Description

This homemade version of Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies captures the nostalgic flavor of the classic candy clusters with a rich maple essence, crunchy roasted peanuts, and an optional smooth white chocolate coating. Perfect as a sweet snack or a delightful treat to share, these clusters are easy to make on the stovetop and bring a perfect balance of sweetness and texture reminiscent of the original candy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Maple Nut Clusters

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted)

Optional Coating

4 oz white chocolate or vanilla candy coating (for a smoother texture)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients and Cook: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
Reach Soft Crack Stage: Once boiling, stop stirring and let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches 270°F on a candy thermometer, which is the soft crack stage essential for the right candy texture.
Add Flavor and Peanuts: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the maple extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Then gently fold in the roasted peanuts to coat them evenly with the syrup mixture.
Incorporate Optional Coating: If using, stir in the white chocolate or vanilla candy coating until just melted to give the clusters a creamier, smoother finish similar to the original Brach’s candies.
Form Clusters: Using two spoons, drop small spoonfuls of the nut mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping into clusters.
Cool and Harden: Allow the clusters to cool and harden at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until set.
Store Properly: Once hardened, store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

Use maple extract rather than syrup for a stronger and more authentic maple flavor.
For a polished, professional finish, dip the cooled clusters in a thin layer of vanilla candy coating.
Ensure the candy thermometer is accurate to achieve the correct soft crack stage for optimal texture.
Store the clusters properly to avoid moisture softening the candy.