Sweet maple syrup is a natural gift from trees. And yet most of us rarely go beyond using if for anything other than pancake topping. Thankfully cooking with maple syrup in sweet and savory ways is easy.
If you’ve tapped maple trees or came across a good deal on real maple syrup, try your hand at a few new recipes using maple syrup this year.
While I haven’t tested it, I’m willing to bet that any syrup would be great in these recipes so don’t be shy in substituting birch syrup or whatever other syrup you make on your homestead.
The recipes below are amazing but don’t forget that maple syrup can often be substituted for sugar in your own recipes.
Which Maple Syrup Is Best?
First off, make sure to use real maple syrup for these recipes. This is what will give you the best flavor from them.
Of course, when making your maple syrup recipes, keep in mind that there are different maple syrup grades, each with its own subtle flavor.
These grades vary by color from light to very dark. The darker the color the more robust the flavor. But honestly, use whatever grade you have on hand as long as its the real deal not imitation maple and you’ll be good to go!
The Best Maple Syrup Recipes
Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, a simple snack or even some new savory dishes, get all the complex flavor you seek with these delicious recipes featuring maple syrup.
Breakfast Recipes
Skip the pancakes and head right to these delicious, breakfast recipes that do so much more than drizzle maple syrup on top! From comforting and sweet to savory and cozy, these recipes are a great addition to your breakfast or brunch tables.
Applesauce Peanut Butter Granola
Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this homemade granola is made with only 6 ingredients! It’s easy, crunchy, and great to grab as a breakfast or snack. Plus, the salted peanut butter flavor doesn’t hurt!
Hearty Cinnamon Oatmeal
Comfort food made quick. This oatmeal is made with maple syrup and heavy cream for a deliciously rich flavor. Soft in texture and great to warm up with before a cold day!
Make-Ahead French Toast Recipe
Classic French toast just got better with this make-ahead version! This easy breakfast recipe makes for a comforting meal in the morning. Sweetened with maple syrup you can also drizzle more overtop to maximize the indulgence.
Maple Bacon Butternut Squash Hash
Stuck in a breakfast rut? Want some savory recipes to start the day? This butternut squash hash is the perfect solution. Made with real maple syrup that pairs well with the savory bacon, this breakfast recipe is the perfect way to start the day.
Overnight Oats - Maple Walnut
Maple syrup pairs incrediby well with walnuts and this easy make-ahead breakfast is one you don’t want to miss! These maple oats have a chewy, sweet texture that you can make indulgent depending on your toppings.
Bread & Muffins
You may not have thought of maple syrup being a main ingredient in your bread. However, these bread recipes use maple syrup to bring out the finer, cozy comfort of homemade bread. They’re easy to make and with a variety of uses, you can rest assured that none will go to waste!
Cinnamon Maple Butternut Squash Bread
Full of cinnamon maple flavor this butternut squash bread comes out soft and moist too. Most of the ingredients for this bread recipe are pantry staples you probably already have. This means that in no time, your house will smell amazing, and you’ll be diving into a bite!
Walnut Bread
A fluffy, simple homemade yeast bread sweetened with maple syrup and loaded with walnuts for a delicicous crunch and golden brown crust. Use this for making chicken salad sandwiches or toasting for a simple, amazing breakfast.
Muesli and Maple Scones
Hearty and loaded with sweet, maple syrup flavor. These scones have muesli woven throughout them for a chewy texture and lots of nutrients. Easy to make they’re a perfect breakfast for busy mornings.
Applesauce Bran Muffins
Feel good about biting into these muffins! Made with applesauce and sweetened with maple syrup, they’re a healthy bran muffin that comes out super moist. Great for grab-and-go days.
Main Dishes
Maple syrup isn’t just for desserts. Use these recipes for a sweet but cozy and savory flavor to your meal plans. These recipes are delicious and the hint of sweetness can make healthy eating an even easier part of your regular rotation.
Maple Bourbon Salmon
Marinated and then broiled until tender this bourbon salmon has a sweet but intense flavor. The maple syrup brings out the lighter undertones of the bourbon to make an incredible dinner with just a few ingredients.
Maple Glazed Ribs in the Oven
Only 4 ingredients and you’ll have ribs so good you’ll be licking your fingers for more. These glazed ribs are soaked in a maple syrup and apple cider vinegar flavor combo and then cooked until they’re falling off the bone.
Fall Chicken Sausage Salad w. Maple Dressing
Fresh apple slices paired with maple dressing and crunchy greens; this salad is a hit any time of day. A great fall salad this bowl is loaded with veggies before being drizzled with sweet and tangy dressings that pull all the flavors together.
Roast Pork Tenderloin With Orange Maple Glaze & Veggies -
A gourmet family meal this tenderloin is cooked juicy in the oven and served with crunchy vegetables. Coated in a maple mustard glaze to bring bold and sweet flavors together in just one dish.
Maple Glazed Turkey with Gravy
Turkey infused with maple syrup. This roast turkey is a must-try for the holiday season or any family dinner, really. Roasted to perfection and then smothered in a melted butter and maple syrup glaze for a spectacular meal.
Easy Maple Dijon Chicken with Bacon
5 minutes of prep time but maximum flavor thanks to the combination of dijon mustard and maple syrup.. This chicken and bacon dinner is easily made and perfect for those busy nights it's an amazing blend of sweet, savory, and filling.
Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken
An easy weeknight dinner this slow cooker chicken is cooked to juicy perfection in a maple balsamic vinegar dressing. Not only will the house smell amazing, but the chicken will be on your meal plan again the following week.
Side Dishes
Fill the plate with maple infused side dishes with these choices that are easy enough to cook for busy weeknights but delicious enough for a full Holiday menu.
Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon
This side dish requires only four ingredients to come together and is the perfect side dish to any main course. Juicy, sweet carrots that everyone loves
Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
These sweet potatoes are the perfect pairing of sweet and spicy with a bit of crunch. This recipe takes your regular sweet potatoes and gives them a spicy kick before roasting them perfectly and sprinkling on pecans.
Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
This is a squash recipe no one can pass up! Instead of pureed squash, it uses rings of squash that are baked until tender with a maple sugar glaze to bring out the natural sweetness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Maple Dressing
Ready in 20 minutes these roasted Brussels are tossed in a balsamic, maple dressing that will make you ask for seconds! With a sweet, tangy flavor you’ll get none of the bitterness you expect from Brussels, just a tasty crunch.
Maple Pecan Carrot Casserole
Fresh carrots, warm spices, and maple syrup combine for a warming and comforting side. This souffle comes together with a light and cozy texture that’s topped with a maple pecan crumble. A great switch-up from classic sweet potato casserole.
Oven Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts Without Bacon
Brussels sprouts that are taken to the next level. The maple syrup candies the sprouts into crispy bits that no one can refuse. With only 4 ingredients they’re the perfect side dish to any meal.
Snacks
A great way to increase the flavor of your favorite snacks without using traditional white sugar. Try these new recipes for maple syrup snacks that are as delicious as dessert but a bit healthier for you.
Salted Maple Candied Pecans
The perfect crunchy snack that is both salty and sweet. Share on buffet tables or stick jars into gift baskets.
Healthier Homemade Caramel Corn with Maple Syrup
Sweet, salty, snacking perfection. This homemade caramel corn is made with maple syrup to give it that sugary coating. Top it with your favorite nuts for added crunch and it’s the perfect mid-day snack.
Maple Candied Cashews
Made in just minutes these glazed cashews have a sweet and buttery crunch. Perfect for movie night snacking, cashews, chia seeds, and quinoa are tossed in maple syrup for a deliciously sweet flavor.
Maple Popcorn
Seasoned popcorn you could snack on all day. This stovetop popcorn is seasoned with ginger, cinnamon, and salt for a cozy flavor. However, it’s also tossed in maple syrup for some light sweetness. The perfect balance of tastes all in one snack.
Desserts
The best recipes with a healthy twist! These easy desserts use maple syrup to bring out their sweet rich flavor and to keep your guests coming back for more.
Pumpkin Coconut Macaroons
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these chewy bites! Made with only 5 ingredients but rich in flavor, these macaroons can be dipped in dark chocolate for added indulgence.
Apple Peanut Butter Cookies
Gluten-free apple peanut butter cookies are full of flavor without using refined sugar and are a treat you can feel good about eating and serving.
Dried Apple Maple Cookies
A tasty medley of dried fruits, nuts, and grains these apple cookies are then sweetened with maple syrup. The result is a chewy, healthy mixture that’s perfect for dessert or snacking.
Caramelized Maple Pecan Fudge
Bold flavor and pecan crunch. This fudge is perfect if you love maple! Enjoy it all for yourself or gift this homemade fudge to friends. Either way, it’s a great recipe to start with as a beginner candy maker.
Maple Walnut Truffles
Little bites of perfection. These walnut truffles use both maple syrup and powdered sugar for sweetness. However, it’s the maple syrup that gives them such a bold flavor. Perfect to enjoy, or gift.
Easy Maple Pear Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze
Easy to make and not too sweet this bundt cake is perfect for any dessert table. It comes out moist and topped with a maple glaze to make each and every bite indulgent, serve with a bit of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.
Maple Pecan Pie
Incredibly easy to make and a classic flavor combination of maple syrup and brown sugar with crunchy pecans. This amazing maple syrup pie skips the corn syrup called for in many other nut pie recipes for wonderfully rich but not ridiculously sweet slice.
Maple Walnut Ice Cream Recipe
Skip store-bought and make your own. This maple ice cream will refresh your taste buds like there’s no tomorrow. Using dark maple syrup and heavy cream this ice cream recipe is rich in all the best tastes.
Maple Pecan Cake
A rich and moist cake that has a maple flavor in every bite. This cake is layered with crunchy pecans before being topped with a maple frosting that’s good enough to lick off a spoon. It's a perfect celebration cake for all the good times in life.
Coconut Oil Fudge - Easy, Delicious, No Cooking Required!
Naturally sweetened fudge that is perfect for all those holiday gifts and quick dessert needs.
Drinks
The perfect way to add bold and naturally sweet flavors to a cup. These drinks use maple syrup to both sweeten and create warm indulgence in every refreshing drink.
Bacon Bourbon Maple Old Fashioned
A delicious twist on a classic cocktail. This old-fashioned recipe uses maple syrup combined with bitters for its unique, sweet flavor to pair with bourbon. A great way to celebrate any occasion.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Skip the drive-through and make a pumpkin cream cold brew any time. This coffee recipe has a lot of bold flavors with creamy richness. Topped with a pumpkin cold foam it’s the pick-me-up you need in the afternoon without the coffeehouse prices.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Easy to customize, this fancy coffee drink comes together with only a few ingredients and transforms into a mug of pure comfort. Make it hot or cold, this latte is a surefire way to get an energy boost.
Maple Gingerbread Latte
A sweet and spicy latte perfect for the winter months. This gingerbread version is perfectly spiced and sweetened with maple syrup for a rich, creamy, coffee treat.
Dairy-Free Maple Latte
Bold coffee, frothy milk, and a hint of maple syrup. This maple latte is rich in flavor and comfort. Totally dairy-free, this latte makes an ideal mid-morning energy boost.
Preserves
Maple syrup is a great way to sweeten your jams, jellies, and fruit butters to hold over the cooler months. Plus, it gives them a unique but subtle sweetness you can’t get with sugar. Use these preserve recipes to gift to neighbors or just to have a stash for yourself at home.
Strawberry Maple Jam
Flavorful but not overly sweet this jam is a great way to use up summer fruits. Because it’s sweetened with maple syrup this jam makes a wonderful pairing for yogurts, cookies, or breads. Gift it as part of a bakery basket and watch as everyone asks for the recipe.
Maple Apple Butter
Using maple syrup in your apple butter means that this recipe has an understated sweetness. Instead, the maple syrup highlights the natural apple flavor which brings added comfort to anything the butter is paired with.
Nectarine Maple Vanilla Butter
Use up the summer nectarines with this easy butter! Sweetened with maple syrup and seasoned with just vanilla bean, this butter is both sweet and warming. Great on toast, pancakes, and more all year long!
Cranberry Apple Butter
A simple tart and sweet preserve that highlights the best of fall's fresh fruits with warm maple syrup.
Camilla Hawkins
Wednesday 19th of December 2018
Loving all these maple syrup themed recipes, thank you so much for including mine:-)
Lisa from Iroquois
Tuesday 8th of March 2016
Enjoying browsing the maple recipes. We are on the verge of sugaring off season here in Southern Ontario so very timely. One of the links is wrong - maple pumpkin custard under the desserts leads to an oatmeal recipe.
Homespun Seasonal Living
Tuesday 8th of March 2016
I'm so glad to know the recipes might come in handy for you! Enjoy. I fixed the incorrect link, too. Thanks for letting me know.
Marcie
Wednesday 2nd of March 2016
I lost you for a while, Kathy... but tracked you down again. I blog at Quietcountryhouse.blogspot.com, formerly as Aisling, though I have recently published a book under my real name so went public as Marcie on my blog too. I am glad you are still blogging and living the simple life. Me too!
Homespun Seasonal Living
Thursday 3rd of March 2016
Congrats on the book! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello.