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· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the warm sweetness of maple with the satisfying crunch of walnuts, you’re in for a real delight. This Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe is one of my all-time favorites—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip up batch after batch. It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for gifting or just indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The natural sweetness of real maple syrup blends seamlessly with sugar and cream for that classic fudge texture.
Nutty Crunch: Freshly chopped walnuts add an irresistible texture contrast that makes each bite delightful.
Flavor Depth: The combo of vanilla and maple extracts layers flavor for an unforgettable maple syrup twist.
Simple Technique: Using a candy thermometer ensures you hit the exact temperature for creamy, smooth fudge every time.

Maple Walnut Fudge, maple walnut fudge recipe, easy maple fudge, homemade walnut fudge, quick fudge with maple and walnuts - 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

The secret behind this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe’s magic lies in the quality and balance of ingredients. Each one plays a key role—real maple syrup for authentic sweetness, cream for that luscious creaminess, and walnuts that bring texture and earthiness. I always recommend using the best maple syrup you can find; it really shines through in the final product.

Maple Walnut Fudge, maple walnut fudge recipe, easy maple fudge, homemade walnut fudge, quick fudge with maple and walnuts - 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: Use pure, real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for that authentic flavor punch.
Granulated white sugar: Helps create the fudge’s structure and sweetness; don’t skip it!
Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and smoothness, making the fudge luxuriously creamy.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted butter: Gives the fudge a silky texture and helps it set just right.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor, complementing the maple’s natural warmth.
Maple extract: Boosts the maple flavor without overpowering; a small amount goes a long way.
Walnuts: Fresh, roughly chopped for crunch and a toasty nutty aroma—always toast them lightly if you want extra flavor.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe as is because it hits the perfect flavor notes, but one of the best things about fudge is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans if you want a softer nut flavor or reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.

Nut Alternative: I tried pecans once, and honestly, it gave a buttery, mellow nutty taste that I adored—definitely worth experimenting.
Extract Tweaks: You can skip the maple extract if you only have vanilla on hand but adding both really layers the maple flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free twist, I’ve replaced heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and butter with coconut oil—results are quite creamy!

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

Step 1: Prep your pan and ingredients

Before turning on the stove, line an 8-inch square pan with foil, ensuring you leave some overhang for easy fudge removal. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick spray so your fudge doesn’t stick. Get all your ingredients measured and ready because fudge waits for no one once it starts cooking!

Step 2: Boil the maple mixture perfectly

Combine maple syrup, sugar, heavy cream, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir constantly over medium-high heat as it comes to a boil. This stirring prevents burning and ensures even heat. Once boiling, clip your candy thermometer to the pan’s side and let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until it hits 238°F—the “soft-ball” stage. This precise temperature is crucial for creamy fudge. Patience is key, so resist the temptation to rush this part!

Step 3: Beat for magic texture

Remove the pan from heat and immediately add butter, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens noticeably and lightens in color. This step’s what turns that hot syrup into smooth, creamy fudge. You’ll see it lose its glossy sheen—that’s your sign it’s perfect. Stir in the chopped walnuts last.

Step 4: Spread and chill

Pour the fudge into your prepared pan and gently spread it evenly. Sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top for that photo-ready look and extra crunch. Let the fudge sit at room temperature for about 25 minutes to firm up before slicing into those perfect squares.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use a Candy Thermometer: Trust me, fudge is all about temperature—don’t guess it, measure it for consistently perfect results.
Beat With Patience: Those 8–10 minutes of beating feel long but it’s worth it—the texture changes completely.
Choose Quality Maple Syrup: I’ve experimented with various brands, and pure maple syrup always makes the fudge taste richer and more authentic.
Avoid Humidity: Fudge can be finicky—if it’s humid, your fudge might not set properly, so pick a dry day or use air conditioning if possible.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Maple Walnut Fudge, maple walnut fudge recipe, easy maple fudge, homemade walnut fudge, quick fudge with maple and walnuts - 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 this fudge with just a few extra walnut halves—they add that perfect rustic look and a little extra crunch. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance that absolutely elevates the flavor.

Side Dishes

This fudge makes a fantastic companion to your afternoon coffee or a cozy cup of chamomile tea. I’ve also paired it with a cheese board (think mild cheeses and fresh fruit) for a fun holiday snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I like to cut the fudge into bite-sized squares and wrap each piece in wax paper for gifting. Another favorite is stacking fudge squares in a pretty glass jar layered with walnuts and a cinnamon stick for visual appeal and fragrance—the perfect hostess gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, pop it in the fridge to keep it firm. Just be sure to bring it back to room temp before enjoying, so it softens up a bit.

Freezing

If you want to make this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe ahead of time for a party, it freezes beautifully! Wrap pieces tightly in parchment, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

Because fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, just let frozen or refrigerated fudge sit out for 30–60 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave at very low power softens it up without melting it.

FAQs

Can I use regular maple syrup instead of pure maple syrup for this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe?

Pure maple syrup is definitely preferable because it has a richer, more complex flavor that shines through in the fudge. Using pancake syrup or flavored maple syrup won’t give you the same authentic taste or depth. Trust me, splurging on real maple syrup is worth it here!
What’s the best way to know when the fudge mixture is cooked enough?

The key is reaching 238°F on a candy thermometer, which is the “soft-ball” stage essential for smooth fudge texture. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a bit of the hot mixture into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball.
Why did my fudge turn grainy, and how can I fix it?

Grainy fudge usually happens when sugar crystals form prematurely. To avoid that, stir constantly until boiling, use a clean pan, avoid humidity, and beat the mixture properly after removing it from heat. If this happens, beating longer can sometimes smooth it out, but prevention is best!
Can I replace walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts are great alternatives. Just toast them lightly to bring out the flavor before adding them to the fudge.
How long does maple walnut fudge last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it lasts about a week; refrigerated, it can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is your best friend.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe feels like a big warm hug in dessert form. It’s something I turn to when I want to impress someone with a homemade treat or simply indulge my own sweet tooth. Making fudge can seem intimidating, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll nail it—and your friends will be asking for your secret! So grab that candy thermometer, put on your favorite song, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade fudge that tastes like it came from a boutique candy shop.