Fall is synonymous with baking season, so there’s no better time to play with peak-delicious produce, warm spices and sweet, comforting ingredients in the kitchen. I’m talking crisp apples, tart cranberries, tender pumpkin, earthy cinnamon, decadent caramel and everything in between. But there’s one seasonal flavor that folks tend to neglect until they’re about to dig into a stack of pancakes: maple.
Whether you’re using maple extract, maple sugar or maple syrup, its sweet, toffee-like qualities can infuse any baked good with all the autumn magic you crave. They’re worthy of serving at a holiday party yet easy enough for newbies to pull off. Plus, many of these ideas can be prepared ahead. Behold: 40 maple desserts that will wow your guests on Thanksgiving (or any old Tuesday).
