12 Maple Desserts That Taste Like a Crisp Fall Day in a Cozy Cabin

There is something magical about real maple syrup. It is not just sweet, it tastes warm, woody and a little like caramel. Did you know it takes about 40 gallons of tree sap to make just one gallon of syrup? That is why every drop deserves a great dessert. These maple desserts are perfect for chilly fall evenings, Thanksgiving tables and holiday gifts. One tip before we start: use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor. Ready to get cozy..

Maple Pecan Pie, the Coziest of Maple Desserts

Classic pecan pie uses corn syrup, but swapping in pure maple syrup makes it richer and more complex, with less of that sugary bite. The filling bakes into a soft, amber custard under a crunchy layer of toasted pecans. It is one of those maple desserts that can easily steal the spotlight at Thanksgiving. Serve it slightly warm with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of syrup. Pumpkin pie or pecan pie, which side are you on?

You will need: 1 unbaked pie crust, 1 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 eggs, 4 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 cups pecan halves.

How to make it: 1. Simmer the maple syrup for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and cool. 2. Whisk in brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and salt. 3. Spread pecans in the crust. 4. Pour the filling over them. 5. Bake at 350F for 45 to 50 minutes until just set, then cool.

Canadian Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a national treasure in Canada. Little flaky pastry shells hold a gooey filling of butter, brown sugar, eggs and maple syrup that bubbles up and sets into a soft, caramel like center. Canadians argue loudly over whether they should have raisins, pecans or nothing at all. Cast your vote: A, raisins, B, pecans, C, plain, or D, chocolate chips?

You will need: 12 tart shells, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt, 1/3 cup raisins or chopped pecans.

How to make it: 1. Whisk sugar, syrup, butter, egg, vanilla and salt. 2. Put a few raisins or pecans in each shell. 3. Fill shells two thirds full. 4. Bake at 400F for 15 to 18 minutes until bubbly. 5. Cool in the pan before removing.

Maple Fudge, Classic Maple Desserts

Maple fudge is a favorite at sugar shacks in Vermont and Quebec. It is made with just maple syrup, cream and butter, cooked to soft ball stage and beaten until creamy. The flavor is pure, deep maple, with a texture that melts on your tongue. A candy thermometer helps a lot. It is one of those classic maple desserts that makes a beautiful gift in a little box.

You will need: 2 cups pure maple syrup, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).

How to make it: 1. Bring syrup and cream to a boil in a large pot. 2. Cook without stirring to 236F. 3. Remove from heat, add butter and salt and cool to 110F. 4. Beat with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its shine. 5. Stir in nuts, spread in a lined pan and cut when firm.

Maple Taffy on Snow

This is pure joy. In Quebec, families visit sugar shacks in spring and pour boiling maple syrup onto clean packed snow. It firms up instantly into chewy taffy, which you roll up on a popsicle stick. You can do it at home with fresh snow or a tray of crushed ice. Kids think it is magic, and honestly, adults do too. Would you try it this winter?

You will need: 1 cup pure maple syrup, a tray of clean packed snow or finely crushed ice, popsicle sticks.

How to make it: 1. Pack snow or crushed ice firmly into a tray. 2. Boil the syrup until it reaches 235F to 240F. 3. Pour thin lines onto the snow. 4. Wait 10 seconds until it firms. 5. Roll each line onto a stick and eat right away.

Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies

Soft sugar cookies flavored with maple syrup and cut into leaf shapes are perfect for fall parties. A simple maple glaze made with powdered sugar and syrup gives them a shiny, golden top. Let the kids decorate them with sprinkles or a little cinnamon sugar. They also make a sweet Thanksgiving place card if you pipe guest names on them. Fun idea, right?

You will need: 1/2 cup soft butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt. Glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar and 3 tbsp maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Beat butter, sugar and maple syrup. 2. Add egg and vanilla, then flour, baking powder and salt. 3. Chill 1 hour, roll out and cut leaves. 4. Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes. 5. Cool and spread with maple glaze.

Maple Glazed Bundt Cake, Maple Desserts for Fall

A tender, brown butter bundt cake with a thick maple glaze dripping down the sides is the kind of cake that makes people linger at the table. Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that loves maple. It is perfect for a fall brunch or a holiday open house, and it keeps for days under a cake dome. Maple desserts like this one smell incredible while baking.

You will need: 1 cup butter browned and cooled, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 4 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 3 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt. Glaze of 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Beat brown butter, sugar and syrup. 2. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream. 3. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt. 4. Bake in a greased bundt pan at 350F for 50 to 55 minutes. 5. Cool and pour on the glaze.

Pumpkin Bread With Maple Glaze

Pumpkin bread is a fall staple, and swapping some sugar for maple syrup makes it even cozier. The loaf is moist, warmly spiced and topped with a sweet maple drizzle that sets into a thin shell. Slice it for breakfast, an afternoon coffee or a quick dessert. It also freezes well, so bake two. Do you like your pumpkin bread A, plain, B, with nuts, or C, with chocolate chips?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp pumpkin spice, 1/2 tsp salt, maple glaze.

How to make it: 1. Whisk pumpkin, syrup, sugar, oil and eggs. 2. Stir in flour, baking soda, spice and salt. 3. Pour into a greased loaf pan. 4. Bake at 350F for 55 to 60 minutes. 5. Cool and drizzle with maple glaze.

Maple Cupcakes With Maple Frosting

These cupcakes have maple in the cake and in the fluffy buttercream, so every bite is full of fall flavor. Top them with a candied pecan or a pinch of flaky salt for a fancy bakery look. They are perfect for fall birthdays, bake sales and Thanksgiving kids tables. Want a fun twist? Add a little cinnamon to the batter for maple cinnamon cupcakes.

You will need: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup milk. Frosting of 1 cup butter, 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 cup maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Beat butter, sugar and syrup, then add eggs. 2. Mix in flour and baking powder alternately with milk. 3. Fill 12 lined cups and bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes. 4. Beat the frosting until fluffy. 5. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Maple walnut is an old fashioned ice cream flavor that deserves a comeback. A rich custard base is sweetened only with maple syrup, then churned with toasted walnuts. The result tastes like a cozy Vermont diner in a bowl. Serve it with apple pie, warm brownies or just a spoon. Have you ever had maple walnut at an old ice cream parlor?

You will need: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup milk, 3/4 cup maple syrup, 4 egg yolks, pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts.

How to make it: 1. Heat cream, milk and syrup until steaming. 2. Whisk a little into the yolks, then return to the pot. 3. Cook until it coats a spoon, then add salt and vanilla. 4. Chill overnight. 5. Churn and fold in walnuts, then freeze until firm.

Maple Caramel Sauce

Maple caramel sauce is a game changer in your fridge. Maple syrup, brown sugar, butter and cream simmer together into a thick, glossy sauce that is perfect for ice cream, apple slices, pancakes and cheesecake. It takes about 10 minutes, and it keeps for two weeks. It also makes a great gift in a little glass jar. Where would you pour it first?

You will need: 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Simmer syrup, brown sugar and butter for 3 minutes. 2. Slowly whisk in the cream. 3. Simmer 5 more minutes until slightly thick. 4. Stir in vanilla and salt. 5. Cool and store in a jar in the fridge.

Maple Glazed Pecans, Easy Maple Desserts to Snack On

Maple glazed pecans take 10 minutes in a skillet and taste like a treat from a holiday market. The nuts toast in butter, then get coated in a sticky maple glaze with a pinch of cinnamon and sea salt. Eat them by the handful, sprinkle them on salads or use them to top pies. Simple maple desserts like this are perfect for gifting. Love nutty treats? See our pecan desserts.

You will need: 2 cups pecan halves, 1 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp flaky salt.

How to make it: 1. Toast pecans in butter over medium heat for 3 minutes. 2. Add syrup, sugar and cinnamon. 3. Stir until the syrup thickens and coats the nuts, about 4 minutes. 4. Spread on parchment and sprinkle with salt. 5. Cool and break apart.

Maple Kettle Popcorn

Movie night just got an upgrade. Fresh popcorn is tossed in a hot maple and butter glaze, then baked low until crisp and crunchy, like caramel corn but with a cozy maple twist. Add peanuts or pecans for extra crunch. It is great for fall parties and makes a cheap, cute gift in paper bags. Sweet and salty, or just sweet?

You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1 cup nuts optional.

How to make it: 1. Spread popcorn and nuts on a lined tray. 2. Boil syrup, sugar, butter and salt for 3 minutes. 3. Stir in baking soda and pour over the popcorn. 4. Toss to coat. 5. Bake at 250F for 40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, then cool.