How To Make Maple Syrup

Discover the Joy of Homemade Maple Syrup

Imagine drizzling your pancakes or waffles with a homemade syrup that’s richer and more flavorful than anything you can buy at the store. Trust me, it’s not just possible—it’s downright easy! And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Let me show you how to make delicious maple syrup in just a few simple steps. This delicious syrup goes perfectly on our easy waffles from scratch, homemade pancakes, or our Hawaiian French toast. Explore our breakfast ideas for even more recipes where you can use this syrup!

Why Make Your Own Maple Syrup?

I love this homemade syrup recipe because it’s fast, easy, and tastes incredible. Unlike store-bought options loaded with high fructose corn syrup and preservatives, this syrup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients. No need to tap trees or boil sap for hours—just grab a few pantry staples, and you’re good to go!

What You’ll Need

This easy recipe only requires four ingredients, and chances are you already have them in your kitchen:

• Brown sugar – Adds depth and a rich molasses flavor.
• Sugar – Added for sweetness and balances out the flavors.
• Water – Helps dissolve the sugars and creates the syrup’s base.
• Maple extract – Delivers that classic maple flavor.

Pure Maple Syrup vs. Imitation Maple Extract

You might be wondering what the difference is between pure maple syrup and the version made with imitation extract. Pure maple syrup comes from boiling down sap from sugar maple trees, which is a time-consuming and costly process. On the other hand, imitation maple extract is made using fenugreek seeds, which mimic the maple flavor beautifully. It’s a budget-friendly alternative that still delivers that familiar maple taste.

What are Fenugreek Seeds?

Fenugreek seeds are in no way related to maple trees, but when combined with alcohol, they smell very similar to pure maple. Fenugreek seeds are a natural flavoring and have some great health benefits. It isn’t one of those “natural flavors” with big “air quotes” around it. It’s simply the seed of an herb that happens to smell like maple.

When concentrated into an extract, the liquid can be combined with a small amount of sugar or sugar sand and the taste is similar to pure maple syrup. Maple syrup that is made with this type of maple extract is much easier to produce, thus making it much cheaper than pure maple syrup. Most pancake syrups at the grocery store are made with this maple extract.

Maple Extract Substitutions

If you don’t have maple extract, don’t worry! You can substitute with a mix of butter and vanilla extract, or even try flavors like almond or rum extract for a unique twist. Each option adds its own delightful spin to your syrup. If you want to go for something different, you can try any of the syrup recipes below.

How to Know When Your Syrup is Done

Wondering if your syrup is ready? A candy thermometer can help—it should reach a temperature between 200°F and 400°F. If you don’t have one, just look for a smooth, thick consistency after it cools.

How to Make Homemade Maple Syrup

Making your own maple syrup is a breeze! Here’s how you do it:

1. Combine Ingredients – In a heavy saucepan, mix equal parts brown sugar and granulated sugar with water.
2. Heat – Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve.
3. Simmer – Reduce the heat to low, add your maple extract, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes while stirring constantly.
4. Cool – Remove from heat and let it cool for about 20 minutes. It will thicken up nicely as it cools.
5. Serve – Pour over your favorite breakfast treats – pancakes, waffles, French toast – you name it!

Delicious Ways to Use Maple Syrup

Homemade maple syrup isn’t just for breakfast! Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

• Breakfast – Pour this over top pancakes, waffles, french toast, or German pancakes! All great ways to enhance breakfast recipes!
• Oatmeal and cereal – Add a sweet drizzle to your morning bowl.
• Ice cream – Turn a simple dessert into something special. Makes for a delectable sweet and savory combination!
• Baking – Use it as a natural sweetener in muffins and cookies.
• Meat – Combine it with Dijon mustard or soy sauce for a delicious glaze mixture to pour over ham, chicken, or beef. The combination is delicious and enhances all your meat flavors!
• Dressing – Whisk it into vinaigrettes for a hint of sweetness.
• Drinks – Pour a little into your drink to sweeten a cold or hot drink!
• Smoothies – This is a great way to add a little sweetness without the granulated sugar.

Storing Homemade Maple Syrup

Keep your syrup fresh by storing it in an airtight container. It can last for weeks in the fridge or a cool, dark pantry. When you’re ready to use it, just warm it up gently on the stove.

Final Thoughts

Making your own maple syrup is a fun, rewarding kitchen project that yields delicious results. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought bottle and whip up your own batch at home. You’ll be amazed at how much better it tastes!

More Homemade Syrup Recipes

Here are some more of our favorite syrup recipes. You can easily mix and match any of these syrups with the breakfast dishes they are associated with. Store them in jars at room temperature. 
Gluten Free Pancakes
Orange Pancakes with Orange Syrup
Eggnog French Toast
Fresh Strawberry Syrup
Coconut Syrup
Yogurt Pancakes with Syrup