Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (2024)

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by Chopnotch

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minsCook Time: 25 minutes mins


5 from 169 votes

Did you know you only need 3 ingredients to make the most mouthwatering maple fudge? That’s right! This maple candy recipe calls for 3 ingredients I bet you already have on hand.

Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (1)
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  • Main Ingredients
  • Instructions Overview
  • Common Questions
  • Chopnotch Tips
  • Related Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

If you have maple syrup, butter, and cream, you can make this recipe right now! There are no difficult-to-find ingredients and the recipe itself doesn’t take long to prepare either.

I love the flavor of maple syrup and it’s a versatile ingredient, great over pancakes or even in bacon maple cupcakes. As for the butter and cream, those feature in a lot of recipes too and my refrigerator is never without them.

As you might expect from the ingredients, this fudge variety is especially popular in Vermont. But wherever you happen to be, go ahead and make this. It really is delicious and keeps for a long time.

You can enjoy maple fudge as it is or crumble it over ice cream or even over whipped cream topped with hot chocolate to add a gourmet touch. White chocolate fudge and this easy 2 ingredient fudge also make great toppings over ice cream!

Main Ingredients

With only 3 ingredients in total, every single ingredient is a key ingredient. For that reason, use the best quality ingredients since each one will affect the outcome of this easy homemade fudge recipe. This is what you will need to make the best maple fudge:

  • Maple syrup: For exquisite flavor. Regular maple syrup tastes sweet and that’s about it, but real maple syrup has an incredible and unique flavor. It’s sweet enough so you don’t have to add any sugar to the fudge. For a more intense maple flavor, you could always add a few drops of maple extract, but I don’t find it necessary.
  • Heavy cream: For texture. Although some recipes call for condensed milk, pairing heavy cream with maple syrup gives the same result. Use regular heavy cream or heavy whipping cream for this maple fudge.
  • Butter: To help it set. Use real butter here, not margarine, for the very best flavor. If you only have salted butter, that is fine to use.

Instructions Overview

Bring the maple syrup to a boil and then simmer it for 5 minutes. Pour in the cream and bring it to a boil again. Simmer until the temperature reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer. This should take about 20 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and add the butter. Let the mixture cool down before beating it with an electric mixer until thick.

Next, pour the liquid fudge into a greased, parchment paper-lined loaf pan. Be quick because you don't want it to set before you’ve smoothed the top!

Refrigerate the maple fudge for several hours then use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. Make sure it’s completely set before cutting it for the best result.

Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (3)

Common Questions

What happens if you put fudge in the freezer?

Fudge freezes well and I often freeze squares of it to snack on later. It also keeps for a long time in the refrigerator so you don’t have to freeze it. The texture and taste might change very, very slightly. Once you’ve thawed it out, don’t re-freeze it. Thawed maple fudge should be eaten within 7 days.

Do I have to refrigerate maple syrup?

Although artificial maple syrup doesn’t always need to be refrigerated, real maple syrup does, the reason being mold can develop quickly otherwise. Also, refrigerating reduces evaporation which means less chance of crystallization.

What is Vermont fudge?

Vermont fudge is very similar to this maple fudge recipe, with butter, cream, and nothing but the best maple syrup. However, Vermont fudge includes walnuts because they go so well with the maple flavor. You can always crush some walnuts and add them to this recipe if you want to recreate this Vermont classic.

Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (4)

Chopnotch Tips

  • For the most authentic flavor, use real maple syrup. It’s so much better than the artificial stuff and elevates this already delicious fudge to heady new heights!
  • You will need a candy thermometer to get the temperatures spot-on. If you don’t have one you can buy a candy thermometer online or make something you don’t need a candy thermometer for, such as chocolate fudge.
  • Throw in any other ingredients you want, such as a splash of vanilla extract perhaps.
Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (5)

Maple fudge makes a beautiful bite-sized treat for any occasion. This simple recipe is definitely something you’ll want to make again and again.

  • White Chocolate Fudge
  • 2 Ingredient Fudge
  • Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

Let us know what you think! Give this recipe a rating in the comments section below.

Recipe

How to Make

Maple Fudge

Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (9)

This creamy homemade fudge is rich, sweet and a joy to make with only 3 ingredients.

SCALE THIS RECIPE

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Chilling Time: 3 hours hrs

Total Time: 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 32 pieces

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups maple syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

  • Grease the bottom and sides of a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and then line the pan with parchment paper. Leave some parchment paper hanging over both ends of the pan for easy removal later.

  • Bring the maple syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then let it simmer for 5 minutes.

  • Once it has simmered for 5 minutes, add the heavy cream, without stirring, and turn the heat back up to medium. Wait for the mixture to begin boiling again. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat back down to low and bring it to a simmer. Then let it simmer for about 20 minutes (or longer) until the temperature reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer. If the temperature hasn't reached 236°F after 20 minutes, turn the heat up enough to bring it to a gentle boil.

  • As soon as the temperature has reached 236°F, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the butter, without stirring. Let the mixture cool for 8 minutes. Then beat the mixture with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick, is no longer shiny, and starts to show signs of crystallization.

  • Quickly transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and evenly spread it across the bottom of the entire pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours until completely set.

  • Remove the pan from the refrigerator, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper, and cut it into 36 square pieces using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!

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Notes

  • For the most authentic flavor, use real maple syrup. It’s so much better than the artificial stuff and elevates this already delicious fudge to heady new heights!
  • You will need a candy thermometer to get the temperatures spot-on. If you don’t have one you can buy a candy thermometer online or make something you don’t need a candy thermometer for, such as chocolate fudge.
  • Throw in any other ingredients you want, such as a splash of vanilla extract perhaps.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 96kcal (5%), Carbohydrates: 15g (5%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 4g (6%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 13mg (4%), Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 57mg (2%), Sugar: 14g (16%), Vitamin A: 142IU (3%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 30mg (3%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

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course:

Dessert

cuisine:

American

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Chopnotch

Maple Fudge Recipe with Real Maple Syrup! - Chopnotch (2024)

FAQs

Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup in fudge? ›

Maple Syrup

However, if you are looking for something similar that will impart sweetness and a depth of maple flavor, this is a great alternative you most likely already have on hand. Use a 1:1 swap for corn syrup in baked goods, but avoid using this swap for candy making.

How do you use real maple syrup? ›

21 Magnificent Ways to Use Maple Syrup
  1. Whisk it into salad dressing. Just a little bit adds nuance and balance more than it adds sweetness.
  2. Sweeten whipped cream. ...
  3. Stir it into oatmeal or porridge. ...
  4. Put it On bacon (obvs) ...
  5. Stir into sour cream. ...
  6. Roast tomatoes. ...
  7. Or any vegetable, really. ...
  8. Drizzle it on yogurt.
Sep 14, 2015

Why is my maple fudge not setting? ›

Homemade Fudge Doesn't Always Set

If your fudge doesn't firm up after a few hours, you either have too high an amount of liquid to sugar, or your mixture hasn't reached the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer can help home cooks avoid this problem.

What is maple fudge made of? ›

Bring maple syrup, heavy cream, and brown sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to boil, without stirring, until mixture starts to bubble and registers 240 degrees F (166 degrees C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Add butter and salt but do not mix.

Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup? ›

Maple syrup has a pretty specific flavor and it's a bit thinner in consistency than corn syrup, but you can still use an equal amount in most baked goods and sauces. At around 67 degrees Brix, it's slightly less sweet, but the rich flavor will carry it through, especially when subbing it in for dark corn syrup.

Why should I use maple syrup instead of sugar? ›

It's less processed than regular table sugars and therefore contains more nutrients like vitamins, minerals & antioxidants which help improve your health. Maple Syrup also scores lower on the glycemic index so it's an excellent choice if you want to maintain stable blood glucose levels while enjoying delicious treats!

Should real maple syrup be refrigerated? ›

Before opening, all maple syrup can be stored in the pantry about a year. After opening, genuine maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator and will last about a year. Opened jugs of imitation maple syrup can be stored in the pantry for about a year.

Does real maple syrup taste different? ›

Those qualifiers tell you the product comes from a maple tree and has a sweeter, more complex taste, a thicker, more luxurious texture, and a higher price.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

How to Make Fudge. The trick to good homemade fudge is to cook the ingredients to the right temperature to form a sugar syrup, and cool the mixture properly so the texture of the fudge turns out smooth and firm, but soft enough to cut. Here's how to make fudge on your stovetop and in your microwave.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Why won't my 2 ingredient fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

Does maple fudge go bad? ›

Maple Fudge stores well at room temperature however some people prefer to refrigerate it.

What makes Mackinac Island fudge? ›

The team has the process down pat: One person weighs the ingredients—raw chocolate from Germany, sugar from Bay City, and cream and butter—into a copper kettle set over a propane gas burner. The maker constantly stirs with an oak paddle until the sugary mixture reaches a roaring boil, about 16 to 17 minutes.

What is a substitute for corn syrup in fudge? ›

A modified simple syrup of four parts sugar to one-part warm water is an easy corn syrup swap in many recipes, including confections cooked to the soft-ball stage—think buttercreams, pralines and fudge. This neutral swap is similar in taste to corn syrup.

What can I use instead of corn syrup in fudge? ›

Brown rice syrup is one of the best substitutes for corn syrup. Brown rice syrup's Brix level is at 78, making it almost at the same sweetness level as corn syrup's 77. Brown rice syrup also prevents crystalization and can withstand candy-making temperatures.

What can I use if I don't have corn syrup? ›

5 Healthier Substitutes for Corn Syrup
  • Maple syrup. Derived from the sap of the maple tree, maple syrup is a natural sweetener known for its distinct taste and aroma. ...
  • Honey. Honey is a popular sweetener that has been lauded for its health benefits. ...
  • Stevia. ...
  • Golden syrup. ...
  • Molasses.
Sep 10, 2021

Does corn syrup taste the same as maple syrup? ›

Here are some key points to remember: - Maple syrup is natural, while corn syrup is artificial. - Maple syrup has a unique flavor and color, while corn syrup is bland and clear. - Maple syrup contains sucrose, while corn syrup contains glucose.

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