If you adore the sweet, nutty magic of classic candy shop treats, get ready to fall in love with this Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe. In less than half an hour, you can create a batch of crisp, caramelized maple clusters studded with roasted peanuts and enriched with real butter. Each bite captures that irresistible old-fashioned flavor, minus the mystery ingredients. With minimal fuss and maximum payoff, this recipe lets you share (or selfishly keep) a nostalgic candy bowl staple—right from your own kitchen!

Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe has its own shining moment, combining for the perfect marriage of sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy. From deep maple aromas to the roasted peanuts’ savory snap, this list is straightforward but essential for that signature taste.

Granulated Sugar: The foundation for the candy’s sweet, crunchy texture.
Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization and keeps the candy smooth and shiny.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and brings everything together initially.
Salt: Deepens the flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Maple Extract: The key to that classic, fragrant maple aroma and taste—don’t skimp!
Roasted Peanuts: Use fresh, unsalted or lightly salted peanuts for perfect crunch and nutty depth.
Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and a little extra melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint rounds out the overall flavor profile.
Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture by making the mix bubble up at the finish.

How to Make Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the candy releases easily. Set it aside within arm’s reach because once your candy mixture is ready, time is of the essence!

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir these together to start dissolving the sugar, using medium heat for gentle melting and even cooking—no one likes scorched candy.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Continue stirring until you don’t see any sugar granules left. Once it’s fully dissolved, put down your spoon; from here, let the mixture boil undisturbed. Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, and keep an eye on it as the bubbling mix transforms into a beautiful amber syrup. You want to reach 275°F, also known as the hard crack stage—expect this to take about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 4: Add Maple and Peanuts

When your thermometer hits the magic number, quickly remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the maple extract (nothing beats that fragrant puff of steam!) and all the roasted peanuts. Blend them in until evenly distributed—work briskly so the syrup doesn’t cool down too much.

Step 5: Final Cook and Flavor

Return the pan to the heat and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to blend flavors and toast the mix a touch. Then pull it off the burner for the last time.

Step 6: The Butter & Bubbles Step

Quickly stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and finally the baking soda. Watch as the mixture foams up and lightens in color; this is your cue to move to the next step fast (but safely).

Step 7: Drop and Cool

Using a lightly oiled spoon for easy release, drop quick spoonfuls of the mixture onto your lined pan. Space them apart so each cluster cools into its own individual maple nutty bliss. Let the candies cool completely until they’re crisp and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe

Garnishes

These candies hardly need embellishment, but if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a gorgeous touch and an extra hit of flavor.

Side Dishes

Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe pairs delightfully with good coffee, herbal tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a charming retro dessert. For extra indulgence, try serving them alongside a platter of assorted fresh fruit or other handmade candies.

Creative Ways to Present

Bag up portions in cellophane with a rustic ribbon for an easy, heartfelt gift. Arrange clusters in vintage glass candy jars or layer them with wax paper in a festive box—perfect for sharing (or stashing away for yourself).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These candies keep their crispness best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Lay the clusters in a single layer or separate them with sheets of parchment to prevent sticking. You’ll find they’re just as delicious for up to two weeks!

Freezing

While most candies are happiest at room temp, you can freeze your Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe for longer storage. Layer with wax paper in a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature in a covered container to prevent condensation from making them sticky.

Reheating

If you want to revive a slightly softened batch, pop the clusters in a low oven (about 250°F) on a parchment-lined tray for 5–7 minutes to bring back their snappy texture. Let them cool fully before handling—safety first!

FAQs

Can I use a different nut besides peanuts?

Absolutely! While the classic Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe uses roasted peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts make fantastic substitutions, offering new textures and flavors every time.

Do I have to use a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, ensuring you hit the hard crack stage, but if you don’t have one, you can test by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water—it should harden instantly and snap when broken.

Can I make this Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe vegan?

You can try swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your sugar and other ingredients are vegan-friendly, but keep in mind, results may vary slightly in flavor and texture.

My mixture hardened too quickly. What went wrong?

Candy making moves fast once the syrup comes off the heat. Have all your ingredients prepped and work swiftly when mixing in additions and dropping spoonfuls onto the tray to keep everything pliable.

Is there a way to prevent the candy from sticking to the spoon?

Yes! Lightly oiling your spoon (vegetable oil or cooking spray works wonders) helps the hot mixture slide off easily, making those picture-perfect clusters much simpler to portion.

Final Thoughts

Homemade candy has a way of making any day feel special, and this Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe is pure joy, bite after bite. Grab your favorite saucepan, gather a few basic pantry staples, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these maple-kissed memories—you’ll never look at store-bought versions the same way again!

Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 24 candies 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies with this homemade candy recipe. These sweet and crunchy maple peanut clusters are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Mixture:

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon maple extract

Additional Ingredients:

1½ cups roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan. Cook until sugar dissolves. Boil until it reaches 275°F. Remove from heat and stir in maple extract and peanuts.
Finish the Candy: Return mixture to heat briefly. Remove and quickly stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda. Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Let cool until firm.