Skip to Content

17 Amazing Recipes That Use Maple To Sweeten And Enhance All The Other Flavors

This roundup is for anyone who keeps maple syrup on hand year-round—not just for pancakes. From sticky glazes on meats to rich baked goods, these recipes make the most of maple’s deep, warm sweetness in ways that go far beyond breakfast.

You’ll find cozy fall favorites like pumpkin mousse and banana bread, alongside crowd-pleasers like glazed carrots, spiral ham, and smoky turkey thighs. There are quick wins like maple butter and granola, plus indulgent treats like blondies and cupcakes that hit every craving.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday, looking for a weeknight side dish, or just need a new way to use that bottle of syrup in the fridge, this list has a recipe for it. Scroll through and pick your next favorite—it’s all sweet, savory, and totally doable.

Maple Butter

Maple Butter. Photo credit: Stetted.

Just two ingredients turn into something amazing with this quick maple butter recipe. It spreads like a dream and adds a sweet, rich touch to toast, waffles, muffins, or even roasted veggies like sweet potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Maple Butter

Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs

Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These smoked turkey thighs are coated in a sticky maple glaze that keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor. It’s a great option for smaller holiday gatherings or anytime you want a twist on classic turkey.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs

Applebee’s Maple Butter Blondie

Applebee’s Maple Butter Blondie. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

A warm blondie packed with white chocolate and walnuts, finished with a thick maple brown sugar sauce. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant dessert home—without the restaurant price tag.
Get the Recipe: Applebee’s Maple Butter Blondie

Banana Nut Bread with Maple Syrup and Pecans

Banana Nut Bread with Maple Syrup and Pecans. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Use up ripe bananas in this moist banana bread sweetened with maple syrup and loaded with crunchy pecans. It’s simple to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nut Bread with Maple Syrup and Pecans

McDonalds Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

McDonalds Fruit and Maple Oatmeal. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Recreate this creamy oatmeal at home with maple syrup, chopped apples, cranberries, and raisins. It’s warm, filling, and ready in minutes—ideal for a busy morning or a cozy breakfast.
Get the Recipe: McDonalds Fruit and Maple Oatmeal

Maple Blueberry Crisp

Maple Blueberry Crisp. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Blueberries baked in maple syrup and topped with a crisp oat-almond crumble make this a standout dessert. Serve it warm with ice cream or yogurt—it works as well for brunch as it does for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Maple Blueberry Crisp

Pecan Pancakes

Pecan Pancakes. Photo credit: Stetted.

These fluffy pancakes are packed with chopped pecans and pair perfectly with warm maple syrup. Ready in minutes, they’re a solid option for weekend breakfasts or holiday brunches.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pancakes

Maple Bourbon Balls

Maple Bourbon Balls. Photo credit: Stetted.

These no-bake treats mix maple, bourbon, and crushed cookies for a rich bite-sized dessert. Great for gifting or holiday platters—they keep well and come together fast.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bourbon Balls

Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze

Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This spiral ham is coated in a maple-bourbon glaze that caramelizes into a sweet, sticky crust. Perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday roasts, and far better than store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze

Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread with Homemade Maple Syrup Glaze

Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread with Homemade Maple Syrup Glaze. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

A spice cake mix makes this pumpkin bread easy, while the homemade maple glaze adds a personal touch. Chocolate chips give it extra richness—great for fall baking without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread with Homemade Maple Syrup Glaze

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Stetted.

Brussels sprouts roast up crispy and get tossed in a sweet and salty mix of maple syrup and bacon. This side dish is fast, flavorful, and ideal for both weeknights and holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Stetted.

These carrots are cooked until tender and coated in a glossy maple glaze with a touch of heat. It’s a simple side that works with everything from chicken to roasts.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Easy Maple Walnut Pie

Easy Maple Walnut Pie. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This rich pie combines a buttery crust with a maple-sweetened walnut filling. It’s a cozy dessert that feels fancy enough for holidays but is easy enough for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Maple Walnut Pie

Pumpkin Mousse with Maple Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Mousse with Maple Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

A smooth, spiced pumpkin mousse gets topped with lightly sweetened maple whipped cream. Quick to prep and full of fall flavor, it’s a great make-ahead dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mousse with Maple Whipped Cream

Maple Bacon Cupcakes

Maple Bacon Cupcakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These cupcakes blend sweet maple flavor with salty, crispy bacon. Topped with maple buttercream, they’re the ultimate combo of savory and sweet in dessert form.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Cupcakes

Maple Almond Slow Cooker Granola

Maple Almond Slow Cooker Granola. Photo credit: Life Currents.

This granola cooks low and slow in the crock pot with maple syrup and almonds for a crisp, golden result. It’s great for topping yogurt or just snacking by the handful.
Get the Recipe: Maple Almond Slow Cooker Granola

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Brussels sprouts are tossed in maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and pecans, then crisped up in the air fryer. They’re done in about 30 minutes and make an easy side with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts