A common sweetener in most Canadian and American homes is maple syrup.
It is used as a sweetener for other hot or cold beverages as well as for toast, pancakes, other baked products, and meals. It is also a component of several cocktails.
The concentrated and boiled sap of maple trees is used to make maple syrup.
Even while maple syrup is often available in almost every store in North America, you can have problems finding it easily accessible everywhere if you’re in a different part of the world.
Therefore, we have compiled a list of the finest alternatives you may use if you don’t have access to real maple syrup or if, for whatever reason, you don’t want to use it for a certain recipe or necessity.
You may select the finest maple syrup replacement for your particular requirement by reading on to learn more about these alternatives.
Substitutes for Maple syrup
Honey
Honey is an absolutely unique product. It is the only food that includes every single substance necessary to sustain the life of animals and humans, including water.
Pure honey will never go bad. And it takes hundreds of honeybees to make the honey you will find in a single jar.
But aside from these exciting facts, you must know that honey is one of the best replacements for maple syrup too.
Honey contains 80% sugar and 20% water. Maple syrup has a very similar texture and sweetness.
The amount of honey to use when replacing maple syrup depends on your recipe and your personal preferences.
You can safely use the same amount of honey as you would use maple syrup. But if you find the honey too sweet, you can use about a cup of honey for every 2/3 cups of maple syrup.
Our recommendation is to adjust the quantity depending on your taste and the type of dish, dessert, or beverage you are preparing.
Molasses
Molasses has a viscous texture. The syrup is made via the process of refining the sugar beets or sugarcane into sugar. It is commonly used as a sweetener and for adding flavor to different sweet and savory dishes.
As such, molasses is an excellent substitute for maple syrup in most recipes.
It is warm and sweet with a little smokey undertone. It makes sense that it is the most important component in rum distillation.
Remember that dark and light molasses have different textures and flavors.
The taste is greater in the darker one.
Use the same amount of molasses as called for in the recipe when substituting it for maple syrup.
When preparing sweets, cakes, or other delectable treats, this is a great substitute for maple syrup.
Related: Does Molasses Go Bad?
Corn syrup
Another easy and simple alternative to maple syrup is corn syrup.
It has a sweet caramel flavor which makes it perfect for preparing different sweets and desserts. You can also use it as a sweetener for tea or other hot or cold drinks.
When using corn syrup instead of maple syrup, make sure you use the exact same amount as you would when following the original recipe. In other words, use a 1:1 ratio when replacing maple with corn syrup.
White sugar syrup
White sugar syrup is very easy to make at home and requires the same amount of white sugar and water. The two ingredients are mixed and reduced into a syrupy consistency.
It can then be stored in the fridge and used as a sweetener for making desserts or cocktails, and as a maple syrup replacement.
When using white sugar syrup instead of maple syrup, you should use a cup of white sugar syrup for every 2/3 cup of maple syrup. The reason is that the latter has a sweeter and stronger flavor than the former.
Brown sugar syrup
Brown sugar syrup is an essential ingredient for a number of cocktails, including the Lemon Drop Martini and Old Fashioned.
It is made like white sugar syrup but with brown sugar instead.
Brown sugar syrup has a caramel-like taste and look and is another excellent substitute for maple syrup when used for making pancakes, other desserts, candies, cocktails, or as a sweetener.
If you choose to use brown sugar syrup instead of maple syrup, then you can safely swap it in a 1:1 ratio.
Also, when you prepare brown sugar syrup, the best news is that you can store it in the refrigerator safely for up to a month.
Golden syrup
If you are familiar with British baking recipes, then you must be familiar with Golden syrup too.
It is made of sugar, water, and added citric acid and has a delicious buttery and caramelized flavor.
You can buy ready-made Golden syrup or prepare it easily at home too.
The best news is that it is an excellent alternative to maple syrup for most recipes.
But keep in mind that this amber-colored syrup can be thicker than maple syrup, so adjust the quantities accordingly when using it as a replacement for making a dessert or as a sweetener.
Agave nectar
Agave nectar which is also known as maguey syrup is made from the core of the agave plant. It has a syrupy texture which is a little bit thinner than honey. The color of agave nectar can vary from dark to light amber.
This syrup is another great alternative to maple juice for making sweets, desserts, and mixing cocktails.
But remember that the agave syrup can have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which, although unique, may not be to the liking of everyone.
Coconut nectar
Coconut nectar is the thick syrup produced from the sap of the coconut tree flowers.
Although it does not have a coconut taste, coconut nectar has a very specific flavor, which has some floral and earthy hints and a mild bittersweet finish.
Even though it is an excellent substitute for maple syrup, we suggest that you experiment first. It is more suitable for use as a replacement for lighter maple syrup.
Brown rice syrup
Brown rice syrup is a gluten-free and vegan substitute for sugar which has been derived from brown rice.
It has a texture that is similar to that of honey and a similar sweetness.
This syrup is used for sweetening drinks and is a very fitting replacement for maple syrup or for honey.
Caramel syrup
The rich and delicious caramel syrup is not only one of the best sweeteners for your coffee and tea but is also a very suitable maple syrup substitute.
You can buy it from the store or make it yourself at home with sugar, water, a teaspoon of corn syrup, some vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
My Favorite Homemade Maple Syrup Recipe
If you prefer to make your own maple syrup imitation substitute, then here is our favorite recipe you can follow. It is easy to make and an inexpensive alternative to maple syrup or any other sweetener and syrup you may need.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar – 2 cups
- White sugar – 1 cup
- Maple extract – 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Water – 1 cup
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients and the water to a saucepan
- Bring to a boil over medium heat
- Reduce the heat and let the liquid simmer
- Stir the mixture frequently
Tips
If you want a thinner maple syrup alternative, use only one cup of brown sugar
You can store your homemade maple syrup replacement in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 months