Easy Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe : How to Make Homemade Maple Fantasy Fudge

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy fudge, then Maple Walnut Fudge is a must-try! This easy maple walnut fudge recipe combines the sweet, earthy flavor of maple syrup with the crunch of walnuts to create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a special gift, or just a sweet indulgence, this homemade maple walnut fudge will delight your taste buds. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make maple walnut fudge from scratch, including a quick microwave maple walnut fudge version for those short on time.

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What is Maple Walnut Fudge?

Maple Walnut Fudge is a delicious, creamy candy made from a combination of maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and walnuts. The walnuts add the perfect crunch to complement the smooth, sweet fudge, and the maple flavor provides a deep richness that’s irresistible. Many people also love it for its nostalgic flavors, reminiscent of autumn and the holiday season.

You may also encounter variations like Maple Fantasy Fudge, which often includes marshmallow cream to enhance the creaminess of the fudge. Whether you’re craving a traditional maple walnut fudge or a maple walnut fudge with marshmallow cream, there’s a recipe for everyone!

How to Make Maple Walnut Fudge: Step-by-Step

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make homemade maple walnut fudge, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of maple syrup (preferably pure for the best flavor)
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tbsp of butter
• 1 ½ cups of chopped walnuts (feel free to toast them for an extra flavor boost)
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt (optional, to balance the sweetness)

2. Preparing the Fudge Base

Start by combining the maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.

3. Boiling the Mixture

Once the butter has melted, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously. The fudge will start to thicken as it boils. Keep an eye on it to avoid it boiling over.

4. Adding the Walnuts

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract. This is also the time to add a pinch of salt if you prefer a slightly less sweet taste.

5. Cooling and Setting

Transfer the fudge mixture into a greased baking dish or a pan lined with parchment paper. Spread the fudge evenly and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.

Once the fudge has cooled and set, cut it into maple walnut fudge pieces.

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Microwave Maple Walnut Fudge: Quick and Easy

If you’re short on time and craving maple walnut fudge, you can make it in the microwave! Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of maple syrup
• ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp of butter
• ¾ cup of walnuts
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Combine the maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Once the mixture is hot and the butter has melted, stir in the walnuts and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and refrigerate for 1 hour or until set.

This microwave maple walnut fudge is just as delicious as the stovetop version, with much less effort!

Maple Walnut Fudge with Marshmallow Cream

For a creamier version of maple walnut fudge, you can add marshmallow cream to the mix. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of maple syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tbsp of butter
• 1 cup of marshmallow cream
• 1 ½ cups of chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the butter is melted.
2. Add the marshmallow cream to the mixture and continue stirring until fully combined and smooth.
3. Stir in the walnuts and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Pour the fudge into a greased pan, let it cool, and then cut it into squares once set.

This version of maple walnut fudge with marshmallow cream is extra creamy and smooth, making it a popular choice for those who love a velvety texture in their fudge.

Maple Fantasy Fudge: A Twist on a Classic

Maple Fantasy Fudge is essentially a rich, creamy maple fudge that often includes marshmallow cream and sometimes additional flavorings like vanilla or caramel. This variation is perfect if you’re looking for a maple walnut fudge with a more indulgent texture.

Follow the same steps as for maple walnut fudge with marshmallow cream, but feel free to experiment with additional flavors such as caramel extract or a handful of toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a twist on the classic recipe.

Tips for Perfect Maple Walnut Fudge

• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Artificial maple syrup lacks the rich, earthy flavor that makes this fudge special.
• Toast the walnuts for extra flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the fudge mixture.
• Let the fudge set completely before cutting it. If it’s still warm, it might be too soft and sticky to cut neatly.
• Keep fudge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or store it in the fridge for longer freshness.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make maple walnut fudge without walnuts?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or even leave them out altogether for a smoother fudge.

Can I freeze maple walnut fudge?

Yes, maple walnut fudge freezes well! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do I prevent my fudge from being too sticky?

To avoid sticky fudge, ensure that you let it cook for the full 5 minutes before removing it from the heat, allowing it to thicken properly. Also, allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting.

Can I use maple extract instead of maple syrup?

While you can use maple extract, it’s best to use pure maple syrup for the most authentic flavor. Maple extract is much stronger, so use it sparingly and consider adjusting the other ingredients to balance the flavor.

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