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· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to make something truly indulgent but a little different, you’ve got to try this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe. It’s sweet but not too sweet, with that warm, cozy flavor of real maple syrup mingling perfectly with crunchy walnuts. Trust me, once you make this fudge, you’ll keep coming back for more. And the best part? You don’t need a candy store to pull it off—just a few simple ingredients and a little patience. Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Real Maple Syrup: Using pure maple syrup gives the fudge a rich, authentic flavor that you can’t get with imitation syrups.
Precise Temperature: Cooking the sugar mixture to exactly 238°F ensures the fudge sets perfectly—avoid the grainy or gooey results.
Cream & Butter Balance: Heavy cream and butter give the fudge that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re dreaming of.
Walnuts for Texture: Adding walnuts brings a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth sweetness beautifully.

Maple Walnut Fudge, maple walnut fudge recipe, homemade maple fudge, easy fudge with walnuts, cozy maple walnut treats - 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

Every ingredient in this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe plays a starring role. From the velvety heavy cream to the punch of maple extract, each adds layers of flavor and texture. When you shop, look for real maple syrup (not pancake syrup!) and fresh walnuts to really elevate your fudge game.

Maple Walnut Fudge, maple walnut fudge recipe, homemade maple fudge, easy fudge with walnuts, cozy maple walnut treats - 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

Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for authentic flavor and natural sweetness.
Granulated White Sugar: Helps the fudge set with the right consistency and texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and smooth creaminess.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Gives a luscious finish and silky texture without extra saltiness.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor with familiar warmth.
Maple Extract: Boosts maple notes for that signature twist.
Walnuts: Roughly chopped for crunch and a natural, woodsy flavor that pairs perfectly with maple.

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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 to play around with this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe depending on who I’m making it for. A little tweaking here and there keeps it exciting and lets you customize the fudge to your liking. Don’t be shy to try out some variations—fudge is forgiving once you get the basics down!

Variation: I’ve swapped walnuts for pecans when I want a different nutty flavor, and it works just as well. If you’re nut-free, toasted coconut flakes add a lovely crunch too.
Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, you can try coconut cream and vegan butter—but be mindful it changes the texture slightly.
Flavor Boost: A pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the maple beautifully, especially in cooler months.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, line an 8-inch square pan with foil, then lightly spray it with nonstick spray. This ensures your fudge will come out in one solid piece, easy to cut. I like to have all my ingredients measured and ready—fudge waits for no one!

Step 2: Boil Your Maple Mixture

In a medium saucepan, mix your maple syrup, sugar, cream, and salt. Bring them to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, clip your candy thermometer to the side of the pan and watch until it hits 238°F. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Be patient here—getting to the right temperature is the secret to perfect fudge.

Step 3: Beat Your Fudge to Perfection

Remove the pan from the heat and use an electric mixer to blend in the butter along with the vanilla and maple extracts. Keep beating for 8 to 10 minutes—you’ll notice the fudge turning lighter, thicker, and losing its glossy sheen. This step transforms the hot syrup into creamy, dreamy fudge. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts gently but thoroughly.

Step 4: Set and Enjoy

Spread your fudge evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top for that picture-perfect finish. Let the fudge firm up at room temperature for about 25 minutes before cutting. If you’re impatient (like me sometimes), pop it in the fridge for a quicker set, but let it come back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Watch Your Temperature: A candy thermometer is your best friend—don’t skip this, it guarantees perfect texture every time.
Beat Until Change: When the fudge loses its glossy sheen and thickens, that’s your cue it’s ready for the pan.
Use Fresh Walnuts: Old nuts can taste bitter. Toasting them lightly before chopping adds extra flavor.
Avoid Humidity: Fudge can be tricky on humid days. Try to make it when the air is dry for best results.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Maple Walnut Fudge, maple walnut fudge recipe, homemade maple fudge, easy fudge with walnuts, cozy maple walnut treats - 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 love topping the fudge with a few extra walnut halves right after spreading it in the pan—it adds a rustic, inviting look and a little extra crunch with every bite. Occasionally, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top, which surprisingly balances the sweetness and enriches the maple flavor.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or strong black tea—perfect for cozy afternoons with friends. I also like serving it alongside fresh fruit like crisp apples or pears; the natural tartness contrasts nicely with the rich, sweet fudge.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special occasions, I cut my fudge into small squares and wrap each in parchment paper tied with twine. You can also layer fudge squares in a pretty tin with wax paper in between to keep everything neat and ready to share. It always gets rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your maple walnut fudge is set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I keep mine in a cool, dry spot to prevent it from getting sticky or soft. It’s a wonderful treat to have on hand when a sweet craving hits!

Freezing

If you want to make a large batch, fudge freezes really well. Wrap individual pieces in parchment or wax paper, place them in a zip-top freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat fudge—it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. But if your fudge feels a bit hard after refrigeration, letting it sit out for 15 minutes softens it nicely. Avoid microwaving, which can make it grainy or too soft.

FAQs

Can I use artificial maple flavor instead of real maple syrup in this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe?

While you can use artificial maple flavor, the real magic comes from pure maple syrup. It provides a depth and natural sweetness that artificial flavors can’t replicate, resulting in a richer and more authentic fudge. If you must substitute, try adding both vanilla and maple extracts, but the texture may also be affected if syrup is reduced.
Why is my fudge grainy or crumbly?

Grainy fudge often means the sugar crystals formed prematurely. Make sure you stir constantly while bringing the mixture to temperature, beat it long enough after removing from heat, and avoid any splashes of sugar crystals on the pan’s sides which can cause crystallization. Using a candy thermometer to hit exactly 238°F is crucial to avoid this problem.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts or ingredients?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even toasted hazelnuts work wonderfully as swaps in this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe. For a nut-free option, toasted coconut flakes or even dried cranberries can add interesting textures and flavors.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?

You can try replacing heavy cream with coconut cream and using vegan butter, but keep in mind that the texture won’t be as creamy or firm as the classic version. It’s a fun experiment, but for best results, stick to the original ingredients if you’re new to fudge-making.
How long does homemade maple walnut fudge last?

At room temperature in an airtight container, homemade fudge lasts for about 1 week. You can extend its life by refrigeration up to 3 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months (see storage tips above).

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe ranks up there with my favorite homemade treats. It’s got that perfect combination of smooth, sweet, and nutty flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Once you master this, you’ll feel like a fudge-making pro—and maybe even be that friend everyone asks for sweets. So go ahead, try this recipe with your own twists and share the love (and fudge) with the people you care about. You won’t regret it!