fudge to set at room temperature undisturbed, giving it ample time to develop a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Storing Maple Walnut Fudge to Retain Softness

  • Refrigeration: Store maple walnut fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Allow frozen fudge to thaw at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can alter the smooth, creamy consistency.
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Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Maple walnut fudge delivers pure Canadian comfort in each luxurious square. Sweet maple syrup meets crunchy walnuts, creating a rich dessert that whispers nostalgic memories of autumn evenings you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 12 ounces (340 g) white chocolate chunks, roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 7 ounces (198 g) (1 jar) marshmallow creme
  • ¾ cup (88 g) chopped walnuts

Dairy and Fat Components:

  • ¼ cup (57 g) (½ stick) butter
  • ⅔ cup (168 g) evaporated milk

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple extract

Instructions

  1. Meticulously line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless extraction.
  2. Gently melt butter in a substantial saucepan over minimal heat, incorporating evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and initial salt measurement.
  3. Elevate temperature to medium, initiating a vigorous boil without stirring. Maintain continuous heating until candy thermometer registers 234°F-237°F.
  4. Carefully extract saucepan from heat source, allowing undisturbed cooling until temperature descends to 110°F.
  5. Simultaneously prepare walnuts by heating vegetable oil in a compact skillet. Toast chopped walnuts with remaining salt, cultivating a fragrant aroma through frequent stirring for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Transform white chocolate into smooth consistency using microwave, executing brief 15-second intervals with intermittent stirring.
  7. Upon reaching precise temperature, integrate melted white chocolate, marshmallow creme, maple extract, and a portion of toasted walnuts. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
  8. Transfer fudge mixture into prepared dish, distributing evenly. Garnish surface with remaining toasted walnuts.
  9. Allow natural cooling at ambient temperature for 2-3 hours, permitting complete solidification.
  10. Extract fudge using parchment paper overhang, slice into elegant squares, and savor the decadent creation.

Notes

  • Precision is key when making fudge, so use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the perfect texture and consistency.
  • Toasting walnuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the maple-infused fudge.
  • Avoid stirring the mixture while boiling and cooling to prevent sugar crystallization and ensure a smooth, creamy result.
  • Allow ample cooling time at room temperature for the fudge to set properly and develop its rich, indulgent texture.
  • Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients and follow the temperature instructions carefully.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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