Easy 3-Ingredient Maple Cream Sauce

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 01/18/23
Maple cream sauce recipe

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 1 1/4 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
181 Calories
8g Fat
28g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 181
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 11%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 32mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 52mg 4%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 101mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Maple syrup is a ubiquitous topping for pancakes and waffles, but when cooked along with cream and butter it becomes a versatile sauce that is delicious on everything from breakfast treats to rich desserts. It has a similar flavor to pure maple syrup, and will please those who like their pancakes, French toast, or waffles with the classic condiment. This maple cream sauce can also be served at the end of the meal as it adds just the right sweetness to desserts like bread pudding and cheesecake, as well as ice cream, cooked apples, and spice cake. The maple cream provides a bit of richness and just enough style to make it worthy of guests or a special occasion, whether you are gathering for brunch, a dinner party, or a holiday meal.

This three-ingredient recipe is made on the stovetop and can boil over in the pan, so be sure to use a large pot and watch the mixture carefully. Allow the maple cream sauce to cool a bit before serving; it may thicken up so give it a stir before drizzling or spooning into a dish or small pitcher.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pure maple syrup

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for maple cream sauce
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  2. Combine the maple syrup, cream, and butter in a medium saucepan placed over medium-high heat.

    Combine maple syrup, butter, cream
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  3. Stir to blend and bring the mixture to a boil.

    Stir to blend
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue boiling, occasionally stirring, for 5 minutes. Lower the heat if the mixture looks like it may boil over. Cook until the sauce can coat the back of a spoon.

    Reduce heat
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

  5. Serve with breakfast treats or dessert and enjoy.

    Serve with cheesecake
    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Tips

  • When cooking sugar, cream, and butter (separately and together) there is a risk of boiling over and burning. Be sure to watch it carefully—do not try to multitask here—and reduce the heat if the mixture seems to be too hot, stirring as necessary.
  • To test for the right consistency, dip a wooden spoon (make sure it is not metal or you will burn yourself) into the sauce and run your finger down the back of it; if this leaves a trail with the sauce on either side, it has reached the proper thickness.
  • This sauce can be served with savory dishes as well; try with butternut squash ravioli, roasted sweet potatoes, or chicken, pork, or fish.

Recipe Variation

Once the sauce is cooked, add some toasted pecans or walnuts.