Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (2024)

FAQs

What is the best ingredient substitute for corn syrup? ›

The best corn syrup substitutes for baking are brown rice syrup, maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, honey, golden syrup, and black treacle. Whether you're avoiding using corn syrup, are allergic to corn, or don't have it on hand, there are a ton of substitutes for corn syrup to try instead.

Corn syrup, 1 cup.

Substitute with 1 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup water.

You can replace 1 cup of corn syrup with one of these simple substitutes: 1 cup sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water.

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

For each cup of light corn syrup in a recipe, substitute 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup water. For each cup of dark corn syrup, substitute 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup water.

Because corn syrup plays an important role in developing texture for many recipes, it's best not to leave it out. Instead of omitting it altogether, choose an alternative as a worthy swap.

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

To make a small amount of corn syrup from cornstarch, you can follow these steps: In a small saucepan, mix together 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the mixture constantly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.

There are so many substitutes for maple syrup that can replicate the taste and texture of the real thing; honey, molasses, simple syrup, brown sugar syrup, brown rice syrup, corn syrup, golden syrup, coconut nectar, agave nectar, white sugar, brown sugar, or keto syrup alternatives.

Corn syrup and honey are equal replacements (meaning you can substitute 1 cup honey for 1 cup corn syrup). But similar to sugar, honey won't prevent crystallization, so it's not the best choice for making caramel or candy. That said, it can work well in other recipes as long as you don't mind its distinct flavor.

What does corn syrup do in baking? ›

Corn syrup keeps sugar from crystallizing, a.k.a. hard sugar lumps forming in your otherwise smooth syrup, which is why you'll often see it in homemade candy or caramel recipes. Whether you're making brittle or butterscotch, adding corn syrup along with the sugar results in smooth, never-grainy caramel.

A modified simple syrup of four parts sugar to one-part warm water is an easy corn syrup swap in many recipes, including confections cooked to the soft-ball stage—think buttercreams, pralines and fudge. This neutral swap is similar in taste to corn syrup.

To substitute corn syrup for sugar, for every cup (8 oz / 225 g) of sugar called for use 1 ¼ cup (10 oz / 300 ml) corn syrup, and reduce other liquid in the recipe by 4 tbsp.

Corn syrup and honey are equal replacements (meaning you can substitute 1 cup honey for 1 cup corn syrup). But similar to sugar, honey won't prevent crystallization, so it's not the best choice for making caramel or candy. That said, it can work well in other recipes as long as you don't mind its distinct flavor.

Corn syrup. The glossy sheen on those sweet buns? That's corn syrup too. This liquid sweetener keeps caramel from crystallizing, adds gooey body to pecan pie filling, and keeps cookies soft and chewy.