The phrase "maple flavor" refers to the taste or essence of maple, which is a type of sweet tree sap. It is often used to describe foods or drinks that have a similar sweet and distinct taste as maple syrup or maple trees. Full definition
I made these muffins with my own GF AP flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and added 1 tsp of maple flavored extract in addition to the vanilla. (skinnytaste.com)
Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, which is simply sugar syrup with maple flavor. (rachaelhartleynutrition.com)
So in this creation, maple flavor for the win! (thehowtozone.com)