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.
I 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!
I 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!
This fudge sounds fantastic! I am all about maple!
Me too! One of my favorite fall flavors! 🙂
This looks amazing! I usually stick with chocolate fudge during the holidays, but this is such a nice twist! Pinned!
Thank you so much!
I think the photos are really nice Sarah! 🙂 love the flavors in this fudge!
Aww, 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?
When I saw the title here I was immediately flabbergasted. BEST idea ever! Love maple and walnut together <3!
I can never resist fudge, it’s one of my favorites! Love the maple walnut combo!
I 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!
Yeah, why is it that candy thermometers don’t ever seem to be accurate?? Thanks, girl!
Oh 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. 😉
So 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!
Sarah, 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!
Oh I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much, Cindy!! 🙂
Sounds so amazing. Can’t wait to try. Pinned & shared. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party. Happy Holiday Season!
I 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.
Hi 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! 🙂