Maple Candy
A classic New England treat made from pure maple syrup. This simple recipe creates delightful, melt-in-your-mouth candies with an intense, rich maple flavor. Perfect for gifts or a sweet indulgence.
For 24 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Molds and Thermometer
- b.Lightly grease about 24 small candy molds with butter. Alternatively, line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- c.Clip a candy thermometer to the side of a heavy-bottomed, 2 to 3-quart saucepan. Ensure the thermometer's tip is submerged in the syrup later but does not touch the bottom of the pan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Boil the Maple Syrup
- b.Pour the maple syrup into the saucepan and add a pinch of salt, if using.
- c.Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Do not stir the syrup once it begins to boil.
- d.Continue to boil, watching carefully to prevent it from boiling over, until the thermometer reaches exactly 238°F (114°C). This is the soft-ball stage and will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cool the Syrup
- b.As soon as the syrup reaches 238°F (114°C), immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
- c.Place the pan on a heat-resistant surface or wire rack to cool, undisturbed. Do not stir or agitate the pan.
- d.Let the syrup cool until the temperature drops to 175°F (80°C). This cooling phase is crucial and will take about 15-20 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir to Crystallize
- b.Once the syrup has cooled to 175°F (80°C), begin stirring it vigorously and continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
- c.The syrup will transform: first, it will lose its glossy sheen, then become cloudy and opaque, and finally thicken to a creamy, peanut butter-like consistency.
- d.This process requires constant stirring and takes about 3-5 minutes. You'll feel the mixture thicken and become harder to stir.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Mold the Candy
- b.Work very quickly as soon as the candy reaches the thick, creamy stage.
- c.Spoon the mixture into the prepared molds, pressing it down gently. If using a pan, spread it evenly.
- d.The candy will start to set almost immediately.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Set and Store
- b.Let the candies cool and harden completely at room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes.
- c.Once firm, carefully remove the candies from the molds.
- d.Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within two weeks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A reliable candy thermometer is non-negotiable for this recipe. Temperature accuracy is key to the final texture.
- 2Use a saucepan at least three times the volume of your syrup, as it will foam up significantly while boiling.
- 3Avoid stirring the syrup while it boils. Stirring encourages large sugar crystals to form, which results in grainy candy.
- 4The cooling step is critical. Stirring the syrup while it's too hot will result in a hard, glassy candy instead of a soft, creamy one.
- 5If the candy hardens in the pot before you finish molding, you can gently reheat it over low heat with a teaspoon of water until it's just pourable again.
- 6Humid weather can affect candy making. For best results, make maple candy on a dry, clear day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Maple Candy
Stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans during the last 30 seconds of stirring, just before molding.
Salted Maple CandySalted Maple Candy
After pouring the candy into the molds, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each one before it sets.
Spiced Maple CandySpiced Maple Candy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the maple syrup before you begin to boil it for a warm, spiced flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Minerals
Pure maple syrup is a natural source of essential minerals, including manganese, which is important for bone health and metabolism, and zinc, which supports immune function.
Contains Antioxidants
Unlike refined sugars, maple syrup contains various antioxidants, including polyphenols, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
A More Natural Sweetener
As a less processed alternative to white sugar, maple syrup retains more of the natural compounds from the maple sap, offering a more complex flavor and a slightly better nutritional profile.
Frequently asked questions
Grade A Amber Color, Rich Taste is the classic choice. It provides a balanced, robust maple flavor. Lighter grades will have a more delicate flavor, while darker grades will be more intense and mineral-heavy.