Maple candy, a confection primarily made from pure maple syrup, is a delightfully sweet treat that captures the essence of autumn. Its rich amber hue and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality are a testament to the traditional methods of heating and cooling the syrup. Making maple candy is a beloved fall activity, especially in regions where maple trees are abundant. The process is straightforward, yet the result is a luxurious candy that’s a pure celebration of maple’s natural flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes, plus setting time
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pure maple syrup
Instructions:
- Grease a candy mold with a neutral oil.
- Boil maple syrup to 235°F (112°C), the soft-ball stage.
- Remove from heat; cool to 175°F (80°C) without stirring.
- Stir rapidly until the syrup becomes creamy and opaque.
- Pour into molds; let set until firm.
Maple candy’s simplicity is its greatest charm, offering a pure taste of the iconic maple flavor.
Maple syrup and its confections have been part of North American traditions for centuries, with Indigenous peoples teaching early European settlers how to tap maple trees and boil the sap. Maple candy itself has been a sweet treat since colonial times.