Forktionary
Sweetener | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Paleo Diet (some interpretations)

Maple Sugar

Acer saccharum Allergen-Free
Maple Sugar

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Sapindaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Maple tree sap (Acer saccharum)

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the nuanced sweetness of nature's finest."

Definition

A natural sweetener made by boiling maple syrup until all the water has evaporated, leaving behind granulated sugar.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Caramel, Earthy, Maple
TextureFine-grained, Granulated, Slightly Crystalline
AromaMaple, Sweet, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production (2022)

~10.4 million gallons (maple syrup equivalent)

Glycemic Index (vs. Sucrose)

~54 (Sucrose ~65)

Shelf Life (Airtight)

Indefinite (Cool, Dry Place)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4g (1 tsp)
Calories370 kcal
Total Fat0g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0g
Total Carbohydrate95g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars95g
Calcium150mg
Iron0.5mg
Potassium250mg

Chef’s Secret

When baking with maple sugar, consider that it absorbs moisture more readily than white sugar, which can affect texture; sometimes a slight reduction in other liquids is beneficial.

Substitutions

Best Match

Brown Sugar (light)

1:1

Offers similar moisture and caramel notes, but lacks the distinct maple flavor.

Coconut Sugar

1:1

Provides an earthy sweetness and fine texture, good for baking and beverages.

Turbinado Sugar + Maple Extract

1:1 sugar, to taste extract

Mimics the grainy texture and can add maple flavor.

Granulated Sugar + Maple Syrup

1:1 sugar, reduce liquid elsewhere

Good for sweetness, but alters texture and liquid content in recipes.

Buying Guide

Look for 100% pure maple sugar without added ingredients.

Flavor Pairings

Oatmeal coffee baked goods glazes for root vegetables bacon pancakes.

Recipes Using Maple Sugar

Baked Maple Oatmeal image 118
Oven Easy Eggs Dairy Low In Something

Baked Maple Oatmeal

Indulge in this comforting and delicious Baked Maple Oatmeal recipe, originally featured in the April 2007 issue of Coup de Pouce! This hearty breakfast bake is bursting with warm maple flavor, perfectly baked to golden perfection. A delightful combination of creamy oatmeal, crunchy almonds, and sweet maple syrup, this recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight treat. Prepare to be amazed by its simplicity and irresistible taste!

See Complete Recipe