Description
A creamy, foolproof salted maple walnut fudge that balances sweet maple syrup with toasted walnuts and flaky sea salt. This holiday favorite is easier to make than it looks and results in a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup (240ml) 100% pure maple syrup (Grade A or B)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup (100g) walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly with butter.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Let cool, then chop coarsely.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, maple syrup, and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until butter is melted and ingredients are combined.
- Stir in granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt. Whisk until no sugar lumps remain.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, stop stirring and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Boil steadily until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage), which takes about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, perform the cold water test: a drop of syrup should form a soft ball in cold water.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Allow the mixture to cool to 110°F, stirring occasionally. This takes about 15-20 minutes. The pan should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
- Vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it thickens, loses its glossy shine, and becomes matte. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the toasted walnuts.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- If using, melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Let the fudge set at room temperature for at least 2 hours until firm. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Notes
Do not stir the mixture once it reaches a boil to prevent graininess. Ensure the mixture cools to 110°F before beating; beating it too hot will result in a sticky texture, while waiting too long will make it set in the pan. Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: fudge, maple fudge, walnut fudge, holiday dessert, salted caramel, homemade candy, easy fudge recipe, Christmas treats