A recipe for maple walnut fudge that is foolproof! It’s sweet, creamy, and full of maple flavor, with crunchy walnuts for texture!
Welp, I made this fudge a year ago, and here we are. I never got around to sharing it, but the recipe is still as good as it was last November.
I can’t say the same thing for the photos, but they aren’t the worst I’ve taken. We’ll all get through this.
I think the main thing you need to know about this recipe is that this fudge features a classic and timeless flavor pairing: maple and walnut. One of my favorite flavor teams. Rich in maple flavor, smooth and creamy in texture, and loaded with crunchy walnuts.
I also added toffee to this fudge for an additional level of crunchiness, as well as caramel-like sugary goodness.
I sometimes hesitate to make candy from scratch because I don’t like dealing with a candy thermometer. I love to make it, but I have to be in the right mood. Candy-making is not always fuss-free.
The thermometer is meant to make things easier, and to provide accuracy, but sometimes I think it only complicates candy-making. At least, for me.
This fudge is foolproof though. The recipe is simple enough, and the reward is worth any effort it takes to make it.
I haven’t made this fudge since last year, but that’s going to change. It highlights some of the best fall flavors, is always a hit at parties, and is blessedly easy to make!
Maple Walnut Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 c. unsalted butter cubed
- 2 c. packed brown sugar
- 1 - 5 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp. maple extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 2 c. powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 c. chopped walnuts divided
- 3/4 c. toffee bits optional
Instructions
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Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, and spray the foil with butter spray.
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In a large saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and evaporated milk.
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Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Set a timer for 8 minutes.
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Remove from heat, and stir in the maple extract, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar.
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Quickly transfer to a large mixing bowl, and beat for 2-3 minutes, or until it's smooth and shiny.
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Fold in 1 c. walnuts and the toffee bits (toffee bits are optional).
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Immediately spread into the prepared pan, and sprinkle with remaining walnuts, pressing down lightly.
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Cool completely.
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Lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil edges, and remove foil.
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Cut into bars, and enjoy!
Adapted from this recipe.
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
November 13, 2015 at 7:46 amI love this (even if it’s a year old)! 🙂 Maple and walnuts are THE BEST together…it reminds me of that gooey, drippy ice cream topping called, “wet nuts.” So, so yum!
Sarah says
November 18, 2015 at 3:49 pmI do think maple and walnuts are a match made in heaven!! This fudge melts in your mouth too! Wet nuts… how interesting. Have not heard of those!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
November 13, 2015 at 11:09 amThis fudge sounds fantastic! I am all about maple!
Sarah says
November 18, 2015 at 3:49 pmMe too! One of my favorite fall flavors! 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
November 13, 2015 at 2:26 pmThis looks amazing! I usually stick with chocolate fudge during the holidays, but this is such a nice twist! Pinned!
Sarah says
November 18, 2015 at 3:41 pmThank you so much!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
November 13, 2015 at 5:20 pmI think the photos are really nice Sarah! 🙂 love the flavors in this fudge!
Sarah says
November 18, 2015 at 3:42 pmAww, thank you, Manali! They aren’t terrible, and honestly, I haven’t really improved all that much over the year!!! Haha. So glad you like the flavors here. Maple is lovely, isn’t it?
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
November 13, 2015 at 7:47 pmWhen I saw the title here I was immediately flabbergasted. BEST idea ever! Love maple and walnut together <3!
Kelly says
November 15, 2015 at 8:26 amI can never resist fudge, it’s one of my favorites! Love the maple walnut combo!
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
November 15, 2015 at 9:25 pmI am nervous about making candy when it comes to thermometers as well. You made this look so easy and good! I bet it is delicious!
Sarah says
November 18, 2015 at 3:47 pmYeah, why is it that candy thermometers don’t ever seem to be accurate?? Thanks, girl!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
November 16, 2015 at 8:06 amOh my GOSH, girl! This fudge is just everything I want on a Monday and more. 😉 Your photos are seriously STUNNING too! Do you deliver? Because I have a very huge craving for fudge now. 😉
Sarah says
November 18, 2015 at 3:51 pmSo glad you like the photos because they are from last year! Lol! Though I don’t know that my photography has really grown much, but still. Delivery – now that is a GREAT idea. Gonna have to work on that!
Cindy Eikenberg says
November 28, 2015 at 6:48 amSarah, maple walnut fudge is my absolute favorite and this looks amazing! As soon as I saw it at Crafts a la Mode, I had to pop over and pin it! Thanks for sharing your recipe – hope you have a happy weekend!
Sarah says
November 29, 2015 at 5:26 pmOh I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much, Cindy!! 🙂
Theresa @DearCreatives says
December 3, 2015 at 1:42 pmSounds so amazing. Can’t wait to try. Pinned & shared. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party. Happy Holiday Season!
gwen says
December 9, 2015 at 6:40 amI have 2 questions: Do you use light or dark brown sugar? I like the accuracy of using a candy thermometer, but didn’t see any reference to what temp this should be. Sometimes, stoves differ so that 8 minutes for one isn’t the same as 8 minutes for another.
Sarah says
December 9, 2015 at 8:34 amHi Gwen! I used light brown sugar for this recipe! I do know what you mean – stoves can definitely differ, and I know that it would be more accurate with a candy thermometer. Unfortunately, I didn’t use one when I made this candy. I wish I could help. I have personally found that setting a timer has actually been consistent enough. My Gma has a chocolate fudge recipe that we set the time for exactly 5 minutes, and no matter whose stove we use, it seems to always set up properly! I think with this recipe, you might have a bit of leeway, and it will still be close enough. I hope that helps! Good luck!! Let me know if you try it! 🙂
Cristy woodworth says
August 23, 2019 at 12:24 pmWould the consistency be the same if I left out the nuts! Yours looks easy and is similar to my chocolate fudge
Sarah says
August 23, 2019 at 3:03 pmAbsolutely! You definitely don’t have to include them. 🙂
Sarah says
November 4, 2020 at 6:06 amI am unable to source maple extract. Could I use maple syrup instead or will this affect the consistency?
Many thanks
Sarah says
November 4, 2020 at 7:52 amHi there! It will affect consistency, and it may not provide a strong enough maple flavor. I’m sorry to hear that you can’t obtain maple extract. Maybe there’s another maple fudge recipe that calls for maple syrup instead. Good luck!!
Sarah says
November 4, 2020 at 4:41 pmThank you for your reply.
Shelley Brewer says
December 19, 2020 at 11:06 amI have experimented with fudge many times with no luck.
I bought some maple fudge from a local amish store last week and it was so good I hoped to make some. I found your recipe and it worked perfectly. I followed recipe exactly and it as good as the amish fudge and maybe better. Thank you. I would love your grandmas 5 minute chocolate fudge. I didnt see it on your website. Thank you for making me a successful fudge maker!!