Description
Make the ultimate creamy, no-fail maple fudge using pure maple syrup for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for holidays or gifting. This recipe delivers classic flavor with a wonderfully smooth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup marshmallow creme (optional, for extra smoothness)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, maple syrup, and evaporated milk.
- Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the tip does not touch the bottom.
- Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until the temperature reaches 234°F (112°C), the soft-ball stage.
- Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, salt, and marshmallow creme if you are using it. Do not overmix at this stage.
- Let the mixture cool undisturbed on the stovetop or a cooling rack until the temperature drops to 110°F (43°C). This cooling step is crucial for texture.
- Once cooled, beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until it becomes thick, loses its gloss, and starts to lose its shape. This takes several minutes.
- If adding nuts, fold them in quickly during the final stages of beating.
- Quickly spread the fudge into the prepared pan.
- Let the fudge set completely at room temperature for several hours or chill briefly to speed up setting.
- Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use only 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrup.
- Do not stir the mixture while it boils to prevent crystallization.
- Accurate temperature measurement is the key to smooth fudge.
- If you do not have a thermometer, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy/Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop Cooking and Cooling
- Cuisine: American/Italian Influenced
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/36th)
- Calories: Approx. 150-180
- Sugar: Approx. 25g
- Sodium: Approx. 30mg
- Fat: Approx. 4g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30g
- Fiber: Less than 1g
- Protein: Approx. 1g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 5mg