Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies Recipe – Original & Old Fashioned

I first fell in love with Maple Nut Goodies recipe when I was still pretty young. My aunt used to keep a glass dish of them on her coffee table, and every visit I’d sneak more than I should.

Later on, when the maple nut candy started disappearing from stores, I remember feeling so disappointed.

A friend of mine showed me how to make a copycat version of maple nut candy in her kitchen one chilly afternoon.

We stood by the stove, watching maple syrup bubble and steam, while the smell filled the whole house. She poured the hot mixture into little molds, and we laughed as we tried not to burn our fingers sneaking a taste. It wasn’t just candy—it felt like a piece of the past we could bring back.

Since then, making them has been a small tradition I carry on whenever I crave that sweet, nutty bite.

Different Types of Nuts You Can Use Instead of Peanuts

The heart of Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies is always real maple syrup mixed with roasted nuts, most often peanuts.

But over the years, I’ve tried swapping in other nuts, and the results are just as delicious but not like the original BTW.

Some popular alternative nuts include:

Pecans: Offer a rich, buttery flavor that complements the maple syrup well and adds a slightly softer crunch.

Almonds: Provide a mild, slightly sweet taste with a firmer crunch, great for balancing the sweetness.

Cashews: Have a creamy texture and mild flavor that blends smoothly with the toffee.

Walnuts: Add a slightly bitter, earthy undertone and a soft crunchy texture.

Maple Nut Goodies Ingredients

• 2 cups real maple syrup – Pure maple syrup is the key here. Pancake syrup just doesn’t set right, so I stick with the real thing for that deep, rich sweetness and perfect candy texture.
• ½–1 cup roasted peanuts (or other nuts) – Lightly salted peanuts are classic, but pecans, almonds, or cashews work too. I like the crunch they bring and the way they balance out the maple flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Candy thermometer
• Tall saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Silicone candy molds
• Offset spatula (optional)

How To Make Original Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies

Step 1 – Prepare the Maple Syrup

Pour 2 cups of pure maple syrup into a tall saucepan. Clip on your candy thermometer and set the heat to medium. Stir every now and then so it heats evenly.

Step 2 – Cook to Firm Ball Stage

The syrup will bubble and foam as it heats. Watch your thermometer closely. Once it hits 235°F–240°F, it’s ready. Remove the pan from heat right away.

Step 3 – Cool the Syrup

Let the syrup rest in the pan until it cools to around 175°F. This step gives the candy its creamy texture later.

Step 4 – Beat the Syrup

Grab your wooden spoon, stir in ½–1 cup chopped roasted nuts (peanuts, pecans, or walnuts). This makes the candy closer in style to Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies and start beating.

At first, it looks shiny, but after a few minutes, it thickens and turns creamy. Keep beating until the change is clear.

Step 5 – Pour Into Molds

Move fast here. Pour the thickened syrup into your silicone molds. Use an offset spatula to smooth the tops if you like.

Step 6 – Unmold & Finish

After 5–10 minutes, the candies firm up. Pop them out of the molds. If you added nuts, you’ll see them inside each bite. Smooth the bottoms if needed and let them cool.

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Maple Nut Goodies Candy

Always use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. – Pure maple syrup gives the candy its creamy bite. Pancake syrup won’t set right, and the flavor just doesn’t compare to the real thing.

Don’t rush the cooling step; it makes a big difference. – Letting the syrup rest to about 175°F helps the sugars tighten. Skipping this step can leave your candy grainy instead of smooth.

Beat with a wooden spoon, not metal—it works better. – A wooden spoon grips the mixture, while metal just slips. It also doesn’t heat up fast, so stirring stays comfortable while the candy thickens.

Add nuts right before pouring to keep them crunchy. – Stir roasted nuts in at the very end. This way, they stay crisp and don’t soften too much while mixed with hot syrup.

Work quickly once the syrup thickens; it sets fast. – Once the candy turns creamy, pour it right away. It firms in minutes, so having molds ready makes the process easy and stress-free.

What is the Best Way to Store Maple Nut Goodies After Making Them?

• Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 7 days.
• For longer storage, place in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze in small batches for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
• Always separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick.

Never leave them out uncovered, or they’ll get sticky and lose that creamy bite.

Ways To Serve Maple Nut Goodies for Best Presentation

On a small glass plate – I like this because it makes them look old-fashioned and homestyle.

Packed in a mason jar – So pretty, and you can see the candy right through the glass.

Wrapped in parchment paper – I do this for gifts; it looks thoughtful without being fancy.

Set in paper candy cups – These little cups make serving easy and neat.

Placed in a tin box – My favorite for holidays, it keeps them fresh and classic.

FAQs

This Maple Nut Goodies recipe is a sweet, crunchy candy made with real maple syrup and roasted nuts.

t’s easy to make at home, perfect for snacks or gifts. Try it today and enjoy that classic nostalgic taste