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Maple extract is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from baked goods to cocktails. If you’ve ever wondered How to Make Maple Extract it’s easy to make at home. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to store-bought extracts.
What is Maple Extract
Maple extract is a concentrated flavoring derived from maple syrup. It is typically made by steeping high-quality maple syrup in a neutral spirit, such as vodka or grain alcohol, for several weeks to extract the flavor. The resulting extract has a strong, sweet, and distinctively maple flavor that can be used to add a touch of maple sweetness to a variety of dishes, including baked goods, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and cocktails.
Maple extract is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a Substitute for Maple Syrup in recipes that call for a smaller amount of sweetener or to enhance the maple flavor in dishes that already contain maple syrup. It is commonly found in specialty food stores or can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
If you don’t want to bother with making your own you can always use a Maple Extract Substitute.
Ingredients Needed
- Maple Syrup – Choose a high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor. Darker syrups tend to have a stronger flavor, so you may want to choose a lighter syrup if you prefer a milder extract. You can also use Homemade Maple Syrup.
- Vodka – The vodka or other neutral spirit is used as a solvent to extract the flavor compounds from the maple syrup. When the maple syrup is steeped in alcohol, the alcohol draws out the flavor compounds from the syrup and creates a concentrated maple extract.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pour in the vodka. Add the vodka or other neutral spirit to the jar. The alcohol will help to extract the flavor from the maple syrup.
- Add the maple syrup. Pour the maple syrup into the mason jar.
- Shake regularly during storage. Shake the jar vigorously to mix the ingredients together. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Shake the jar once a day for the first week to help distribute the flavor.
- Strain. After two to four weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any sediment or solids. Pour the maple extract into a clean bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label the bottle with the date and the contents.
Storage Information
Homemade maple extract should be stored in a clean, airtight container, such as a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. It’s important to choose a container that is made of a material that will not react with the extract, such as glass or food-grade plastic.
Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing the extract in direct sunlight or in a place where it will be exposed to heat, as this can cause the flavor to degrade over time.
When stored properly, homemade maple extract can last for several months to a year. However, it’s a good idea to check the extract periodically for any signs of spoilage or off-flavors. If the extract starts to smell or taste off, it should be discarded and a new batch should be made.
FAQS
Maple extract will last for several years if stored in a cool, dark place. Over time, the flavor may become less intense, but the extract will still be safe to use.
Yes, you can use a different type of alcohol, such as rum or whiskey, to make maple extract. Keep in mind that the flavor of the alcohol will affect the overall flavor of the extract.
Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of maple extract. Just be sure to use a larger jar or divide the mixture between multiple jars. Making a large batch is great for turning the extract into a homemade gift.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients. Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor. Grade B syrup is a good choice, as it has a strong maple flavor. Choose a neutral spirit, such as vodka or grain alcohol, for the best results. The alcohol should be at least 80 proof.
- Shake it. Shake the jar once a day for the first week to help distribute the flavor.
- Make the flavor stronger. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more maple syrup or let the mixture steep for a longer period of time.
Uses for Maple Extract
Maple extract can be used in a variety of ways to add a sweet, maple flavor to dishes. Here are some common uses:
- Baked goods: Maple extract can be used to flavor cakes, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods. Just a few drops can add a subtle maple flavor that enhances the sweetness of the dish.
- Pancakes and waffles: Maple extract can be added to pancake and waffle batter to give them a delicious maple flavor.
- Ice cream: Add a few drops of maple extract to homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or store-bought ice cream to create a sweet, maple-flavored treat.
- Cocktails: Maple extract can be used to flavor cocktails, such as a Maple Old Fashioned or a Maple Whiskey Sour.
- Sauces and marinades: Maple extract can be added to barbecue sauces such as Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce, marinades, and glazes to give them a sweet, maple flavor.
- Coffee and tea: Add a few drops of maple extract to coffee or tea for a sweet, maple-flavored drink.
- Salad dressings: Maple extract can be used to add a touch of sweetness to salad dressings, such as a maple vinaigrette.
Related Recipes
Maple Extract Recipe
Equipment
- Mason Jar with Lid
- Mesh Strainer or cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
- 1/2 cup Vodka
Instructions
- Pour in the vodka. Add the vodka or other neutral spirit to the jar. The alcohol will help to extract the flavor from the maple syrup.
- Add the maple syrup. Pour the maple syrup into the mason jar.
- Shake regularly during storage. Shake the jar vigorously to mix the ingredients together. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Shake the jar once a day for the first week to help distribute the flavor.
- Strain. After two to four weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any sediment or solids. Pour the maple extract into a clean bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label the bottle with the date and the contents.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients. Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor. Grade B syrup is a good choice, as it has a strong maple flavor. Choose a neutral spirit, such as vodka or grain alcohol, for the best results. The alcohol should be at least 80 proof.
- Shake it. Shake the jar once a day for the first week to help distribute the flavor.
- Make the flavor stronger. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more maple syrup or let the mixture steep for a longer period of time.
