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Maple Fudge Recipe

If you’re looking for something delicious, sweet, and very rich that will be sure to impress your guests on Christmas day, then this is it!

This traditional American dessert combines three main elements – maple syrup, butter, and sugar.

What Is The Best Way To Make Maple Fudge?

Maple fudge has been around since the early 1900s.

The original version of this recipe was made with dark brown sugar instead of white sugar, but now both types of sugar can be used.

The most popular method of making maple fudge involves heating the mixture until all the water evaporates from the sugars.

Once the mixture starts to boil, add some cold water (about 1/4 cup) and stir constantly until everything comes together into one smooth mass.

You may need to use an electric mixer at first to avoid lumps.

As soon as the mixture cools down, pour it into a pan lined with wax paper, and let it harden for about an hour before cutting it into pieces.

You can also try another method of making fudge by using a double boiler.

In this case, boil the mixture until it becomes thick and sticky, stirring continuously.

Then turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely.

After it’s cooled, pour it onto a greased baking sheet, and cut it into small squares once it’s hardened enough to hold its shape.

Another option would be to melt the mixture over medium-low heat without adding any water.

When the mixture begins to bubble, remove it from the stove immediately and pour it into a bowl where it should cool quickly.

Cut it into small pieces when ready.

If you want to get creative, you could decorate these cubes with chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.

A fourth method of making maple fudge calls for boiling the mixture in a large pot over the stove.

As soon as it reaches a certain temperature, place two metal spoons in each corner of the pot so they won’t touch the bottom.

Now, start pouring the hot fudge slowly into the corners of the pot while moving the spoons simultaneously.

Repeat this process until the entire surface of the pot is covered in fudge.

Maple Fudge Recipe

What Are The Key Ingredients In Maple Fudge?

Maple syrup is an essential element in making maple fudge.

You can find different varieties of maple syrup at most grocery stores these days.

Maple syrup also has its own unique flavor which makes it ideal for use in baking recipes.

The sweetness level varies from brand to brand, but all brands should have enough liquid to cover the base ingredient (butter).

Butter adds richness and creaminess to the final product, while sugar provides the necessary texture and chewability.

A little bit of vanilla extract gives the fudge its signature taste.

A few tips before starting this recipe:

  • You need to prepare the pan as soon as possible so the mixture doesn’t cool down too much.
  • Otherwise, there may be a risk of crystallization when the mixture hardens into blocks.
  • The temperature of the room where you plan to bake the fudge must be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If the room is colder than that, you might want to add more heat by placing some hot water bottles under the pan.
  • When mixing the ingredients together, do not overmix them until they form thick clumps.
  • Over-mixed mixtures won’t set up properly and could result in sticky spots on the surface of the final product.
Maple Fudge Recipe

What Is The Difference Between Maple Fudge And Other Types Of Fudge?

Maple fudge is just one type of fudge out there.

There are many different kinds of fudge depending on what kind of flavorings they use.

Some examples include chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, strawberry fudge, banana fudge, caramel fudge, and even cheesecake fudge.

Fudges can come in many shapes and sizes as well.

They can range from small pieces to large blocks, and also come in many colors like brown, white, green, purple, blue, and so much more! Fudges can also have nuts mixed into them, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios.

There are two main categories of fudge:

  • Soft Fudge: Soft fudge is made by combining softeners with regular sugar along with the usual ingredients of cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and eggs.
  • Hard Fudge: Hard fudge is made using hardeners instead of softeners.

So, how do these two different types of fudge differ?

Well, let’s look at some recipes below to find out!

1. Peanut Butter Maple Fudge Recipe

This recipe uses only natural ingredients without any artificial additives.

Ingredients:

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate (chopped)

Method:

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 10 tablespoons of butter until completely melted
  • Add ¾ cup of sugar and stir constantly until dissolved
  • Next add the corn syrup and continue stirring until all ingredients are combined
  • Slowly pour ½ cup of hot water into the mixture while continuing to stir
  • Once the mixture becomes thick enough, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding the remaining ingredients
  • Beat the 4 egg yolks in a separate bowl until pale yellow
  • Mix the egg yolk mixture slowly into the cooled liquid
  • Return the pan back onto the stove and cook on low heat until the mixture reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer
  • Remove pan from heat and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes
  • After waiting for the fudge to set up, chop the chocolate and mix it into the fudge using a rubber spatula

2. Vanilla Bean Maple Fudge Recipe

This recipe has no added salt or baking soda since both of those ingredients can alter the consistency of the finished product.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste
  • 8 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cups granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup dark corn syrup
  • 4 large egg whites

Instructions:

  • Melt the 6 tablespoons of butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat
  • Stir in 5 cups of granulated sugar until completely dissolved
  • Continue cooking until the temperature rises to 240 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer
  • When the temperature hits 240 degrees Fahrenheit, turn off the burner and quickly whisk together 1/4 cup of cold water and 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
  • Immediately pour the mixture into the boiling sugar solution while continuously whisking
  • Allow the mixture to return to room temperature after being poured into the pan
  • Whisk the egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form
  • Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the warm fudge mixture
  • Pour the resulting mixture into a greased 9×13 inch metal pan
  • Place the pan in the refrigerator overnight to fully set
  • Chop the chocolate and mix it into the fudge using a rubber spatula

3. Chocolate Caramel Maple Fudge Recipe

This recipe calls for real maple syrup in addition to the regular sugar and molasses used in most fudge recipes.

The combination of maple syrup and chocolate makes this a unique recipe that tastes great.

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
  • ¼ cup real maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large eggs

Instructions:

  • Combine the fine chocolate and softened butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl
  • Heat the bowl of chocolate and butter in the microwave oven on high power for 20 seconds
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave oven and give the mixture a few quick stirs with a wooden spoon
  • Repeat steps 1 through 7 above twice more
  • Add the molasses and vanilla extract
  • Finally, beat the eggs and powdered sugar together in a separate bowl
  • Gradually incorporate the egg and sugar mixture into the chocolate mixture
  • Pour the entire concoction into a 9×13 inch square glass dish and refrigerate overnight
  • Cut the fudge into squares when ready to serve
Maple Fudge Recipe

Is Maple Fudge Easy To Make At Home?

Maple Fudge Recipe | Maple Syrup Recipe

  • How To Make Homemade Ice Cream With Maple And Vanilla Flavors
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  • Easy Maple Buttercream Frosting For Cake
  • Ingredients: 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, 1/3 cup granulated white sugar, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 4 eggs plus 2 egg yolks, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons milk.

Maple fudge has been around since the early 1800s when the first recipes appeared in print.

The earliest ones were made with just sugar, corn syrup, water, and vanilla, but eventually people added more ingredients like chocolate chips and nuts.

These days there are many different variations of fudge, including peanut butter, banana, cinnamon, and even dark chocolate varieties.

But no matter what type of fudge you prefer, making it yourself is simple with these tips from our friends over at Cook’s Illustrated magazine.

What Is The History Of Maple Fudge?

Maple fudge was first made in 1872 when the Canadian government began exporting surplus maple sap from New Brunswick.

The sap was boiled down into syrup which was used as an ingredient in fudge recipes back then.

As time went by, people realized how great maple fudge tasted and became known for making it over and over again.

Today, maple fudge has been around for more than 100 years.

There are many different types of fudge out there but none can compare with this particular one because of its intense flavor and creamy texture.

How Did Maple Fudge Become Popular?

Maple Fudge originated in 1872 when Mrs.

Gertrude Smith was searching for an alternative to brown sugar as her children were allergic to it.

She used molasses instead which created a soft, creamy texture with a distinct flavor.

The original recipe called for two cups of unsalted butter plus one cup of dark molasses.

As time went by, the ingredients list changed slightly but the basic recipe remained unchanged.

Today, there are many variations of this recipe including different types of nuts, dried fruits, and other spices.

Maple fudge recipes may also include marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and even bacon bits.

This popular candy has been around since the 19th century and remains a favorite among families today.

You can make your own maple fudge at home using these simple steps below.

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, bring together 1/3 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup, and 3/4 cup of granulated white sugar until all the sugars dissolve completely.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract and mix well.
  • Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely.
  • Once the sugar dissolves, reduce the temperature to low and add 1 stick of melted unsalted butter along with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Cook the mixture slowly without boiling until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  • Remove from heat and stir in 4 ounces of chopped walnuts, if desired.
  • Allow mixture to cool before placing into molds or serving directly onto plates.

What Are Some Creative Ways To Serve Maple Fudge?

Maple Fudge Recipe by Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 eggs beaten with 2 teaspoons of water

Method:

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until just melted.
  • Add the brown sugar gradually, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until well combined.
  • Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, heavy cream, and maple syrup.
  • Stir gently until smooth.
  • Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Beat together egg mixture with an electric mixer at high speed for about 3 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
  • Add the egg mixture slowly to the cooled mixture, stirring continuously.
  • Pour into a 9-by-13 inch pan lined with parchment paper and let stand overnight before cutting.

What Are Some Common Flavorings Added To Maple Fudge?

Maple fudge can come in many different flavors.

The most popular ones include chocolate, vanilla, orange, mint, butterscotch, peanut butter, and caramel.

Chocolate-flavored maple fudge is quite easy to make, as well as tasty.

You just need to combine melted unsweetened cocoa with brown sugar before adding the other ingredients, like cream cheese, eggs, and maple syrup.

Then add them together until they form a smooth mixture.

The next thing you do is heat up the pan over medium heat, pour in the mixture, and wait until it starts getting firm around the edges.

You should keep an eye out so that it doesn’t burn too much while cooking.

Once done, transfer it onto parchment paper, cover it completely using aluminum foil, and let it cool down.

This type of maple fudge is not only great at making it look fancy, but it also tastes good.

However, if you want more of a tangy taste, try substituting half of the heavy cream with sour cream instead.

Vanilla maple fudge has been around since the early 1900s, when it was first introduced by Jules Leffland.

He claimed his new dish would soon become America’s favorite after he had perfected its combination of butter, milk, and pure maple syrup.

However, according to legend, Leffland died from tuberculosis shortly thereafter, which led to his invention being forgotten about.

Today, vanilla maple fudge is still one of the best options available because of how delicious it tastes, but it may have lost some of its popularity due to health concerns.

What Is The Nutritional Value Of Maple Fudge?

Maple fudge contains about 200 calories per tablespoon.

The most important nutrient in maple fudge is fat (about 30 percent).

Maple fudge also has carbohydrates (about 42 grams), protein (3 grams) and dietary fiber (1 gram).

The other major nutrients found in maple fudge include sodium (6 milligrams), potassium (24 milligrams), calcium (15 milligrams), iron (0.4 milligram), vitamin B-12 (0.05 microgram) and riboflavin (0.06 milligram).

In terms of vitamins, maple fudge provides 0% of daily requirements for vitamin A, 18% for C, 15% for D, 11% for E, 7% for K, 1% for thiamine, 3% for niacin, 9% for pantothenic acid, 2% for folate, 5% for biotin, 4% for copper, 8% for manganese, 2% for phosphorus, 1% for magnesium, 21% for zinc, and 12% for selenium.

Is Maple Fudge Good For You?

Maple Fudge is high in fat and calories but also has some healthy ingredients like nuts and coconut oil which make up most of its fats.

The amount of saturated fat in Maple Fudge is relatively low compared to other desserts with similar amounts of total fat.

The only way to know if this is right for you is to check out our article about what foods are bad for you.

But because there isn’t enough evidence to say one way or another, we can safely assume that eating Maple Fudge won’t cause any harm.

Maple Fudge Recipe

Maple Fudge

Homemade fudge is a delight to make, especially when only three ingredients are required. This rich, sweet, and delicious creamy maple fudge.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 3 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Maple Fudge
Servings: 32 pieces
Calories: 96kcal

Equipment

  • loaf pan

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  • Line a loaf pan with parchment paper after spraying the bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray. Allow some parchment paper to hang over both ends of the pan for later removal.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the maple syrup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Then, without stirring, add the heavy cream and wait for the mixture to re-boil. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until a candy thermometer reads 236°F.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and, without stirring, add the butter. Allow 8 minutes for the mixture to cool. Then, using an electric mixer, beat the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens and begins to crystallize.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Refrigerate the pan for at least 3 hours, or until completely set.
  • Remove the pan from the refrigerator, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan, and cut it into 36 square pieces with a sharp knife. Serve and have fun!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 58mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.03mg
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