Maple syrup can be used to sweetened anything you would normally sweeten with sugar. Here is how to substitute maple syrup for sugar in recipes, as well as 15 recipes using maple syrup.
While I realize that maple syrup is a spring food since the trees are usually tapped in the spring. The long shelf life of syrup means it can be used any time of year. My youngest son loves Sugar Maple trees so much that we bought him one and planted it in our yard so he has his own source of Maple leaves. And in the mind of a six-year-old, it is a very short leap from doing a fall leaf craft project to enjoying some maple syrup.
Syrup doesn’t need to be limited to topping pancakes and waffles. It is delicious used in recipes. Maple Syrup not only sweetens the dish, but it also adds a depth of flavor missing from white sugar.
How to Substitute Maple Syrup for Sugar:
If you want to substitute maple syrup for honey, it is easy because you do not have to do any conversions: You can replace honey with maple syrup one for one. However, it is a little more complicated to substitute maple syrup for sugar.
Maple syrup is sweeter than sugar, so you will use less of it than you would of sugar. To substitute maple syrup for sugar in recipes, use 2/3 – 3/4 cup of syrup for 1 cup of sugar.
When you are replacing the sugar with syrup in a recipe like glazed carrots, you don’t have to worry about the liquids, but when you are substituting maple syrup for sugar in baked goods, you will need to reduce the liquids by a small amount. If you use 1 cup of syrup, then reduce the liquids by 3 tablespoons. I find it easiest to measure the normal amount of liquid called for in the recipe in a Pyrex measuring cup and then spoon out the excess liquid.
If a cake recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar, you would use 1 1/3 – 1 1/2 cups maple syrup and then reduce the liquid in the recipe by 4 tablespoons (or a quarter cup).
To help figure out the exact amounts use these conversions:
4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
Don’t want to worry about the math, then try a recipe that calls for maple syrup!
15 Recipes Using Maple Syrup:
Give these delicious Ginger Pear Mini Pies a try this fall and savor all kinds of flavors from the season.
This Roasted Peach Vegan Ice Cream from Wonky Wonderful sounds like a perfect treat during the fall harvest time.
Maple syrup makes amazing dips. Try out these Sweet Potato Fries with Maple Cinnamon Dip from Mom Endeavors.
Maple Pecan Pie is a classic fall treat. Check out this recipe from Maple Grove Farms of Vermont.
Just reading about this recipe for Sugar Cookies with Maple Syrup Glaze from the DIY Mommy makes my mouth water!
Speaking of amazing cookie recipes with maple syrup, check out these 6 Maple Syrup Cookie recipes from Ben’s Sugar Shack.
Midwest Living has a delicious recipe for Maple Syrup Cake that’s bound to be a hit this fall.
Who says all maple syrup recipes have to be desserts? Check out this recipe for Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Maple Syrup from Genius Kitchen.
Oatmeal Stuffed Baked Apples are one of my all-time favorite treats in the fall. Check out this recipe that includes maple syrup from Mom Endeavors.
Make dinner a real hit with this recipe from Serious Eats for Maple and Mustard Glazed Salmon with Brussels Sprouts.
Corn Flake Crusted French Toast from This Mom Can Cook really takes a classic breakfast and gives it an upgrade.
Elevate your waffles with this recipe from My Recipes for Lemon-Poppy Seed Belgian Waffles with Blackberry Maple Syrup.
Maple Lemonade from Running with Tongs is one way to use maple syrup I would have never even considered. It sounds delicious and refreshing!
Check out this recipe for Maple Avocado Smoothies by Maple from Canada for a quick on-the-go breakfast.
Pair some Maple Thyme Roasted Baby Carrots from Eating Well with your next roast or ham for a delightful side.
What is your favorite way to use maple syrup?
This was originally published 9/27/2013 and was updated and republished 3/21/2018.
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Patricia Ramsey says
Are you using ‘real’ maple syrup? Can you use pancake syrup the same way? Someone gave me bottles and bottles of pancake syrup so I have been experimenting. So far I can substitute pancake syrup for sugar used in my homemade bread. It has a richer flavor that especially goes well with oatmeal and whole wheat bread. I have not had to adjust the liquids for these.