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    Home » Recipes » Snacks & Treats

    How to Make Hard Maple Candy with Just Maple Syrup!

    Published: Jul 8, 2023 · Modified: Sep 23, 2023 by Sandrine Pearson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Welcome to the irresistible world of Maple Candy - a delightful taste of nature’s sweetness. This simple recipe transforms pure maple syrup into delightful little morsels that melt in your mouth. Let's take a journey into this sweet treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat!

    Multiple delicious, ready-to-enjoy maple candies

    Maple Candy is a traditional confection in both Canada and the United States, especially in regions where maple syrup production is a key industry. It's particularly popular during the early spring when maple syrup harvesting occurs, and is a staple at sugar shack parties. This treat is also a lovely homemade gift during the holiday season.

    If you love this classic treat, don't miss our melt-in-your-mouth version of maple candy. Using a unique preparation, it creates a texture that dissolves on the tongue, amplifying the pure maple flavor. Ideal for special occasions or as a delightful treat, this recipe truly captures the essence of maple. Check it out on our blog today!

    Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read?

    Jump to:
    • Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • 🍴 Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • How to Make Hard Maple Candy with Just Maple Syrup
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    A can of maple syrup on a white talbe top
    • Maple Syrup

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    A thermometer being placed in boiling water to calibrate.

    Calibrate Your Thermometer

    Before you begin, make sure your thermometer is calibrated accurately by boiling water and checking the temperature reading. It should read around 212°F (100°C).

    Maple syrup being boiled into a large, heavy-bottomed and a thermometer showing the right temperature of 300°F (149°C)

    Prepare Maple Syrup

    Pour 2 cups of maple syrup into a pan and start heating to 300°F (149°C). This is 88°F (49°C) above the boiling point of water, so double-check the boiling water temperature first.

    Candy molds ready for the boiling syrup.

    Prepare Molds or Baking Sheet

    As the syrup is heating, get your candy molds ready or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Hot maple syrup being poured into candy molds.

    Pour the Heated Syrup

    Once the syrup reaches 300°F (149°C), quickly pour it into the prepared molds or onto the lined baking sheet.

    Maple candy hardening in molds.

    Allow the Candy to Harden

    Leave the candy to harden and cool for about 20 minutes.

    aple syrup candy being removed from molds

    Remove Candy and Enjoy

    Finally, remove the candy from the molds or break it into pieces, and share and enjoy your delicious homemade maple syrup candy!

    Hint: Calibrate your thermometer accurately before starting and carefully monitor the syrup's temperature as it heats. Cooking the syrup even a few degrees over or under the target temperature can significantly alter the final product's texture. Using a well-calibrated, high-quality candy thermometer and being patient with the heating process ensures the best results.

    Substitutions

    This recipe is straightforward and only requires one ingredient: pure maple syrup. However, if you're on a specific diet:

    • You can experiment with other natural syrups, like agave nectar, though the flavor and consistency will vary.

    Variations

    While traditional maple candy is delicious on its own, you might consider these variations:

    • Mix in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, just before pouring the syrup into the molds.
    • Add a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup for added flavor.

    🍴 Equipment

    Calibration
    • Candy Thermometer: To check the boiling point and calibrate.
    Maple Syrup Candy:
    • Heavy-Bottomed Pan: To heat maple syrup evenly.
    • Candy Thermometer: To measure the syrup temperature precisely.
    Shaping and Cooling Maple Syrup Candy:
    • Candy Molds or Baking Sheet: To shape the candy.
    • Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and make cleanup easy.
    Most Useful Equipment:
    • Candy Thermometer: Crucial for getting the right syrup temperature.

    Storage

    • Store your Maple Candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
    • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Top tip

    Accuracy in temperature is key to perfect Maple Candy. Overheating can result in a hard, crystallized final product rather than the desired smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use a well-calibrated candy thermometer to ensure precision.

    FAQ

    Can I use any type of syrup?

    Maple syrup is best, but you could try and experiment with other syrups like agave nectar.

    Can I use light or dark maple syrup?

    Either will work, but darker syrup will have a more robust maple flavor.

    Why did my candy turn out grainy?

    This can happen if the syrup gets too hot. Precise temperature control is crucial.

    Can I make this without a candy thermometer?

    It's possible, but using a candy thermometer ensures accuracy and the best results.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, just be sure to monitor the temperature closely.

    Can I add flavors to my maple candy?

    Yes, flavors like vanilla or cinnamon can add an extra touch.

    Why isn’t my candy hardening?

    It might not have reached a high enough temperature. Make sure it reaches 300°F (149°C).

    Can I use this recipe with sugar-free maple syrup?

    Unfortunately, sugar-free syrups don’t have the same properties and won’t harden like real maple syrup.

    How long can I store maple candy?

    When stored properly, it can last for several weeks.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, just be sure to monitor the temperature closely.

    Can I use light or dark maple syrup?

    Either will work, but darker syrup will have a more robust maple flavor.

    Why is my candy sticky?

    It might have absorbed moisture from the air. Store in an airtight container to prevent this.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Glazed Honey Crullers on a cooling rack.
      How to Make Crispy and Sweet Glazed Honey Crullers
    • a white plate topped with a slice of cheesecake.
      How to Make the Perfect Cheesecake Every Time
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      How to Make Double Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust
    • there are some Snickerdoodle Cookies stacked on top of each other.
      How to Make Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies
    Print
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    Multiple delicious, ready-to-enjoy maple candies

    How to Make Hard Maple Candy with Just Maple Syrup

    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 review

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Welcome to the irresistible world of Maple Candy - a delightful taste of nature’s sweetness. This simple recipe transforms pure maple syrup into delightful little morsels that melt in your mouth. Let's take a journey into this sweet treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat!

    • Total Time: 50 minutes
    • Yield: 20candies 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 cups (625g) Maple Syrup

    Instructions

    Calibration:

    1. Before starting, calibrate your thermometer by boiling water in a pot.
    2. Place the thermometer into the boiling water and note the temperature reading, which should be around 212°F (100°C).

    Maple Syrup Candy:

    1. Pour the maple syrup into a large, heavy-bottomed pan.
    2. Heat the maple syrup to 300°F (149°C), which is 88°F (49°C) above the boiling point of water. Be sure to check the boiling water temperature beforehand for accuracy.

    Shaping and cooling Maple Syrup Candy:

    1. As the syrup heats, prepare your candy molds or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove the pan from heat and quickly pour the mixture into the prepared molds or onto the lined baking sheet.
    3. Allow the candy to harden and cool for about 20 minutes.
    4. Remove the candy from the molds or break it into pieces if you used the baking sheet method.
    5. Share and enjoy your homemade maple syrup candy!

    Equipment

    Image of Candy Thermometer

    Candy Thermometer

    Buy Now →
    Image of Cooking Thermometer

    Cooking Thermometer

    Buy Now →
    Image of Candy Molds

    Candy Molds

    Buy Now →
    • Author: Sandrine Pearson
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Candy
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegetarian

    Keywords: Hard Maple Candy, Homemade Candy, Candy Thermometer, Maple Syrup, Candy Molds, Sweet Treat, Easy Candy Recipe, Candy Making, Parchment Paper, Heavy-Bottomed Pan

    Food safety

    • Be cautious when handling boiling syrup, as it can cause severe burns.
    • Use clean and dry utensils to avoid introducing moisture into the candy.

    Enjoy the sweetness of nature with your homemade Maple Candy!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vadimir.j

      August 12, 2023 at 4:02 am

      Seriously scrumptious. Can't get enough.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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