There are few side dishes that balance sweet and savory flavors as beautifully as Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender carrots soak up the rich sweetness of maple syrup, the caramelized depth of brown sugar, and the buttery smoothness that ties it all together. The result is a comforting, elegant dish that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for holiday feasts.
This recipe takes the hassle out of cooking by using your slow cooker, making it a stress-free side dish that practically cooks itself. If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for pairing with roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains, this Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrot Recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful glazed carrot dish, you’ll need:
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2 pounds (900 g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (baby carrots work too)
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½ cup pure maple syrup
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth)
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Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
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Slow cooker (4–6 quart capacity)
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Vegetable peeler
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Mixing bowl
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Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
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Wash, peel, and cut fresh carrots into uniform 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
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If using baby carrots, you can skip peeling—just rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and vanilla extract (if using).
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Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the glaze looks smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker
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Place the carrots into the slow cooker.
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Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the carrots.
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Stir gently to coat the carrots well.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Carrots
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
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Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the carrots are tender but not mushy.
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Stir once halfway through cooking to redistribute the glaze.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)
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For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking. This will allow excess liquid to evaporate and the glaze to cling more to the carrots.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Once cooked, transfer carrots to a serving dish.
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Spoon extra glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
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Use Fresh Carrots for Best Flavor: While baby carrots are convenient, whole fresh carrots provide the best texture and natural sweetness.
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Don’t Overcook: Check for tenderness around the 2.5-hour mark on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW. Overcooking may turn carrots too soft.
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Add a Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh orange juice or zest brightens the flavor and balances sweetness.
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Make It Savory-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
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Holiday Upgrade: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts before serving for a festive touch.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – about 6 servings)
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Calories: ~220
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Protein: 2 g
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Carbohydrates: 42 g
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Fiber: 5 g
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Sugar: 28 g
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Fat: 7 g
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Saturated Fat: 4 g
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Sodium: 180 mg
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on carrot size and syrup brand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless: The slow cooker does all the work.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the sweet flavor.
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Perfect Side Dish: Complements roasted meats, poultry, fish, or vegetarian meals.
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Holiday-Ready: A must-have side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
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Scalable: Easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Variations
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Substitute honey for maple syrup for a floral sweetness.
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Spiced Carrots: Add cardamom, ginger, or allspice for warming spice notes.
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Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
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Maple Bourbon Twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon for a rich, adult-friendly flavor.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Roast turkey or chicken
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Glazed ham
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Grilled salmon
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Mashed potatoes
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Fresh garden salad
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen carrots?
Yes, but they may release extra water. Reduce the cooking time by 30 minutes if using frozen carrots.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the carrots fully, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the slow cooker on warm or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
3. How can I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
Cook with the lid off during the last 20 minutes or add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. You can cut the brown sugar in half or replace with coconut sugar for a lighter version.
Conclusion
This Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrot Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, transforming simple carrots into a show-stopping side dish. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or festive holiday meals. The buttery maple glaze clings to each tender carrot, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
