12 Outstanding Maple Syrup Alternatives That You Must Try Once

Breakfast may be a meal that brings to mind images of crispy bacon and waffles or fried eggs served with a side of toast. But did you know that breakfast can also be extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health?

Moreover, with addition of Maple Syrup Alternatives, you can get delicious blend of breakfast recipe!

Not only can a nutritious breakfast give us the energy we need to get through the day, but it can also keep us full and nourished until lunch, giving us plenty of time to finish our work and chores.

These days, one of the most popular breakfast dishes is pancakes, which are known for their sweet taste and versatile nature.

While you can add countless toppings to your morning pancakes, one of the best things to use is maple syrup, which has fast become one of the world’s most cherished breakfast condiments.

However, this does not mean that maple syrup does not come with its setbacks, as even a large bottle of the sugary treat can quickly run out in a busy household.

So if you want to know how you can combat this problem, then you have come to the right place.

In the following article, we are going to cover the top 10 best maple syrup alternatives currently available on the market, so that you can choose the best substitute for your breakfast pancakes.

Not only are our choices sweet and delicious, but they are also cheap, easy to find and may even be waiting in your kitchen cupboard. So if you want to save breakfast, we have everything you need to get started…

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Overview

If you are in a rush and don’t have the time to read the whole article, then we have provided a condensed version of our list in the section below:

If you want to know more about each of our choices, then we have provided a more detailed look at maple syrup alternatives in the following guide.

12 Best Maple Syrup Alternatives

Just because you have run out of maple syrup, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a delicious plate of morning pancakes.

In fact, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use to smother your breakfast with some much-needed sweetness.

Fortunately, most of these products are condiments that can already be found in your house, which means you probably won’t have to spend too much time and money to find the best one.

Now let’s get started…

Honey

If you run out of maple syrup, then the next best thing to use is honey. Not only because both maple syrup and honey are similar, but because they are both sweet and natural in their production.

Beyond this, one of the best things about honey is that it can be found in kitchen cabinets across the country, as it remains a popular ingredient in various recipes, from cakes to sweet and sour dishes.

While it is recommended that you use a ratio of 1:1 when substituting honey, you can always adjust this measure and use a cup of honey for every ⅔ of maple syrup.

However, when it comes to your morning pancakes, you can use as much honey as you want.

Of course, honey is different from maple syrup in terms of flavour and consistency, as it is much thicker and offers a more distinctive floral taste.

So when it comes to using honey as a substitute for maple syrup, these are things that you need to consider, especially when it comes to cooking.

How To Substitute

Honey and Maple syrup both are almost same however honey offers a distinctive floral taste. Still it is one of the most popular substitutes for Maple syrup and is substituted in a ratio of 1:1 most of the time.

Golden Syrup

Because maple syrup often features as a prominent ingredient in countless recipes, it is always advisable to have an alternative close to hand, which is why we recommend purchasing a bottle of golden syrup in case of emergencies.

While similar to maple syrup, this condiment sports a unique buttery taste, which can be adjusted to infuse your cooking with a variety of creative flavours.

Despite its buttery taste, golden syrup does not contain any butter and instead features a combination of sugar, citric acid and water.

Due to its thick consistency, we recommend using the required amount needed when making desserts or baked goods, otherwise, you could risk ruining the recipe that you need the syrup for.

How To Substitute

With the buttery taste Golden syrup has a dark, caramel-like flavor and is often used in place of maple syrup in dishes like pancakes and waffles. You may substitute it as 1:1 or as per your preference.

White Sugar Syrup

Sugar can be used for a variety of different purposes, especially when it comes to the kitchen, which is why it can make an amazing alternative to using maple syrup.

One of the best ways to use sugar as a substitute is by purchasing a white sugar syrup, which is known to be less sweet than maple syrup and thicker in its consistency.

For this reason, you should only use a cup of white sugar syrup for every ⅔ cup of maple syrup, although this may vary depending on the type of recipe that you are using.

However, it is important to note that you will also need to decrease the other liquid ingredients being used in the dish.

But perhaps one of the best things about white sugar syrup is that it can be made from home and is perfectly suitable for cocktails and cakes.

How To Substitute

If you are running short of Maple syrup then white sugar syrup is one of the best options to try as it is less sweet and also helps in thicken consistency. However since you are using white sugar syrup, make sure to make changes in other ingredients.

Molasses

Perhaps one of the best maple syrup alternative is molasses, as it can be used in countless recipes that call for maple syrup as the main ingredient.

Defined by its sweet and aromatic taste, molasses can be used to infuse your food with a distinctive smoky flavour, making it a popular substitute among passionate cooks.

Beyond this, molasses can also be purchased in different varieties, with light and dark molasses being the two most popular options. However, it is important to remember that the darker the molasses the stronger it will be.

When using molasses, you will need to substitute one cup for one cup of maple syrup, especially when it comes to making candies and desserts.

How To Substitute

Molasses works best in almost all the dishes which require Maple syrup. It makes the flavor of your food smoky along with aromatic taste and can be replaced on a one on one ratio.

Brown Sugar Syrup

If you want to know how you can make your own maple syrup alternative, then you have come to the right place. All you have to do is mix together some brown sugar, water and vanilla to produce a delicious brown sugar syrup.

While it tastes delicious on pancakes, this syrup particularly excels when used to make cakes, desserts and baked goods.

Fortunately, this syrup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a month and can be easily remade whenever you discover that the maple syrup is running low.

How To Substitute

Brown sugar syrup can be substituted for maple syrup in recipes without compromising the taste. It tastes almost similar to all the Maple syrup and works great on desserts.

Agave Nectar

Another great way to substitute maple syrup is by using agave nectar, which is a sweet syrup that is similar to both honey and maple syrup.

Because of this, it makes a great alternative when cooking countless dishes and can even be used to improve the flavour of your work.

While the nectar is known for its bitter aftertaste, it still makes a great sweetener in desserts and baked goods, with the bitterness even adding its own unique flair.

However, it should be noted that agave nectar is very different in its consistency and therefore should be used accordingly when making the swap.

How To Substitute

Agave nectar is a best substitute for maple syrup. The sweetener is known for its low glycemic index and slightly floral flavor. Compared to maple syrup and honey, agave nectar is vegan-friendly.

Corn Syrup

Considered one of the most important ingredients in American cuisine, corn syrup makes a great alternative to maple syrup, as it is a sweet and versatile product.

While the syrup can be very powerful, it can also be used in countless recipes and can even be purchased in different strengths and colours.

Distinguished by its rich caramel flavour, this syrup can work wonders when added to desserts and candies, although it has also been featured in various cocktail recipes.

The syrup is also known to add volume and should be used with a 1:1 ratio.

How To Substitute

Corn syrup is a sweet and versatile option to substitute Maple syrup. The most common use of corn syrup is as a sweetener, but it can also be used as a flavoring agent. It consists of caramel flavor and works extremely well in desserts and cocktails.

Coconut Nectar

As we previously mentioned, coconut nectar can also be used as a refreshing maple syrup alternative, as both products are similar in their natural qualities and caramel flavor.

Coconut nectar can also be used in a variety of delicious recipes and is considered a key ingredient in numerous Asian cuisines. However, you will need to adjust the quantity when using this syrup as a substitute.

How To Substitute

Coconut nectar and maple syrup consist of similar natural qualities. That’s one of the many reasons it is widely known as a good substitute for Maple syrup. It is pretty popular in numerous asian cuisine recipes.

Caramel Syrup

If there is a condiment that closely resembles maple syrup its caramel syrup, with both products being favoured for their rich flavour and sweetness.

Thanks to its hints of caramel, this syrup is commonly used as an alternative to maple syrup and tastes great on pancakes and ice cream.

Made from brown sugar that has been allowed to caramelize, this syrup can be used to make cakes and desserts, although you will still need to adjust the quantity to suit the recipe you are making.

How To Substitute

With a rich flavor and sweetness, Caramel syrup is one of the best choices to replace Maple syrup in various dishes. However, it is mandatory to adjust the quantity of other ingredients if you are using it.

Brown Rice Syrup

Known for its mild and nutty flavour, brown rice syrup makes for a good maple syrup substitute due to its honey-like nature, which makes it perfect for baking cakes and candies.

Like maple syrup, this product is sweet and thick, with the syrup often being used as a refreshing addition to drinks and cocktails.

How To Substitute

Brown rice syrup is a great substitute for maple syrup. It is gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher. People who are sensitive to other sugars can also use the product.

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Fruit

If you are searching for a healthy alternative to maple syrup, then fruits are the best choice with natural sweeteners.

You may use many fruits to substitute maple syrup in your recipes. For example, you can use bananas, apples, apricots, or raisins. You can also use dried fruits such as cranberries or dates.

You may substitute maple syrup for fruit juices, add a small amount of maple syrup to a sauce, or mix fruit juice with maple syrup and stir it into a smoothie.

How To Substitute

Using fruit pulp or juice is your choice and depends on your recipes and what quantity will work best. However, you don’t need to worry about unhealthy substances with the fruits.

Nut Butter

Maple syrup is a sweetener used in many baked goods and desserts. But some alternatives are healthier and taste just as sweet. For example, nut butter is a popular choice, but there are other options.

Nut Butter is a mixture of nuts, oils, and sugars and is a popular alternative to maple syrup in North America and Europe. You can use Nut Butter in your favorite dishes, such as pancakes, oatmeal, and waffles.

How To Substitute

With a sweet and savory taste, nut butter will bring out the extra typical taste in your recipes. You may use the quantity as per your choice.

How To Make Homemade Maple Syrup

Of course, the best alternative to maple syrup is your own homemade concoction, which can be whipped up using some simple and cheap ingredients.

So if you want to know how you can make this homemade syrup for yourself, we have everything you need down below:

Ingredients

• Water
• Honey
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Maple extract

Method

1. Boil the water, honey and sugar together.
2. Place the ingredients into a pot or saucepan and set it over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
3. While the mixture simmers, remember to continue stirring the ingredients until they have blended together.
4. Remove the mixture from the stove and add the vanilla and maple extracts.
5. Stir the ingredients together and allow the mixture to rest for 5-7 minutes.
6. Pour the mixture into a jug or container and you will have a delicious maple syrup that your whole family will enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Honey Better Than Maple Syrup?

If we talk about the nutritional benefits that honey gives, then there is no doubt that honey is far better than that maple syrup. It has 0.1 fat content and offers vitamins B6 and C, whereas Maple syrup lacks it.

Can Pancake Syrup Replace Maple Syrup?

Pancake Syrup can replace Maple Syrup in a recipe. Pancake Syrup is cheaper and tastes similar. It is an excellent substitute for pancakes, waffles, and muffins and has the same sweetness and consistency as Maple Syrup. 

Is Baking With Maple Syrup Better Than Sugar?

Baking with maple syrup is better than baking with sugar because it adds flavor to the recipe, has a lower glycemic index, and has less impact on blood sugar.

However, it still has a higher sugar, calcium, and potassium, which might be risky for you to have daily.

How Much Honey Do I Substitute For Maple Syrup?

Since honey comes in a liquid form, it would be good to substitute it in a ratio of 1:1. If you see any changes in the flavor of your recipe, you might also try adding other ingredients.

Can I Replace Maple Syrup With Molasses?

Of course, you may replace Maple syrup with Molasses in a ratio of 1:1. However, you must keep in mind that Molasses is not as sweet as maple syrup, which will affect the taste. So, use it wisely in your dish.

12 Best Maple Syrup Alternatives

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Total time

10

minutes

Maple syrup gives sweet & flexible taste. Check some good alternatives of maple syrup which you can try in your food items.

Ingredients

• Honey

• Golden Syrup

• White Sugar Syrup

• Molasses

• Agave Nectar

• Corn Syrup

• Coconut Nectar

• Caramel Syrup

• Brown Rice Syrup

• Brown Sugar Syrup

• Fruit

• Nut Butter

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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