Are you craving a sweet treat that's both decadent and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This recipe for chocolate-covered maple cream candy is the perfect blend of rich, creamy maple flavor and smooth, dark chocolate. It's a fantastic homemade candy, ideal for gifting or enjoying as a delicious reward after a long day. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for beginner cooks looking for a fun and rewarding culinary experience. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Maple Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped (at least 70% cacao for a deeper flavor)
Instructions:
Making the Maple Cream Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, maple syrup, butter, and salt. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Cool and Set: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the maple cream cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath. The mixture should thicken considerably as it cools.
Coating with Chocolate:
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the chocolate to seize. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted.
- Assemble the Candies: Once the maple cream has cooled and thickened, use a spoon or small cookie scoop to create small mounds of the cream onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. These should be small and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Dip in Chocolate: Carefully dip each maple cream mound into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently tap the spoon against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
- Chill and Set: Place the chocolate-covered candies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
Tips and Variations:
- Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for an extra touch of salty-sweet deliciousness. This is a surprisingly popular combination!
- Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to customize the flavor.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well), dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon into the maple cream for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store the finished candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per candy - approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the size of your candies and the type of chocolate used. However, a reasonable estimate per candy is:
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: 8-12g
- Sugar: 8-12g
This chocolate-covered maple cream candy recipe is a delightful blend of simple homemade cooking, delicious dishes, and healthy ingredients (depending on your chocolate choice). It’s a perfect quick dinner dessert or a thoughtful homemade gift. Enjoy!