Transforming maple syrup into a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth candy treat is nothing less than pure winter magic. Best of all, making classic Canadian maple taffy is easier than you think.
Maple taffy is made by boiling pure maple syrup and pouring it over fresh, clean snow to cool rapidly into a delightful sweet. This wintertime treat is easy to make and a surefire way of bringing some excitement to snowy days. Here’s everything you need to know to make maple taffy at home.

What You’ll Need to Make Maple Taffy
To make your own maple taffy, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients and tools:
Ingredients
- Pure maple syrup: Use Grade A maple syrup for the best flavour. Avoid pancake syrup—it’s just not the same!
- Fresh, clean snow: If snow is unavailable, crushed ice is a good substitute.
Tools
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Candy thermometer (optional but highly recommended)
- Baking sheet or large tray
- Wooden popsicle sticks or skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Maple Taffy
Step 1: Gather the Snow
After a fresh snowfall, head outside with a baking sheet or a large tray and pack it until you have a nice, thick layer of snow. Alternatively, if snow isn’t available but you’re craving some taffy, you can fill a tray with crushed or shaved ice. Either way, place your tray in the freezer until you are ready to use it.
Step 2: Boil the Maple Syrup
While your snow is staying cool, pour your maple syrup into a medium-sized pan. For reference, about one cup of syrup will make enough for four to six servings of taffy.
Heat the syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You’re aiming to reach a temperature of 112 to 118 C (235 to 245 F).
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test if the syrup is ready by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s good to go.
Step 3: Pour the Syrup onto the Snow
Once the syrup reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat immediately. Let it cool for just a few seconds, then carefully pour thin strips of the syrup onto the snow or ice. The maple will harden rapidly once it hits the cool surface, so work quickly!
Step 4: Roll and Enjoy!
Press your wooden sticks or skewers into the edge of a syrup ribbon and use a rolling motion to pick it up and create a taffy lollipop. Ta-da! Your chewy, sweet treat is ready to enjoy.
Tips for Maple Taffy Success
- Use high-quality maple syrup: The flavour of your taffy depends on the syrup, so splurge on the good stuff.
- Keep snow clean and cold: Fresh snow is key for a smooth taffy-making process. If you’re using ice, make sure it’s finely crushed to mimic the texture of snow.
- Mind the heat: Overheating the syrup can make the taffy too hard. Use a thermometer for accuracy or practice testing in cold water until you’re comfortable.
- Safety first: Working with hot syrup requires caution. Keep kids and pets at a safe distance and handle the pot and syrup carefully.
There’s nothing quite as quintessentially Canadian as maple taffy on snow. The next time you find yourself surrounded by snow and craving something sweet, grab some maple syrup and give it a try!
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