Yields 2 Quarts
Vegan, Gluten, Grain, Soy, and Dairy Free

Ingredients

2 pounds slicer cucumbers

2 cups water

2 cups apple cider vinegar

¾ cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon sea salt

Instruction

Wash cucumbers and slice into ¼-inch rounds. Place the slices in a large bowl.
In a medium pot, combine water, vinegar, maple, and salt. Heat gently over medium heat, whisking to dissolve the salt and blend the flavors. You're aiming for a warm to hot temperature — not a full boil.
Pour the warm brine over the sliced cucumbers in the bowl. Stir gently to coat all the slices.
Carefully pack the cucumbers into clean mason jars, then pour the remaining brine over them to cover them fully. Leave the jars out at room temperature for 4–6 hours to allow the cucumbers to begin absorbing the flavor.
Refrigerate: After 24 hours, you’ve got flavorful, crunchy pickles (the ideal minimum time before serving). After 2–3 days, the flavor deepens. They’ll be fully pickled, slightly softer, and even more delicious. After 1–2 weeks, peak flavor (still safe and tasty as long as they’re refrigerated and covered in brine).

Want them sweeter? Add a little more maple! Another ¼ cup will dial up the sweetness without overpowering the tang.
Don’t toss the brine! Reuse it to make another batch of pickles or whisk it into a flavorful, sweet-and-sour salad dressing.
Why These Pickles Are Better for You:
Most sweet pickles are made with white sugar, artificial preservatives, and food coloring. While they may taste good, they come with blood sugar spikes and offer no nutritional benefits.
These pickles are different. Here’s why: Sweetened with Maple: Maple syrup is lower on the glycemic index than white sugar and contains trace minerals like zinc and manganese. It adds sweetness and nourishment — without the refined sugar crash.
Low in Sodium Compared to Store-Bought: Commercial pickles are loaded with salt. This recipe uses a moderate amount of sea salt, just enough for flavor and preservation.
Supports Gut Health: Apple cider vinegar is naturally rich in acetic acid, which can support healthy digestion, help balance blood sugar levels, and promote a healthy gut environment when eaten alongside meals.
Balanced Flavor = less mindless snacking: Because these pickles have that sweet, salty, tangy balance — they satisfy cravings without needing to reach for ultra-processed snacks.