MAPLE WALNUT FUDGE -- Delicious, easy fudge recipe in the microwave (2024)

This maple walnut fudge recipe may have the flavors of Fall, but it's so addictive and delicious, you'll want to make it all year long, especially since it's so quick and easy to make.

Scroll to the end for printable recipe and video how-tos.

easy maple walnut fudge

I'm in love with this easy maple walnut vanilla fudge recipe.

It reminds me of maple walnut ice cream, and the delicious flavor of maple with the crunch of walnuts.

And even though this fudge tastes like it's from a gourmet candy shop, it's super easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and a few minutes.

Oh, and did I mention you can make this fudge in the microwave? It truly is an easy fudge recipe.

If you like this maple walnut fudge, check out this Rocky Road fudge. You'll also love this Cookies and Cream fudge.

Everything you need to know about how to make fudge can be found on this FAQ page.

watch this quick video to learn to make maple walnut fudge

how to make easy maple walnut fudge

you will need:

WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS

You'll need 2 ⅔ cups (16 ounces) of white chocolate chips. The recipe here uses Nestle-brand white “morsels,” which is actually confectionery coating.

If you’re using white confectionery coating chips (no cocoa butter listed in the ingredients), use 16 ounces. If using pure white chocolate (with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients), use 19 ounces.

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

You'll need a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Do not use evaporated milk.

MAPLE EXTRACT

Use 1 ½ teaspoons of maple extract. You should be able to find the extract in the baking aisle of your grocery store.

When buying extracts, I always use pure, not imitation.

PINCH SALT

Salt helps to balance the flavor and sweetness of your fudge.

WALNUTS

I purchase the bag of "walnut halves and pieces, and spread them on a cutting board. I quickly run a knife over the nuts. I like having some larger pieces in the fudge. You'll need 1 ½ cups of coarsely chopped walnuts.

TOOLS YOU NEED

• 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan (8-inch for thicker fudge)
• cooking spray
• non-stick foil

supplies and ingredients

Wilton Recipe Right Non-Sti...Shop on AmazonWilton Perfect Results Prem...Shop on AmazonNestle Toll House Premier W...Shop on AmazonGHIRARDELLI Classic White P...Shop on AmazonCarnation Sweetened Condens...Shop on Amazon
Nestle Toll House Premier W...Shop on AmazonGHIRARDELLI Classic White P...Shop on AmazonCarnation Sweetened Condens...Shop on AmazonMaple Extract, 4 Fl OzShop on AmazonFisher Chef's Naturals Waln...Shop on Amazon

let's make maple walnut fudge!

step one: prepare your pan

Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or shortening, or line with lightly-greased parchment or non-stick foil.

I prefer lining with parchment or foil so you can easily lift the fudge from the pan for cutting.

step two: melt the chocolate and condensed milk

MICROWAVE:

In a microwave-safe bowl,place 2 ⅔ cups white chocolate chips and a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.

Microwave for 90 seconds at 70 percent power. Use the residual heat to stir the mixture well until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If necessary, microwave for additional 15 second intervals.

Remember, if you're using pure white chocolate (with cocoa butter in the ingredients), use 19 ounces instead of 16 ounces.

STOVE-TOP

Alternatively, melt the chocolate and condensed milk on the stove in a saucepan over medium low heat. Heat, stirring, until the chocolate chips are 75% melted. Remove from heat and stir, using the residual heat to fully melt the mixture.

step three: add your mix-ins

Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons maple extract and a pinch of salt.

Fold in 1 ½ cups of coarsely chopped walnuts.

Pour and spread evenly in the pan.

Chill until well set, several hours.

Cut into 25 squares.

how do I melt chocolate in the microwave?

The key to most of the easy fudge recipes on this blog is mixing chocolate with a shortcut ingredient (such as sweetened condensed milk) and melting the combination.

The microwave is the easiest and fastest way to melt chocolate. Melting chocolate can be tricky, because if you overheat the chocolate or scorch it, your fudge won't work.

So what is the best way to melt chocolate in the microwave?

Place your ingredients in a large, microwave-safe bowl, and first heat the mixture for 90 seconds at 70 percent power. If your microwave doesn't allow you to choose the power percentage, try the defrost setting. I find this time and power works perfectly when I make fudge.

However, microwaves have different levels of power, so you may need to add more time. If so, add 15 seconds at a time.

No matter how long it takes, heat only until the chocolate chips are about three-fourths of the way melted. That's the key!

Do not fully melt the chocolate chips. Instead, stir well to use the residual heat to fully melt the chocolate chip mixture. This may take several minutes, but it will prevent you from overheating the chocolate and having it seize (or, stiffen suddenly).

can I substitute evaporated milk for the sweetened condensed milk?

Eek! No! This recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, which is a great shortcut for easy fudge because it allows you to skip the candy-making stage of creating a sugar syrup. H

owever, evaporated milk is not the same thing, and it cannot be used as a substitute. For more fudge recipes that use sweetened condensed milk, check out this vanilla fudge and chocolate fudge.

printable easy maple walnut fudge recipe

This recipe for maple walnut fudge was originally published in August 2018 and updated in September 2021.

maple walnut recipes

If you love the flavors of maple and walnut, check out these recipes:

• • • Try maple walnut truffles.
    • Or this maple walnut cheesecake.
    • Another food gift idea: Maple mesquite walnuts.

more fudge recipes

If you try this maple walnut fudge recipe, leave us a comment! If you're looking for more homemade fudge recipes, check out the links below.

tiger butter fudge

vanilla fudge

chocolate peanut butter fudge