You won't believe this old-fashioned fudge recipe is made without sugar! It gets all of its sweetness and flavor from pure maple syrup and crunchy chopped nuts.
Set a large saucepot on the stovetop and attach a cooking thermometer to the side. Set out an 8 x 8-inch baking pan, and line it with parchment paper. Cut the corners inward so the paper fits down in the pan neatly.
Pour the maple syrup into the pot and turn the heat on medium. Bring the maple syrup to a boil, and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Once the maple syrup has boiled on its own for 5 minutes, pour in 1 cup heavy cream and salt. Do not stir the mixture, but continue allowing it to boil for another 15+ minutes until it reaches 240°F on the cooking thermometer.
The moment the fudge mixture reaches the right temperature, turn off the heat and remove from the stovetop. Add the butter to the mixture and allow it to sit for another five minutes to cool. Then scoop the mixture into the bowl of an electric stand mixer.
Beat the mixture at medium speed, for 3 to 5 minutes until it starts to crystallize. Continue to beat, and add ½ cup of additional cream to the mixture to soften it. The fudge should change to a lighter color and lose its sheen a bit.
Now mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts. Once the nuts are mixed in evenly, turn off the mixer. Scoop the fudge into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even later. Then take the remaining ¼ cup of walnuts and press them into the top of the fudge.
Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the fudge to sit. Then lift the fudge out of the pan by the edges of the paper. Cut into 64 small 1-inch squares
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.