Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the warmth of maple syrup and the crunch of roasted peanuts (or your favorite nuts), creating a melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s hard to resist. The buttery, caramelized flavor, combined with the irresistible crispness, makes these Maple Nut Goodies the perfect sweet snack for any occasion. Plus, it's easy to make, and you only need a few pantry staples to whip up a batch of this nostalgic treat!
Ingredients
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1 cup maple syrup
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup light corn syrup
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½ cup unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 cups roasted peanuts (or pecans/almonds)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large saucepan, combine maple syrup, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
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Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F, which is known as the hard crack stage.
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Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. Be prepared for the mixture to bubble up.
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Add the roasted nuts of your choice and stir well to coat them in the syrup mixture.
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Pour the nut mixture into a greased or parchment-lined dish to cool.
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Allow it to cool for about 1 hour at room temperature, then cut it into pieces and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings, depending on how large you cut the pieces. The total time to prepare is around 10 minutes for cooking, plus 1 hour of cooling time. This means you can have a batch ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Variations
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Nut Choices: Feel free to swap the roasted peanuts for other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or cashews to suit your preference.
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Sweetness: If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly.
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast that elevates the flavor of the candy.
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Vegan Option: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
Store your Maple Nut Goodies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you'd like to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for up to a month. There’s no need to reheat them, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. Just grab a piece and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of syrup besides maple syrup?
Yes, you can use other types of syrups like honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly. Maple syrup gives the candy its signature flavor.
2. Can I make Maple Nut Goodies without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps the candy to reach the proper texture and prevents it from crystallizing. If you don’t have corn syrup, you can try substituting with honey, but it may change the texture slightly.
3. Do I need to use a candy thermometer for this recipe?
Yes, a candy thermometer is crucial to ensure the syrup reaches the proper temperature (300°F) for the hard crack stage. This is what gives the candy its crunch.
4. Can I use salted peanuts instead of roasted unsalted peanuts?
You can, but it may alter the sweetness balance of the candy. If you use salted peanuts, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
5. How do I know when the candy has reached the hard crack stage?
Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, which should reach 300°F. Alternatively, you can test by dropping a small amount of the syrup into a glass of cold water — it should harden immediately.
6. Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted ones?
Roasted peanuts add flavor and texture, but you can use raw peanuts if necessary. Just ensure they are well-roasted in the final product to bring out their best taste.
7. Is there a way to make this recipe less sticky?
If you find that the candy is too sticky, try cooking the syrup mixture a little longer to achieve a firmer texture. Just make sure not to overcook it, as it can become too hard.
8. Can I freeze Maple Nut Goodies for later?
While it's not ideal to freeze this candy due to potential texture changes, you can refrigerate it for extended freshness. Freezing can make it lose its crunchiness.
9. How do I cut the candy into pieces?
Once cooled and hardened, use a sharp knife or a butter knife to carefully break or cut the candy into smaller pieces. You can also use a mallet to gently crack it if you prefer uneven pieces for a rustic look.
10. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, if you're a fan of chocolate, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled Maple Nut Goodies or dip them in chocolate for a rich twist!
Conclusion
Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies are a deliciously nostalgic treat that brings together maple syrup, crunchy nuts, and buttery caramel flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this easy recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. With its simple ingredients and straightforward directions, it’s a must-try candy that’s perfect for any time of year.
Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe
Maple Nut Goodies are a nostalgic treat that brings together the delicious flavors of maple syrup, buttery goodness, and crunchy roasted nuts. This recipe recreates a classic favorite with simple ingredients, making it perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Boiling, Stirring
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups roasted peanuts (or pecans/almonds)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine maple syrup, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F, which is known as the hard crack stage.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. Be prepared for the mixture to bubble up.
- Add the roasted nuts of your choice and stir well to coat them in the syrup mixture.
- Pour the nut mixture into a greased or parchment-lined dish to cool.
- Allow it to cool for about 1 hour at room temperature, then cut it into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Nut Choices: Feel free to swap the roasted peanuts for other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or cashews to suit your preference.
- Sweetness: If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast that elevates the flavor of the candy.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan version.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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