Maple Fudge Brownies combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of classic brownies with the distinctive sweetness of pure maple syrup, creating an irresistible dessert that captures the essence of Canadian flavor. These ultra-fudgy brownies feature a dense, moist texture that melts in your mouth, while the maple syrup adds a subtle caramel-like depth that elevates them far beyond ordinary brownies. Topped with a smooth maple fudge layer that sets to perfection, these brownies are ideal for special occasions, potluck dinners, or whenever you want to impress with a uniquely delicious homemade treat. This recipe yields 16 generous squares, perfect for sharing or savoring over several days.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the maple fudge topping:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparing the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar and maple syrup until well combined, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. If using walnuts, fold them in at this point.
Baking the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should look set but still slightly shiny.
Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy texture, so resist the temptation to cut them while warm.
Making the Maple Fudge Topping
While the brownies cool, prepare the maple fudge topping. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, heavy cream, and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let it boil for exactly 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, whisking until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of cream or milk.
Assembling and Finishing
Pour the warm maple fudge topping over the completely cooled brownies, using a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners. The topping will set as it cools, creating a smooth, glossy surface.
Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours to allow the fudge topping to fully set. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
Cutting and Serving
Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into 16 squares, wiping the blade clean between cuts for the neatest appearance. For extra clean cuts, dip your knife in warm water and dry it between slices.
These brownies are rich and satisfying, so the portions are perfectly sized for dessert. Serve them at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips
Store your Maple Fudge Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. The fudge topping may become slightly firmer when chilled, but the brownies will return to the perfect texture when brought back to room temperature.
These brownies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for the best results.
The combination of rich chocolate and pure maple syrup creates a uniquely Canadian twist on the classic brownie that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate richness with the warm, comforting sweetness that only real maple syrup can provide.
