Maple Walnut Fudge Recipe

If there’s one confection that captures the cozy charm of fall and winter, it’s Maple Walnut Fudge. Rich, creamy white chocolate mingles with the distinct sweetness of maple and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts for a bite-sized treat that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, Maple Walnut Fudge never fails to deliver that perfect burst of nostalgic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Maple Walnut Fudge is how effortlessly a few pantry classics come together for pure magic. Each ingredient was hand-picked to deliver the irresistibly creamy base, signature maple notes, and that classic nutty crunch.

• 3 cups white chocolate chips: Choose high-quality chips, like Ghirardelli, for the smoothest melt and indulgent flavor.
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This delivers essential sweetness while making the fudge creamy and lush.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Salted butter balances the sweetness and creates a decadent finish.
• ¾ teaspoon maple extract: A little goes a long way! This super-concentrated extract infuses pure maple essence.
• 1½ cups roughly chopped walnuts, divided: Walnuts bring rich crunch—toast them for even deeper flavor and split as directed for layered texture.

How to Make Maple Walnut Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to leave a little bit hanging over the edges. This nifty trick will help you lift the fudge out of the pan easily once it’s set, and you’ll thank yourself later when it comes time for neat squares!

Step 2: Melt the Base

Toss your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cubed butter into a medium saucepan. Set the stove to low heat and stir constantly so nothing scorches—white chocolate especially can be temperamental. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, glossy mixture, about five or six minutes. If you’re tempted to crank up the heat, don’t! Low and slow is the magic here.

Step 3: Stir in the Maple and Walnuts

Once your base looks dreamy and unified, remove it from the heat. Quickly stir in the maple extract and 1 cup of those chunky walnuts. The aroma at this step is pure heaven—a preview of what’s to come. Work efficiently, as the fudge begins setting up as it cools.

Step 4: Spread and Top

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, then use a spatula to smooth it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of walnuts over the top, gently pressing them in with your fingertips. This double layer of walnuts gives every bite that signature crunch and flavor burst.

Step 5: Let It Chill and Set

Let the Maple Walnut Fudge cool at room temperature first, then slide the pan into your refrigerator to finish setting. Patience is key, but the reward is well worth it! Once fully chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the fudge out, and slice it into perfect 1×1-inch squares.

How to Serve Maple Walnut Fudge

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust the finished squares lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle a thin zigzag of melted white chocolate on top before serving. A few whole walnut halves pressed into some pieces look gorgeous, giving guests a visual hint of the nutty treasure inside.

Side Dishes

Pair your Maple Walnut Fudge with a fresh mug of coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of cold milk to cut the sweetness and balance the flavors. Putting out fudge as part of a dessert tray with fresh berries or sliced pears is also a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Pack slices of Maple Walnut Fudge into small gift boxes with parchment paper—perfect for holiday gifting! Stack pieces in pretty jars with ribbon, or arrange them in cupcake liners on a vintage platter. For an extra festive touch, add little flags or handwritten labels for your next party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Maple Walnut Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers a true treat. Be sure to separate layers with parchment or wax paper to keep pieces from sticking.

Freezing

Want to make a big batch ahead of time? Maple Walnut Fudge holds up beautifully in the freezer. Wrap blocks tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice when fully chilled.

Reheating

Typically, fudge doesn’t need reheating! But if you prefer a warmer, gooier bite, let a square soften at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as the texture can turn gritty.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead?

You can, but the classic Maple Walnut Fudge flavor will change quite a bit. White chocolate lets the maple flavor shine, so substitutions will result in a different (though still delicious) fudge.

What if I don’t have maple extract?

Maple extract is vital for that signature taste, but in a pinch, you could try pure maple syrup—just be aware it’s less concentrated, so the maple flavor will be much more subtle and you may need to use a bit more.

Can I add other mix-ins besides walnuts?

Of course! Pecans or even chopped hazelnuts work beautifully, or add a handful of mini marshmallows or dried cranberries for a fun twist. Stick to roughly the same amounts to keep the fudge from getting too dense.

How do I get perfectly clean slices?

For flawless, bakery-style squares, chill the fudge until it’s firm, then use a large, sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between each cut and use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan first.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan for a double batch, and keep an eye on the chill time—it may need a bit longer to set completely in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the joy of homemade Maple Walnut Fudge, now’s your moment to create something truly special. The combination of maple, white chocolate, and walnuts is pure magic in every bite. I can’t wait for you to share this treat with friends, family, or enjoy it all to yourself—your tastebuds are in for a cozy, unforgettable treat!

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