Maple Cream Sauce Twist
By Emma
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
Maple cream sauce with altered quantities using honey and coconut cream instead of maple syrup and dairy. Cornstarch replaced with arrowroot for thickening. Slightly longer simmering. A hint of vanilla added. Good for drizzling over cakes or desserts.
Prep:
6 min
Cook:
12 min
Total:
18 min
Servings:
4 servings
#desserts
#sauces
#glaze
Sweet, sticky, rich. Not quite maple syrup, more like honey’s cousin with a tropical spin. Coconut cream replaces dairy here — thick, velvety, a mild nuttiness. Arrowroot instead of cornstarch — sharper, clearer finish. Vanilla poking through, subtle but definitely there. Changes the game a bit but keeps essence alive. A sauce for cake, for drizzle, anything needing an extra hit of sweetness and smoothness. Wait times slightly longer — simmer low, patience rewarded. You’ll want to spoon it slowly, savor the different texture, that hint of something unexpected. Perfectly imperfect, simple but turned upside down.
Ingredients
- 90 ml honey
- 150 ml coconut cream
- 6 ml arrowroot powder
- 2 ml vanilla extract
About the ingredients
Replacing half the original fat component with coconut cream ups the richness while ditching dairy. Honey instead of maple syrup lends floral top notes, less robustness but more dimension. Arrowroot powder thickens differently, clearer gel, less pasty, easier to manage on low heat. Vanilla extract — a small addition but changes overall flavor drastically, a warmth underneath the sharp sweetness. Quantities scaled down on sweetener and increased cream to balance thickness and flavor properly. Together, these shifts form a sauce less like syrup, more like a velvety glaze or drizzle. Suitable for lactose-free diets, and with a slight tropical hint combined into classic maple dessert traditions.
Method
- Combine honey, coconut cream, arrowroot powder, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan off heat. Whisk vigorously until uniform.
- Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Let simmer with occasional stirring for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat. Let cool down to warm or room temperature before using.
- Serve warm or cold over slices of maple-flavored cake or any dessert you fancy.
Cooking tips
Combining cold ingredients first off the heat prevents lumps and ensures smooth incorporation. Whisk vigorously to blend honey evenly with coconut cream and arrowroot. Bringing to a gentle boil and reducing heat to low ensures thickening without scorching or breaking the coconut cream. Simmering slightly longer, closer to ten minutes, lets arrowroot fully activate and flavors meld. Stir intermittently — don’t rush, but don’t leave unattended or it may stick and burn. Letting the sauce cool to warm or room temperature before serving thickens it further and avoids burning tongues. Can be served slightly chilled for different mouthfeel. Keeps well refrigerated — just warm gently to reuse.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Combine honey and coconut cream thoroughly. Cold ingredients first. Whisk with vigor. No lumps, smooth texture. Arrowroot needs mixing too. Essential step.
- 💡 Keep stirring over medium heat. Gentle boil is crucial. Too high, and it burns. Too low, and it won't thicken. Constant attention needed. Don't rush.
- 💡 Let it simmer for ten minutes. Arrowroot requires time. Flavors merge better this way. Patience is key. Watch for thickening. Thick sauce necessary.
- 💡 Serving temperature matters. Warm or cool enhances flavors. Slight chill offers a new experience. Don’t serve too hot. Avoid burns.
- 💡 Refrigerate leftovers. Warm gently before use. Consistency changes in fridge. Perfection not necessary. Sauce alters with temperature. Explore options.
Common questions
How to avoid lumps in the sauce?
Always mix cold ingredients first, incorporate well. No lumps equals smoother sauce. Important step.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, try different creams or sweeteners. Each change shifts flavor. Experimenting encouraged. Adjust sweetness too.
What to do if it’s too thick?
Add water or coconut cream gradually. Retain flavors but adjust texture. Easy fix when too dense.
How long does it last?
Keep refrigerated for a week. Use in various desserts. Warm before serving. Check consistency. Don’t let it sit.
