Maple Pecan Fudge | The BEST Maple Fudge Recipe! (2024)

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Are you a fudge lover? This delicious 5-ingredient Maple Pecan Fudge recipe will be right up your alley! Loaded with rich maple flavor and tender, brown sugar pecans, this maple fudge recipe is perfect for holiday candy making!

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What’s your favorite holiday candy? Hands down, without question, mine is fudge! I absolutely love all of the flavor combinations, along with the crunchy textures like pecans, walnuts and almonds in every little bite. This rich, decadent maple fudge recipe is definitely the perfect match for the brown sugar pecans that are mixed into the fudge and garnished on top of every little square.

This Maple Pecan Fudge was actually inspired by my maple frosting that goes with my Banana Sheet Cake recipe. While making the frosting for the cake I came to the conclusion that that frosting, along with its delicious maple flavors must be made into a fudge!

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Here’s the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious maple fudge recipe:

  • Butter
  • Brown Sugar (light or dark)
  • Heavy Cream
  • Maple Extract
  • Pecan Halves

(For exact amounts, be sure to reference the recipe below.)

Start by Toasting the Brown Sugar Pecans:

This fudge recipe is made in a saucepan, but don’t let that deter you – it’s simple to make, and comes together in moments. You’ll actually want to start this maple fudge recipe by first preparing those delicious brown sugar pecans. These are made by melting together butter and brown sugar, and lightly coating and toasting directly in a skillet. Once toasted, place on a piece of parchment or waxed paper to cool to room temperature.

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How to make this maple fudge recipe:

While the pecans are cooling, you can then prepare the fudge. In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar and cream and bring to a simmer.

Once cooled you’ll then add the maple extract. This is where the maple fudge gets its delicious, buttery flavor! Next, you’ll chop up some of the pecans (reserving about half for the top of the fudge), stirring into the fudge mixture.

Then, gradually stir in one cup of powdered sugar at a time. The fudge will begin to get rather thick and stiff. It’s ready to go into the pan.

In a 9×9″ pan lined with foil, press the fudge mixture evenly into the pan. A rubber scraper works well here. Lastly, add the rest of the brown sugar pecan halves to the top of the fudge. You can line them up in rows, or simply sprinkle them over the top – however you wish.

Chill the fudge for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before cutting into squares.

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Maple Pecan Fudge – Perfect for Gifting!

This maple fudge recipe is perfect for all of your Christmas cookie and candy exchanges. Package up the fudge (like I did here with my Almond Joy Brownie Bites) and bring to your friends, neighbors and coworkers for a sweet holiday treat. The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy fudge – I hope this recipe inspires you to indulge your sweet tooth this season! ~Erin

If you loved this delicious maple fudge recipe, check out some of my other fudge and candy recipes:

Layered Peanut Butter Fudge

Peppermint Red Velvet Fudge

Coconut Fudge with Macadamia Nuts

Cranberry Bliss Fudge

Salted Caramel Fudge Cups

Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters

Peppermint Crunch Fudge at Real Housemoms

Maple Pecan Fudge | The BEST Maple Fudge Recipe! (5)

Here’s the easy, delicious recipe for my Maple Pecan Fudge recipe:

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Maple Pecan Fudge

Yield: 20 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Love the buttery, delicious maple pecan flavors? This wonderfully simple Maple Pecan Fudge recipe will be right up your alley! Loaded with rich maple flavor and tender, crisp pecans, this maple fudge recipe is perfect for holiday candy making!

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Pecans:

  • 2 c. pecan halves
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. butter

Fudge:

  • 1/2 c. butter (1 stick)
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 1/3 c. heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp. maple extract
  • 3 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Begin by making the brown sugar pecans. In a medium skillet, melt the 3 Tbsp. butter and 3 Tbsp. brown sugar together over medium heat. Once melted, add in the pecans and reduce heat to medium-low, stirring continually while coating the pecans in the sugar/butter mixture. Continue to stir the pecans as they toast, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat, and transfer nuts to a piece of waxed paper. Let the nuts cool to room temperature.
  2. For the fudge: In a medium saucepan, melt together the 1/2 c. butter, 1 c. brown sugar and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Bring to a low boil, and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes, then stir in the maple extract.
  3. Roughly chop 1 cup of the pecans, reserving the remaining pecans for the top of the fudge. Add in the chopped pecans to the fudge mixture. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Fudge will start to get thick, and slightly stiff. Transfer the fudge to a foil-lined 9x9" pan, and evenly press into the pan. Top the fudge with the remaining brown sugar pecan halves, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
  4. Store in a airtight container. Can be frozen.
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You Might Also Like These Recipes

  • Peppermint Red Velvet Fudge
  • Peanut Butter White Chocolate Crock Pot Candy
  • Chocolate Covered Cashews
  • Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
  • Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice
  • Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Maple Pecan Fudge | The BEST Maple Fudge Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

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.

What is maple fudge made of? ›

Ingredients. INGREDIENTS: sugar, water, brown sugar, walnuts, corn syrup solids, butter (cream, salt), cream powder (cream, nonfat milk solids, sodium caseinate), palm oil with soya lecithin, salt, maple flavoring.

What consistency should fudge be before it sets? ›

As it falls to the bottom of the glass, the syrup cools and forms into a ball. Remove the ball from the water and check its consistency with your fingers. For perfect fudge, the syrup should form a soft ball that can be picked up, but easily flattened.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

It's the size of sugar crystals that makes the knees of fudge lovers buckle…the smaller the crystals, the less they are perceived on the tongue and the more the fudge tastes smooth and creamy. Cooking, and beating after cooking, is the key to successful fudge.

How do you keep fudge creamy? ›

So, the key to smooth yet firm fudge, pralines, and fondant is to first bring the mixture to a high enough concentration and then let it cool off somewhat before starting to stir. And once you do start to stir, stir fanatically and without stopping for the finest, creamiest texture.

Why is my maple fudge grainy? ›

Grainy Fudge

The sugars probably crystallized, a common mistake when making candy like fudge or caramel. If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

What went wrong with my fudge? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

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.

Does maple fudge go bad? ›

Depending on the storage method, you can keep fudge fresh for one week to several months. It's all about packaging fudge properly to keep any air from drying it out and avoiding changes in temperature. Those factors can change the flavor and texture of fudge.

Why shouldn t you stir fudge after it reaches the correct temperature? ›

Without stirring or agitating the pot, allow the fudge to cool to 130°F (54°C)—or even lower! Harold McGee says that “candy texture is affected by the syrup temperature at which crystallization begins,” and this is the temperature where the seeds can form correctly.

What kind of pan is best for fudge? ›

Secondly, the pot's material should allow for good heat distribution hence your top choice should be copper cookware or a pot with a copper core. Copper's exceptional heat conductivity offers unparalleled temperature control, an asset when working with finicky ingredients like sugar.

What happens if you stir fudge too early? ›

Don't stir!

Once the fudge reaches soft-ball stage on the candy thermometer, remove from the heat and let the temperature drop to 110°F. Keep that spoon or spatula out of the pot until this happens. If you stir too early in the process, you'll make the sugar crystals too big and end up with grainy fudge.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What keeps fudge from getting hard? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

How do you keep fudge smooth? ›

If the sugar crystals are not properly dissolved before cooling, they can create a gritty texture. To avoid this, ensure that you stir the fudge mixture consistently and remove any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan using a wet pastry brush.

What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

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.

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