Name: Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups real maple syrup; 1 ¾ cups granulated white sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon maple extract; 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts; a few more walnuts for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 43 reviews

Have you ever craved something sweet that feels like a warm hug in every bite? This Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe is exactly that—rich, creamy, and loaded with that unmistakable deep maple flavor paired with crunchy walnuts. I promise, once you try making this, it’ll become your go-to treat for holiday gifts or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Stick with me here because I’ll share some of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up to help your fudge turn out perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Sweetness: Using real maple syrup alongside granulated sugar gives this fudge a unique, deep sweetness that’s never overpowering.
Creamy Texture: The heavy whipping cream and butter bring a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality that feels indulgent but comforting.
Crunchy Walnut Contrast: Adding chopped walnuts introduces a delightful texture and a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly complements the maple.
Temperature Control: Hitting the exact candy temperature makes all the difference—giving you fudge that sets right but stays soft and creamy.

Maple Walnut Fudge, Homemade Maple Walnut Fudge, Easy Maple Walnut Fudge, Best Maple Walnut Fudge, Maple Walnut Fudge Ingredients - The image shows a baking pan lined with crinkled aluminum foil holding a light beige fudge cut into small square pieces, topped with scattered walnut chunks. The fudge has a smooth but slightly cracked texture with the nuts unevenly spread on top. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe plays a vital role, from the sweet depth of maple syrup to the rich cream that creates a velvety texture. When shopping, try to pick pure maple syrup and fresh walnuts for the best flavor, and always check your heavy cream for freshness because that makes a noticeable difference.

Maple Walnut Fudge, Homemade Maple Walnut Fudge, Easy Maple Walnut Fudge, Best Maple Walnut Fudge, Maple Walnut Fudge Ingredients - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of fine granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of rich heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing a pinch of salt, a square of pale unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl holding light brown vanilla beans, a small white ceramic bowl with a few whole maple leaves for a natural touch, a small white ceramic bowl filled with roughly chopped walnuts alongside a few whole walnuts arranged neatly, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Real maple syrup: The star of the show, it gives authentic maple flavor and natural sweetness that’s richer than artificial extracts alone.
Granulated white sugar: Helps the fudge set up properly by creating structure when heated and cooled with syrup and cream.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess and smooth texture that’s essential for soft fudge.
Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor gently without overpowering the maple.
Maple extract: Boosts maple intensity so every bite says “maple” loud and clear.
Walnuts (roughly chopped): Provides texture contrast and a mildly bitter note that complements the sweet fudge.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with my Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe—sometimes throwing in a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or swapping walnuts for pecans when I’m feeling a bit nutty. Feel free to make this recipe truly yours; adjusting the type of nuts or even the sweetness level can give you fudge exactly how you like it.

Variation: I tried adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top once, and it was heavenly—a salty-sweet combo that really elevates the experience.
Dietary Change: If you want to avoid dairy, try using coconut cream and vegan butter, but keep in mind fudge texture will change slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by lining an 8-inch square pan with foil—don’t skip this, trust me! It makes removing the fudge later a breeze. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray so your fudge doesn’t get stuck. While you’re prepping utensils and ingredients, measure out everything carefully because fudge waits for no one!

Step 2: Boil Your Maple Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine your maple syrup, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Clip on your candy thermometer here—this is the magic tool for fudge-making! Keep cooking and stirring until the temperature hits 238°F (the soft ball stage). This usually takes about 7-8 minutes depending on your stove.

Step 3: Beat Until Just Right

Remove your pan from the heat and quickly but carefully transfer the hot mixture to your mixer bowl (or leave it in the pan if it fits your mixer). Beat with an electric mixer while adding the butter, vanilla, and maple extracts. This part takes about 8-10 minutes—and yes, it requires patience! You’ll see the fudge thicken and lighten, losing its glossy shine. That’s your signal it’s ready for the walnuts.

Step 4: Fold in Walnuts and Set

Gently stir in the chopped walnuts, then pour the thick, heavenly mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth it out evenly and sprinkle a few extra nuts on top for a pretty finishing touch. Now all that’s left is to let it firm up—this usually takes about 25 minutes at room temperature.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Use a Candy Thermometer: This is non-negotiable in my book! Fudge success hinges on hitting exactly 238°F to get that creamy texture.
Beat Thoroughly: Don’t rush the beating stage—this transforms the mixture from syrupy to that perfect fudge consistency.
Room Temperature Matters: Make sure your kitchen isn’t too humid or cold, as it can interfere with how fudge sets.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream and butter make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture, so try to avoid older pantry staples.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Maple Walnut Fudge, Homemade Maple Walnut Fudge, Easy Maple Walnut Fudge, Best Maple Walnut Fudge, Maple Walnut Fudge Ingredients - A white plate holds around ten square pieces of light beige fudge with a smooth but slightly crumbly texture, each piece studded with small chunks of brown walnuts inside and a few walnut pieces on top. Some walnut pieces are scattered around the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has thin red stripes beside it. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often garnish my fudge with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or extra chopped walnuts on top. The salt adds a wonderful contrast, and the nuts make it look rustic and inviting—plus, it hints at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a warm cup of chai tea when you want a cozy moment. For gatherings, I like serving it alongside fresh fruit or a simple cheese board to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I mold my fudge into small squares and wrap each in pretty parchment paper tied with twine. It makes an adorable edible gift! I’ve also spread a thin layer in mini muffin tins to create bite-sized fudge cups that are perfect party finger foods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers, keeping it at room temperature. It stays fresh and soft for about a week, which makes it perfect to prepare ahead of time for parties or presents.

Freezing

Freezing fudge is a lifesaver! I wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them in the fridge overnight to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

If you find your fudge a bit firm after refrigeration or freezing, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and make it grainy.

FAQs

Can I use pancake syrup instead of real maple syrup?

While pancake syrup might seem like an easy substitute, it won’t provide the rich, authentic maple flavor that real maple syrup offers. Also, pancake syrup often contains corn syrup and artificial flavors, which can affect the texture and taste of your fudge.
What’s the best way to tell when the fudge mixture is ready to beat?

The key is using a reliable candy thermometer and waiting until the mixture reaches 238°F, the soft ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can do a cold water test: drop a bit of mixture into cold water and see if it forms a soft, pliable ball.
How long can I keep homemade maple walnut fudge?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this fudge stays fresh for about one week. For longer storage, freezing is recommended and works really well without affecting texture when thawed correctly.
Can I use different nuts in this fudge?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts make lovely substitutes. Just chop them roughly to maintain that crunchy texture. Toasting the nuts beforehand can also add an extra depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—not just for its delicious taste but for the memories it has created. Making fudge can feel a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of the technique, it’s incredibly rewarding. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how magical homemade fudge can be. Wrap some up for gifts or keep it all for yourself—you won’t regret it!