This spicy Hot Maple Syrup recipe infuses sweet maple with garlic and chili flakes for a bold new flavor. Ready in minutes, it’s a twist on hot honey that enhances a variety of dishes.

Hot Maple Syrup is a sweet, spicy condiment made by infusing maple syrup with chili flakes and garlic.
The "hot" in the name doesn't refer to it being warmed or heated up, but rather to the heat from the chili flakes that give the syrup its kick.
The result is a bold, sweet syrup with a savory depth from the garlic, combined with a spicy warmth that adds a unique twist to traditional maple syrup.
Similar to hot honey, which is honey infused with chili flakes for a spicy-sweet experience, hot maple syrup uses the same idea of balancing sweetness with heat. However, maple syrup brings its own distinct flavor—a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spice from the chili flakes and the aromatic quality of garlic.
Like hot honey, hot maple syrup is incredibly versatile, perfect for drizzling on everything from breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles to savory items like roasted vegetables or potatoes. Heck, we even add a little to avocado on sourdough, or spoon it into ginger tea!
It’s an easy way to bring an extra layer of flavor to your meals. It's simple to make, requiring only three ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. The result is a syrup that balances sweetness with the heat from chili flakes and the subtle richness of garlic.
Try it drizzled on Roasted Baby Potatoes, Sweet Potato Fritters, or as a dipping sauce for Artichoke Hearts. It also adds a bit of heat to pears in these Maple Fried Pears!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can have a flavorful syrup ready in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile: It pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes, making it a useful addition to any kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just maple syrup, chili flakes, and garlic, all of which are easy to find.
- Customizable Heat: You control how spicy it is, so you can adjust it to your taste.
- Long Shelf Life: You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Ingredients
- Maple Syrup: The star ingredient. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you're in a pinch, you can use pancake syrup, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
- Chili Flakes: The chili flakes add the heat. If you prefer a milder syrup, reduce the amount.
- Garlic: Garlic brings a savory depth to the syrup. You can omit it for a simpler version, but it’s well worth including if you want the full flavor profile.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes, but don’t allow it to boil.
Spoon out and discard the garlic.
Transfer the hot maple syrup to a jar or bottle and let it cool. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
- Use as a sweet and spicy glaze. Try it on Sticky Tofu.
- Use as a topping for waffles or pancakes for a bold spicy breakfast twist.
- Add to a cheese board, pairing it with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
- Top avocado toast for a balance of creamy and spicy.
- Stir into cocktails like a spicy margarita or a bourbon-based drink.
- Mix into mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory side dish.
- Drizzle over fried eggs or scrambled eggs for breakfast with a kick.
- Pair with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, for a sweet contrast.
- Add to a fruit salad for an unexpected burst of flavor.
- Mix into hot cornbread as a sweet-spicy drizzle.
- Serve over roasted nuts or popcorn for a spicy snack.
- Use as a dip for mozzarella sticks or other fried appetizers.
- Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a sweet and spicy dessert.
Storage
This hot maple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s a great make-ahead recipe because the flavors only deepen as it sits.
Top tips
Don’t boil the syrup: Let it simmer gently to avoid burning.
Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder syrup, start with fewer chili flakes.
Strain the syrup: After removing the garlic, you can strain the syrup to remove any solid bits, ensuring a smoother texture.
Use good-quality maple syrup: The better the maple syrup, the better the flavor of your syrup.
Double the recipe: If you're using this for a large gathering or want to stock up, it’s easy to make a larger batch.
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📖 Recipe
Hot Maple Syrup
Ingredients
- 200 g maple syrup ¾ cup
- 1 teaspoon dried red chilli flakes
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and lightly crushed
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes, but don’t allow it to boil.
- Spoon out and discard the garlic.
- Transfer the hot maple syrup to a jar or bottle and let it cool. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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