I use syrup and like the results. If you want more maple flavor, I’m sure there is a maple brown sugar out there you could use in lieu of regular sugar.

Edit to add the link: https://www.amazon.com/Nova-Maple-Sugar-Grade-Ounces/dp/B01DX3ODE4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=maple+brown+sugar&qid=1672792913&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyV1pEM0FBT1dHNlFRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzIwODY2M1YyVVpJRUZZQUdCQyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTk4OTI3MURIV1pYMjMxUFlaMCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=