Sweet Maple Fudge Recipe: Your Homemade Guilty Pleasure

Creamy, decadent maple fudge captures the essence of sweet comfort in every single bite.

Perfected over generations, this classic maple fudge recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to your dessert table.

Rich maple syrup infuses each square with deep, caramel-like notes that melt on your tongue.

The smooth texture and golden hue promise a luxurious treat that speaks to pure indulgence.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this fudge transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

No complicated techniques stand between you and this delightful confection.

Prepare to savor a piece of culinary magic that celebrates the pure, unadulterated sweetness of maple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 124 kcal

Servings: 17

Maple Fudge Made with Pure Maple Syrup: Ingredients

• Parchment Paper: Helps create smooth, easy-to-remove fudge with clean edges and prevents sticking.
• Baking Dish: Provides the perfect mold for shaping and setting the maple fudge.

• Maple Syrup: Delivers rich, authentic maple essence and natural sweetness as the star ingredient.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps create smooth, crystalline texture and provides additional sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and enhances maple flavor complexity.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety consistency and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes rich, silky mouthfeel and helps stabilize fudge structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile and adds subtle aromatic depth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall maple flavor.

Essential Tools for Maple Fudge with Maple Syrup

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking maple syrup and creating the fudge base.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients smoothly without scratching the pan.
• Candy Thermometer: Crucial for monitoring precise sugar temperature and achieving the right fudge consistency.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for setting and shaping the fudge.
• Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove fudge and prevents sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting the fudge into clean, even squares.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect fudge.

Mastering Maple Fudge with Maple Syrup: Directions

• Prepare Baking Pan

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides for easy removal. Smooth out any wrinkles to create a clean surface for your fudge.

• Create Maple Mixture

Combine maple syrup, sugar, cream, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar completely and prevent burning.

• Reach Perfect Temperature

Cook the maple blend until it reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer. Watch carefully and avoid stirring too much to prevent crystallization.

• Cool and Beat

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool to 110°F without disturbing it. Then vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick and loses its glossy appearance.

• Pour and Set

Quickly transfer the fudge to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for several hours until firm.

• Cut and Serve

Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into small squares and enjoy the rich, sweet maple flavor.

Pro Tips & Creative Twists for Maple Fudge with Maple Syrup

• Choose pure, high-grade maple syrup from Canada or Vermont for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in your fudge.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches exactly 236-240°F (soft-ball stage) for perfect fudge consistency and smooth texture.
• Let the fudge cool to around 110°F before beating vigorously with a wooden spoon to create that classic creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture without becoming grainy.
• Gently fold in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just before pouring into the pan for added crunch and complementary nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with maple.
• Store your maple fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer preservation without losing its delightful taste and texture.

Serving Your Maple Fudge with Maple Syrup in Style

• Rustic Breakfast Pairing: Serve slices of maple fudge alongside warm buttermilk pancakes or Belgian waffles for a decadent morning treat that celebrates pure maple flavor.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Package small squares in cute cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, creating a homemade edible gift perfect for holiday sharing or hostess presents.
• Dessert Plating Elegance: Arrange fudge pieces on a wooden board with fresh seasonal berries, chopped nuts, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy dessert presentation that highlights the fudge's rich maple color and texture.
• Coffee Companion: Pair small cubes with espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the sweet maple notes, creating a delightful afternoon snack that balances rich and bold flavors.

Storing & Planning for Maple Fudge with Maple Syrup

• Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours to help it set faster and develop a smooth, firm texture that cuts cleanly.
• Store maple fudge in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to maintain freshness for up to 3 months.
• Keep fudge away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent melting and maintain its delicate maple-infused structure.

FAQs

• What type of maple syrup works best for this recipe?

Pure, dark maple syrup from Canada or Vermont provides the richest flavor and best results for maple fudge.

• Can I use a different size pan if I don't have an 8×8-inch dish?

Yes, you can use a similar sized pan like 9×9 inches, but adjust cooking time slightly and expect slightly thinner fudge pieces.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this maple fudge?

A candy thermometer is recommended to ensure precise temperature for perfect fudge consistency, but experienced bakers can use the cold water test method.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners in candy making?

While maple fudge requires some attention to detail, it’s a relatively straightforward recipe that intermediate home cooks can successfully prepare with careful monitoring of temperature and stirring.

Indulgent Maple Fudge

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade maple fudge brings Canadian maple syrup’s rich sweetness to delightful confections. Pure maple flavor melds with creamy textures, offering sweet moments of pure culinary pleasure you’ll savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a square baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease to ensure effortless fudge removal.
2. Syrup Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, blend maple syrup, sugar, and cream, stirring gently to promote uniform sugar dissolution without splattering.
3. Temperature Monitoring: Secure a candy thermometer inside the saucepan, ensuring it hovers above the pan’s bottom for precise temperature tracking.
4. Boiling Process: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a steady boil without stirring, allowing it to reach the soft-ball stage at 240°F, typically requiring 10-12 minutes.
5. Cooling Stage: Immediately remove from heat once the target temperature is achieved, then let the mixture rest undisturbed to prevent unwanted crystallization.
6. Temperature Reduction: Allow the maple blend to cool to approximately 110°F, fostering a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
7. Final Incorporation: Delicately fold in butter and vanilla, stirring with precision to maintain a silky texture without introducing air pockets.
8. Setting and Molding: Transfer the fudge to the prepared dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate surface imperfections.
9. Solidification and Serving: Let the fudge set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then lift out using parchment paper, slice into elegant squares, and enjoy or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Master Candy Thermometer Placement: Position the thermometer correctly in the pan without touching the bottom to get precise temperature readings and prevent inaccurate measurements.

Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Avoid stirring during the boiling process to maintain a smooth texture and prevent unwanted sugar crystal formation that can make the fudge grainy.

Control Cooling Process: Allow the mixture to cool naturally without disturbing it, ensuring a creamy, velvety consistency by letting it rest undisturbed until it reaches the ideal temperature.

Handle Butter Integration Carefully: Fold in butter and vanilla gently and minimally to maintain the fudge’s delicate structure and prevent incorporating excess air that could compromise the texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 124
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg