Sweetener, Syrup | Vegan Gluten Free

Maple Syrup

Acer saccharum Allergen-Free
Maple Syrup

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Sapindaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American
  • Seasonality Early Spring (tapping season), Year-Round (product)
  • Source Maple Tree Sap

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond pancakes, maple syrup is a versatile sweetener for savory glazes, dressings, and baking."

Definition

A natural sweetener made by boiling the sap of maple trees, characterized by its distinct caramel-like, woody, and sweet flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Caramel, Woody, Earthy, Toffee notes
TextureViscous, Smooth, Sticky
AromaSweet, Woody, Earthy, Praline
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production (2022)

~71.4 million gallons

Primary Sugars

Sucrose (60-70%)

Shelf Life (Unopened)

1-2 years

Nutrition Facts

Per 20g (1.5 tbsp)
Calories260 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate67 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars60 g
Calcium70 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium210 mg

Chef’s Secret

To intensify maple flavor in baked goods, gently warm the syrup before incorporating it into the batter, which also helps it blend more easily.

Substitutions

Best Match

Honey

1:1

Similar sweetness and viscosity, distinct floral flavor, not vegan.

Agave Nectar

1:1

Vegan option, slightly thinner, less distinct flavor, sweeter.

Brown Rice Syrup

1:1

Vegan, milder sweetness, maltier flavor, very viscous.

Date Syrup

1:1

Fruity, caramel notes, thicker, good for similar applications.

Buying Guide

Look for 'pure maple syrup' to avoid imitation syrups. Grades (e.g., Amber Rich, Dark Robust) indicate color and flavor intensity. Store in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.

Flavor Pairings

Pancakes waffles oatmeal bacon ham coffee squash sweet potatoes bourbon apples.

Recipes Using Maple Syrup

Time To Make Time To Make Main Ingredient Vegetables

Amazing Kahlua Baked Beans

Spice up your weeknight dinner with these unbelievably delicious Kahlua Baked Beans! This recipe skips the oven for a quick and easy stovetop preparation, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a homemade flavor explosion. Sweet and savory perfection in just 30 minutes! Perfect for meal prepping – leftovers freeze beautifully, making this an ideal 'once a month' cooking (OAMC) recipe. #kahluabakedbeans #bakedbeans #stovetopbeans #easyrecipe #quickdinner #oamc #mealprep

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Dietary Easy Dietary 5 Ingredients Or Less

American Indian Sunflower Seed Cakes

Discover a taste of tradition with this authentic American Indian Sunflower Seed Cake recipe! This recipe, adapted from a classic Native American cookbook, creates delicious, savory cakes perfect as a side dish or light meal. The simple ingredients combine to create a unique and unforgettable flavor experience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Stove Top Fruit Seasonal Dietary

Apple Nut Pancakes Vegan

Warm up your mornings with these fluffy Apple Nut Vegan Pancakes! Perfect for fall and winter breakfasts, or anytime you crave a cozy, delicious treat. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with autumnal flavors, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream!

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Nuts Fruit Preparation Presentation

Apple Pancakes With Amaretto Pecan Syrup

Start your day with a heavenly breakfast! These fluffy apple pancakes, drizzled with a warm amaretto pecan syrup, are the perfect treat for a romantic breakfast in bed or a delightful weekend brunch. The unique syrup is also surprisingly delicious on waffles or even pork roast! Get the recipe now and impress your loved ones.

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Greens Vegetables Equipment Time To Make

Apple Pecan Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Apple Pecan Salad featuring a tangy cranberry vinaigrette! Perfect for holiday gatherings or a weeknight treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The crunchy pecans, sweet apples, and tart cranberries create a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping salad!

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Low Sodium Number Of Servings 15 Minutes Or Less Healthy

Apple Almond Oatmeal

Start your day with a burst of flavor and energy! This quick and creamy Apple Almond Oatmeal is packed with nutrients and will keep you feeling full and satisfied. The creamy almond butter adds a delicious richness and sustained energy, making it the perfect healthy and satisfying breakfast. Easily customizable – double or halve the recipe to suit your needs.

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Dinner Party Occasion Dinner Party Preparation

Applebee's Walnut Blondie With Maple Butter Sauce

Craving Applebee's decadent walnut blondie? This irresistible copycat recipe delivers the same rich, nutty, and gooey goodness, topped with a warm, luscious maple butter sauce. Perfect for dessert or a special treat, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you enjoying restaurant-quality blondies in minutes!

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Frozen Desserts Easy Cuisine Potluck

Applebee's White Chocolate Walnut Blondie

Indulge in the decadent sweetness of these irresistible Applebee's-inspired white chocolate walnut blondies! This copycat recipe delivers gooey, chewy perfection in every bite. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these blondies are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe now and experience pure blondie bliss!

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Easy Vegetables Time To Make Main Ingredient

Arugula And Almond Salad With Dried Cranberries

This quick and easy arugula salad is packed with flavor and crunch! Toasted almonds, sweet cranberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette create a delicious combination the whole family will love. It's so simple, even your kids can help make it – a fun and healthy meal or side dish ready in just 10 minutes!

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Dietary Fruit Taste Mood Dietary

Baked Apple Cranberry French Toast

Warm up your mornings with this irresistible Baked Apple Cranberry French Toast Casserole! A delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a buttery, eggy custard. This make-ahead breakfast bake is perfect for holiday brunches, weekend mornings, or impressing your family and friends. Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Preparation Main Dish Time To Make Preparation

Baked Chicken Drummies

Juicy, flavorful baked chicken drumsticks – a budget-friendly family meal ready in under an hour! This easy recipe requires just 5 minutes of prep (plus 2 hours marinating), then pops in the oven for a delicious dinner. Perfect for a weeknight meal, serve with your favorite sides like chips and a fresh salad. Inspired by a Dining on a Dollar competition, this recipe offers incredible flavor without breaking the bank. Try it with our homemade ponzu sauce (recipe #487741) or a simple soy sauce and lime juice blend for an extra zing!

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Time To Make Low Protein Holiday Event Side Dishes

Baked Sweet Potato With Maple Jalapeno Sour Cream

Spice up your sweet potato game! This recipe from Cuisine at Home magazine delivers a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Forget overly sugary sweet potato recipes – this one features tender baked sweet potatoes topped with a vibrant maple-jalapeno sour cream, crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions. It's a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Gluten Free 60 Minutes Or Less Low Protein Main Ingredient

Balsamic Roasted Pumpkin

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with this Balsamic Roasted Pumpkin recipe! Sweet pumpkin is perfectly complemented by tangy balsamic vinegar and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving, a cozy autumn dinner, or a stunning appetizer. The pumpkin's natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, resulting in a caramelized, savory delight.

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Time To Make Time To Make Pancakes And Waffles 30 Minutes Or Less

Banana Cinnamon Pancakes With Butter Rum Sauce

Indulge in a taste of the Caribbean with these decadent Banana Cinnamon Pancakes! This grown-up twist on a childhood classic features fluffy pancakes infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a rich, boozy butter rum sauce. The dark rum adds a sophisticated depth of flavor (optional: use rum extract or omit for a kid-friendly version). Get ready for a breakfast or brunch experience that's both comforting and exciting!

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Breads Time To Make Breads Coffee Cakes

Banana Maple Nut Coffee Cake

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of this moist and delicious Banana Maple Nut Coffee Cake! Made with real maple syrup for a rich, naturally sweet flavor (honey is a delicious substitute!), this coffee cake is studded with crunchy walnuts and perfectly spiced. A simple yet elegant dessert perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Fruit High Calcium Nuts Main Ingredient

Banana Pecan Whole Wheat Pancakes

Inspired by a South Carolina favorite, these easy whole wheat pancakes burst with the delicious flavor of ripe bananas and crunchy pecans. A healthier twist on a classic breakfast treat, this recipe is perfect for weekend brunches or a quick weeknight meal. Get ready for fluffy, flavorful pancakes that will leave you wanting more!

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Time To Make Course Dietary French

Benne Seed Dressing Sesame Seed Dressing

Experience the rich, nutty flavor of the South with this easy Benne Seed and Sesame Dressing! Inspired by Justine Wilson's Homegrown Louisiana Cooking, this recipe creates a creamy, flavorful dressing perfect for salads, vegetables, or as a marinade. Ready in minutes, this dressing will elevate your dishes and keep well in the refrigerator for weeks.

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Vegetables Occasion Vegetables Vegetarian

Pumpkin Peanut Soup

Indulge in this unexpectedly delightful Pumpkin Peanut Butter Soup! The creamy richness of peanut butter and coconut milk, blended with sweet pumpkin puree, creates an elegant and surprisingly simple first course or light meal. Served in a stunning hollowed-out pumpkin for an unforgettable presentation. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in!

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