Maple extract adds a unique flavor to baking and desserts, but it’s not always available! This post features a few of the best alternatives– all of which taste great. So you can choose which one you prefer to use as a substitute for maple extract.
Maple extract is popular as it adds a very distinct taste to the food in which it is added.
But maple extract isn’t available in many places. This can be a major disappointment when there is no maple extract to make sweet treats even tastier!
But, there is hope! Here you have some of the best maple extract substitutes!
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And if you are looking for more maple ideas make sure to check this post with the best recipe for gluten free pancake syrup!
Substitute for Maple Extract
Maple syrup is used for so much more than just breakfast. But sometimes you need a substitute for Maple Extract when you only have a little left or don’t want to use it.
Maple syrup
Genuine maple syrup will work well in any recipe that calls for maple extract.
However, the flavor of maple syrup it’s not as concentrated as an extract and won’t impart quite as strong a flavor.
You’ll need twice as much syrup as you would extract to get the same intensity of flavor.
Use real maple syrup, not any available pancake syrups.
These products may have some maple in them but also contain other corn syrups and sugars that won’t have the same effect on your dish as pure maple syrup does.
Maple sugar
Maple sugar is a great substitute for maple extract. This substitute is so good, and you may not even notice the difference! It adds a nice, natural sweetness to any recipe.
Maple sugar can be added to coffee or tea as a sweetener. It can be used in cooking or baking and give the same sweet maple flavor.
Maple butter
Maple butter is very similar to maple syrup but with a thicker consistency.
It also tastes more like maple than syrup does, which is why it makes such a good substitute for maple extract.
For one teaspoon of extract, use a half teaspoon of maple butter. You may even want to use more if you wish that maple flavor to come through!
Maple candy
The candy is made from maple syrup and has a concentrated flavor.
If you are a big fan of maple, chances are you have maple candy at home. So you can melt down the maple candy to substitute maple extract.
Agave nectar
Agave nectar is made from the agave plant and is often thought of as a healthier alternative to regular sugar and has become a common ingredient in many kitchens.
This syrup is a liquid sweetener with a similar flavor profile and a maple-like consistency.
This makes it an excellent substitute for maple extract in recipes where it will not affect the texture or moisture of your food.
Try agave nectar in baked goods and beverages where you normally use maple syrup.
Honey
If you’re making a recipe that calls for maple extract but doesn’t have any on hand, you can use honey as a substitute instead.
This substitution works best in baked goods and beverages.
Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for maple syrup in recipes.
It is sweeter than maple syrup and doesn’t have the same depth of flavor, but it works well in recipes.
Molasses
Molasses isn’t as common as vanilla or maple syrup, but this works great if you have molasses on hand (or brown sugar). It has a sweet earthy flavor which might be what you’re looking for!
Vanilla extract instead of maple extract
Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol for an extended period. The result is a tasty and versatile flavor that can be substituted into just about any recipe calling for any extract.
If you’re looking for something that most people have on hand, vanilla extract is a good choice.
It doesn’t taste anything like maple, but it is a mildly sweet flavor that can be used in basically any recipe.
This is an excellent substitute for the hint of maple you need in your recipe. Use the same amount of vanilla extract as you would maple extract.
You can also add a little brown sugar to boost the caramel color and flavor.
Almond extract
Almond extract is a viable substitute for maple extract.
The almond extract may have a stronger flavor, so maybe you have to reduce the amount you use.
When substituting almond extract for maple extract in recipes, use 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for every teaspoon of maple extract called for in the recipe.
If you find the flavor too strong, start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more as needed.
It’s important to note that your final product won’t taste exactly like maple extract with almond extract but can work fine.
Rum Extract
You can use rum extract as a substitute for maple extract. The flavor won’t be the same, but it will give your recipe the extra kick of alcohol that you want. Rum extract is available at most large grocery stores in the baking aisle.
Since both rum and maple syrup are made from plant sugars, it makes sense that the two flavors would be similar.
Try not to use too much rum extract not to affect the final result.
The ratio to use is 1:1. For example, if your recipe calls for one teaspoon of maple extract, you can use one teaspoon of rum extract instead.
If your recipe calls for two tablespoons of maple extract, you can use two tablespoons of rum extract instead.
Brown sugar
Using brown sugar instead of maple extract can be tricky.
While maple syrup is normally found in its liquid form, brown sugar is more common in its solid state. It doesn’t dissolve into the dish as quickly as maple syrup.
This substitution is ideal for recipes that call for small amounts of maple extract since brown sugar doesn’t have the same flavor intensity as maple extract.
You can use brown sugar as a substitute for maple extract in specific recipes, and adjust the recipe accordingly for baked goods.
Maple coffee creamer
Maple coffee creamer can substitute for maple extract in baked goods, cookie doughs, and ice cream if you have some on hand.
Adjust your recipe accordingly to get the right flavor and texture, but start by adding just a little bit at a time until you get it right.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup can work well if you are looking for a substitute for pure maple syrup.
Like maple extract, corn syrup comes in both light and dark varieties, so you can choose whichever makes your food look most appetizing.
You can use corn syrup in cakes, cookies, frostings, pies, french toast, pudding, and more. not likely to change the texture of your dish much.
FAQ’s about maple extract
What is maple extract?
Maple extract is a natural flavoring that’s used in recipes for baked goods, especially cookies and cakes, as well as ice cream, syrup, and other desserts.
Maple extract comes in two varieties: imitation maple flavoring and pure maple extract.
Imitation maple flavors are the most common. They are generally cheaper, and usually contain a blend of concentrated maple syrup and other flavorings.
Food manufacturers often use fenugreek seeds in maple syrups or flavorings to imitate the flavor of maple extract in cookies, ice cream, custards, cereals, granola, and other foods.
The pure extract is made by steeping natural maple syrup in alcohol to produce a potent flavor that can be used sparingly.
The upside is that real maple extract has a much more authentic taste and will last longer when appropriately stored; the downside is that it’s more expensive.
Indigenous peoples living in northeastern North America were the first groups to produce maple syrup.
Currently, Ontario, Quebec, and New York are the largest maple syrup producers.
Where to buy maple extract?
Maple extract can be found at most grocery stores in the baking aisle or online through retailers.
How to use maple extract?
Maple extract is commonly used in baked goods such as cookies and muffins. It can give baked goods an earthy sweetness that enhances flavors like chocolate or vanilla.
If you’re baking something that calls for maple extract and don’t have any on hand, you can use any of the products listed above.
