Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels both decadent and comforting, you’ve got to try this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe. I absolutely love how this fudge turns out—creamy, smooth, with just the right hint of maple and a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick to whip up, yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Trust me, once you make it, your family and friends will be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe is in its simplicity. The key is to use quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully—smooth white chocolate, rich condensed milk, pure maple extract, and fresh walnuts. I always recommend checking the maple extract’s strength because some brands are more potent than others.

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• White Chocolate Chips: I prefer premium white chocolate chips for the creamiest texture and purest flavor—avoid blends with too many additives.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient provides both the sweetness and that silky fudge base—you’ll see why it’s a game changer.
• Maple Extract: Unlike pure maple syrup, maple extract packs intense flavor without added liquid; a little goes a long way!
• Salt: Just a pinch lifts the sweetness and balances the flavor perfectly.
• Walnuts: Coarsely chopped walnuts add the perfect crunch and a nutty contrast to the fudge’s smoothness.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you have on hand or personal preference. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Add Dried Fruit: Sometimes I mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a pop of tartness that pairs amazingly with maple.
• Swap Walnuts: Pecans or almonds work beautifully if walnuts aren’t your thing or if you want a different nutty flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you want a richer maple flavor, add a bit more extract, but be cautious as it’s strong and can become overpowering.
• Go Vegan: You can experiment with dairy-free white chocolate and coconut condensed milk alternatives, though texture may vary slightly.

How to Make Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Line Your Pan Like a Pro

Start by prepping an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan. I always line mine with lightly greased parchment paper or non-stick foil so the fudge lifts right out once it’s set. Trust me, skipping this step is when sticky messes happen—that’s a headache you can avoid!

Step 2: Melt the Magic

Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and combine the white chocolate chips with the full can of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on 70% power for 90 seconds, then stir. You’ll see the mixture start to melt and come together. If there are still chunks, zap it again in 15-second bursts, stirring in between until silky smooth. If you prefer stovetop, a double boiler works wonders—just keep that water at a gentle simmer so nothing burns.

Step 3: Flavor and Fold

Once your chocolate and milk are smooth and warm, stir in the maple extract and a pinch of salt. The salt rounds out all those flavors. Then fold in the coarsely chopped walnuts. I love doing this by hand so I’m gentle with the nuts — you want big chunks in there for crunch, not dust.

Step 4: Chill to Perfection

Pour that luscious mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop the whole thing into the fridge for several hours (I usually let it chill overnight) until it’s completely set and firm. Then cut it into squares and get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top before chilling for a fancy look and extra crunch. Sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm spice note that surprises and delights.

Side Dishes

This fudge is rich enough to enjoy on its own, but I love pairing it with a cup of black coffee or creamy chai tea to balance the sweetness. It also makes a lovely finish to a holiday meal or afternoon snack board with fruit and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, I cut the fudge into bite-sized squares wrapped individually in wax paper tied with rustic twine. You can also layer fudge in a pretty box with parchment separators—presentation matters and this one looks like a treat from a fancy bakery!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your maple walnut fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to two weeks, although it rarely lasts that long in my house! Just layer parchment or wax paper between pieces if you want to avoid them sticking together.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this fudge if you want to stash some for later or gift in bulk. Wrap pieces individually and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight so it doesn’t get soggy or lose texture.

Reheating

While I usually enjoy this fudge chilled, if you want it softer you can gently reheat small portions in the microwave for about 10 seconds—watch closely so you don’t melt it entirely! It’s perfect for scooping over ice cream or spreading on toast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen adventures because it’s so easy yet incredibly satisfying. I love sharing it with friends during the holidays, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you decide to try it, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with the creamy texture and cozy maple flavor just like I did. So, grab those ingredients and get ready for a fudge that feels homemade but tastes gourmet—your sweet tooth will thank you!

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