Natural sweetness with notes of caramel and warmth makes maple syrup a standout ingredient. These dishes use it in breakfasts, desserts, and even savory glazes. The flavor adds coziness without being overly sugary or artificial. Every recipe feels a little like autumn comfort, no matter what time of year it is.

Maple and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Maple and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Sweet maple and tangy balsamic create a glossy glaze that pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts. Caramelized edges add depth and richness in every bite. Works well as a holiday side or a simple weeknight vegetable dish. Expect a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly crisp textures.
Get the Recipe: Maple and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Two cupcakes topped with white frosting and garnished with pecan pieces, displayed close together.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

A shortcut using cake mix turns into a bakery-style treat packed with warm maple flavor and crunchy pecans. Prep is quick and beginner friendly, making it ideal for busy days. Each cupcake delivers a soft crumb and sweet nutty finish. Perfect for fall gatherings or casual snacking.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Sliced baked ham on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley.
Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Juicy ham takes on a gorgeous sheen from a bourbon-maple glaze that blends sweet and savory notes beautifully. The sauce caramelizes in the oven, adding incredible depth of flavor. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or anytime a show-stopping main course is needed. Leftovers make amazing sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Maple Butter Blondies (Applebee’s Copycat)

A maple walnut blondie topped with a scopp of vanilla ice cream and a maple caramel sauce.
Maple Butter Blondies (Applebee’s Copycat). Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Soft blondies packed with white chocolate and walnuts meet a warm maple brown sugar sauce for a truly decadent dessert. Each square delivers chewiness, crunch, and rich buttery sweetness. Inspired by a restaurant favorite but easy to make at home. Perfect for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Maple Butter Blondies (Applebee’s Copycat)

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Frosted and unfrosted apple cupcakes in a muffin tin.
Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Moist apple cupcakes are filled with cozy fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. A silky maple buttercream adds sweetness and warmth in every bite. Great for autumn gatherings, bake sales, or afternoon treats. Flavor feels nostalgic and comforting from the first bite to the last.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken, Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries roast together on one pan for an easy, colorful dinner. Maple and mustard combine for a sweet-tangy glaze that coats everything beautifully. Minimal dishes and hands-off cooking make weeknights easier. A complete meal with built-in sides.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple Miso Chicken

Maple miso chicken in cast iron skillet.
Maple Miso Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A blend of miso, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and shallots creates a glossy, savory-sweet glaze over tender baked chicken. The result is sticky, golden pieces bursting with umami flavor. Simple ingredients deliver restaurant-quality taste at home. Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken

Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Close up of pecan pie with dulce de leche cream.
Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A flaky gluten-free crust holds a rich pecan filling sweetened with maple syrup for a Southern-inspired twist. Notes of bourbon and toasted nuts deepen the flavor. A maple dulce de leche cream adds an extra layer of indulgence. Perfect for holidays or any special dessert moment.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free pecan pie with maple syrup and maple dulce de leche cream

Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

Maple bourbon bacon jam.
Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

A rich jam made with bacon, maple syrup, and bourbon delivers smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every spoonful. Perfect for spreading on burgers, tacos, sandwiches, or grilled meats. Makes an impressive homemade condiment for gatherings. A little goes a long way thanks to its bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v

A clear bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and pecans sits on a wooden surface, their caramelly sweetness shining through, with a baking tray of this maple-kissed mixture in the background.
Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Brussels sprouts roast until crisp at the edges and lightly caramelized, then get coated in maple sweetness. Only a handful of ingredients are needed to deliver big flavor. Kid-friendly and easy to add to dinner plates. A great way to turn vegetables into a crave-worthy side.
Get the Recipe: Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v

Easy Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies drizzled with white icing are surrounded by raw oats, with cinnamon sticks as decoration.
Easy Maple Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies are infused with warm maple flavor that feels perfect for fall baking. Each bite delivers cozy spice and hearty texture. Simple to mix together and ideal for lunchboxes or coffee breaks. A lovely alternative to chocolate-based cookies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crunchy clusters of oats, pecans, and maple syrup bake into a fragrant granola perfect for breakfast or snacking. Enjoy over yogurt, milk, or straight from the jar. Light sweetness pairs well with the nutty flavor. Great for meal prep and gifting.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

A round dish of sweet potato casserole topped with pecans and herbs, set on a green cloth with serving utensils nearby.
Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy sweet potatoes meet hints of maple and garlic for a flavor combination that’s both savory and sweet. Topped or baked until golden, the casserole delivers a variety of textures in every scoop. A standout addition to holiday spreads or Sunday dinners. Comforting and elegant at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken absorbs a sweet and tangy maple-mustard marinade before hitting the grill for beautiful charred edges. Every bite brings smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. Excellent for summer cookouts or simple outdoor dinners. Pairs easily with salads, potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Roasted maple root vegetables

Roasted carrots, beets and Brussels sprouts on a tinfoil lined pan topped with sesame seeds.
Roasted maple root vegetables. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Carrots, parsnips, and other root vegetables roast until golden and tender under a maple-ginger dressing. Natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, creating caramelized edges. A colorful addition to any meal or holiday table. Works wonderfully alongside chicken, pork, or beef mains.
Get the Recipe: Roasted maple root vegetables

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salmon cooks straight from frozen in the air fryer, making dinner incredibly convenient. A maple-mustard sauce adds flavor without extra fuss. Perfect for nights when time is short but a nutritious meal is still the goal. Flaky texture and sweet-tangy glaze make it feel special with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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