Maple Syrup Substitute (2024)

Whether you need a maple syrup substitute for baking your recipes or for topping your pancakes, this guide will teach you all the best alternatives. Sometimes we need to work around a dietary restriction and come up with healthy maple syrup alternatives, other times we simply run out of our favorite topping for maple syrup. Either way, this is your ultimate guide to the best maple syrup replacements.

What is maple syrup?

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. The sap is collected from the trunks of the trees, then cooked down into the delicious syrup that's used for everything from making sweet and sticky sauces to drizzling on top of pancakes.

Maple syrup has unique notes of maple and contains the following per 1 serving size (2 tablespoons): 110kalories, 0 fat, 0 protein, and 27g carb which is 48% of the recommended carb intake for an adult person.

Maple syrup benefits

Maple syrup can be very good for you, as long as it's pure maple syrup. Although it is a high-calorie food that is also relatively high in sugar, pure maple syrup is also high in manganese, which maintains healthy bones. Other nutrients found in maple syrup include zinc, copper, calcium and iron. Maple syrup is also rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the damage done by free radicals in the body.

Is maple syrup healthier or honey?

Maple syrup and honey are both natural sweeteners with some health benefits, however very high in calories. Maple syrup, has more nutrients than honey, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is also slightly lower in calories and sugar than honey so overall a slightly better choice in this respect.

Is maple syrup better for you than sugar?

Maple syrup can be considered healthier than sugar. Although the two are both natural sweeteners, maple syrup is less processed, and it retains more of its nutrients by the time it gets to your table. Maple syrup also has a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning it will not spike your blood sugar as much. However, maple syrup is still effectively sugar and therefore should be consumed in moderation.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

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.

Whether dietary restrictions prevent you from enjoying pure maple syrup or you've simply run out of the real stuff, this list of maple syrup alternatives will help save you a trip to the store while also saving your recipes.

1. Honey

Honey has a similar consistency to maple syrup, and it's also deliciously sweet. Although the flavor is different, honey is the best maple syrup substitute for baking, and it also works well for topping your pancakes. Just like maple syrup, honey is gluten free, but unlike maple syrup, honey is not vegan. Keep that in mind if your diet favors plant-based foods.

2. Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is an easy-to-make sweetener that is used for everything from sweetening co*cktails to moistening cake layers. Also known as white sugar syrup, simple syrup turns solid sugar into a syrup form that evenly sweetens recipes. This can be helpful when making maple syrup replacements because you're turning it into a form that won't greatly affect the batter's consistency. The process for making simple syrup is as easy as boiling together equal parts of sugar and water until the mixture becomes syrupy in texture, then cooling before use.

How to use it:

Make sure you cook the syrup until it reaches a maple syrup texture in thickness and then you can safely use it as a maple syrup alternative. You will find that it works best in baked goods and drink recipes. As a maple syrup replacement, it also won't have the same depth of flavor, but your recipe will benefit from its sweetness. Simple syrup substitutes for maple syrup at a 1 to 1 ratio.

3. Brown Sugar Syrup

Brown sugar syrup is a simple syrup with a more complex flavor. While traditional simple syrup is made with granulated sugar and water, the brown version simply swaps out the sugars, leaving you with a slightly thick, sweet syrup with a light molasses taste.

To make brown sugar syrup, mix together equal parts water and brown sugar. For example, place 1 cup brown sugar and the same amount of water in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it thickens slightly. Allow the syrup to fully cool before use.

How to use it:

Brown sugar syrup is a great maple syrup replacement for pancakes and other sweet treats. Simply drizzle it over your pancakes and enjoy. You can even stir in maple extract for a more traditional flavor. When using brown sugar syrup in baking, replace maple syrup at a 1 to 1 ratio.

4. Molasses

Molasses is a thick and sticky, dark brown byproduct of the sugar-making process. It's an essential ingredient in recipes like gingerbread cookies, and it contains a number of nutrients, including potassium and vitamin B6. Molasses also works great as a maple syrup substitute.

How to use it:

Replacing maple syrup with molasses isn't quite as simple as swapping out the exact amounts. Although molasses is a thick liquid with a rich flavor, it is much less sweet than real maple syrup. This can affect the overall taste of your recipe with an unexpected bitterness, so you may want to adjust the amount of molasses you add or compensate for the lack of sweetness with a bit of extra sugar.

5. Brown Rice Syrup

Brown rice syrup is a natural liquid sweetener made by turning the starches from brown rice into sugars and cooking those down into a syrup. It adds a nutty flavor to your baked goods and is especially valuable in recipes such as salad dressings, sauces, and glazes. Brown rice syrup is about half as sweet as white sugar, with a flavor similar to butterscotch.

How to use it:

Brown rice syrup can be used directly from the jar it comes in. There is no additional preparation it needs to undergo in order to be used as a healthy maple syrup substitute. You can drizzle brown rice syrup over your pancakes or use it as a healthy substitute for maple syrup in baking recipes.

When replacing maple syrup with brown rice syrup, you should remember that brown rice syrup is less sweet than maple syrup, so you'll probably need to add more of it to your recipe or compensate it with some sugar. You may want to start with the 1 to 1 ratio, and taste, as you go to verify the sweetness, matches your preference.

6. Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is thick like maple syrup and can be helpful in recipes like pecan pie and granola bars. Naturally, it doesn't provide the traditional maple flavor, but it's still a suitable substitute for maple syrup. There are two types; dark corn syrup and light corn syrup. Light corn syrup has a milder vanilla-like flavor, while dark corn syrup has a deeper flavor caused by molasses.

How to use it:

You can substitute corn syrup for maple syrup at 1:1 ratio. While corn syrup does not taste like maple syrup, maple extract can always be added to enhance the flavor. Corn syrup will work well in baked goods, and it also prevents sugar from crystalizing in other recipes, which is beneficial in caramels and other candies.

7. Golden Syrup

Golden syrup is a byproduct of sugar processing. It has been considered the British version of molasses and can be similarly used. However, golden syrup is lighter in color and contains a sweeter butterscotch-like flavor.

Golden syrup can be made at home by boiling together water, sugar, and lemon juice or citric acid. You can also purchase it at grocery stores, though its availability in the United States may be limited.

How to use it:

Golden syrup is another sweet substitute for maple syrup. It's sweeter than molasses, so you can use it at a 1 to 1 ratio without worrying about bitterness. Golden syrup is excellent to use for baking cookies and cakes. It is also a great alternative for maple syrup drizzled over pears and fruit salads, oatmeal, and even fudge.

7. Coconut Nectar

Coconut nectar, sometimes also called "coconut syrup" is a thick syrup made from the pure sap of coconut trees. It's similar in color, sweetness, and processing to maple syrup, but it comes with a caramel-like flavor and sometimes a hint of coconut taste. It has a lower glycemic index than maple syrup but still offers a very sweet taste that makes it a healthy syrup alternative.

How to use it:

You can use coconut nectar in a variety of baked goods by replacing maple syrup at a 1:1 ratio. It's an excellent option for drizzles and frosting but can also serve as a sweetener replacement in cookies and bars. It can also be dehydrated into coconut sugar in a similar way that maple syrup can be turned into maple sugar. Coconut nectar is a great maple syrup substitute for cooking a wide variety of dishes and even makes a wonderful, healthy pancake syrup.

8. Agave Nectar

Agave nectar, also known as agave syrup, is a natural sweetener made from the agave plant. It dissolves quickly into other liquids, so agave nectar is often used as a sweetener for drinks such as co*cktails, most notably margaritas. You can also use agave syrup in baking recipes and enjoy it straight out of the bottle in one of the three varieties it's sold in; light, amber, and dark.

Light agave has a more neutral flavor and works well in baked goods and drinks. Amber agave has a stronger flavor that is great for sweetening sauces and desserts. Finally, dark agave has the boldest flavor and is great for topping dishes with its strong caramel notes.

How to use it:

Agave nectar is sweeter than maple syrup, so you'll likely have to use less of it to achieve the same result. Start by adding about ½ to ¾ as much agave nectar and adjust based on taste. If you're using agave nectar for topping your pancakes, dark agave is the best pure maple syrup substitute.

9. White Sugar

You can substitute maple syrup for sugar just as you can substitute sugar for maple syrup. The goal is to match sweetness, and using granulated sugar is one of the easiest ways to do so. This won't work for everything. For example, you probably don't want to pour sugar directly over pancakes. But white sugar can be a great maple syrup substitute for baking recipes.

How to use it:

White sugar is dry, while maple syrup is wet. Recipes that have been developed to use maple syrup have taken the extra moisture into consideration. If you're replacing maple syrup with a dry ingredient like white sugar, you should start with a 1 to 1 ratio. Keep in mind that the sugar can affect your batter's consistency. If you find that the sugar dries out your batter, you will need to compensate by adding more liquid or fat.

10. Brown Sugar

Like white sugar, brown sugar can be a simple, convenient replacement for maple syrup. Brown sugar, which is a combination of white sugar and molasses, may even be a better substitute because it naturally has a complex caramel flavor and more moisture than white sugar. Brown sugar can be used as a maple syrup substitute in your sweet baked goods recipes.

How to use it:

Similar to with white sugar, you should begin to substitute brown sugar with a 1 to 1 ratio, checking to see if its use alters the consistency of the batter and adjusting the moisture accordingly.

11. Keto-Friendly Syrups

If the reason you need a maple syrup substitute is the high sugar content in the real thing, you may find success with a keto-friendly syrup. These products are developed with very little or no sugar but have a similar flavor and texture to real maple syrup. This provides a great maple syrup substitute for diabetics and makes a maple syrup substitute healthy for most people to enjoy.

Lakanto syrup and Wholesome Yum are two of the brands that offer these products and stevia syrup products are also popular among those with dietary restrictions. These products also give those following low-carb diets a healthy alternative to syrup so they can still enjoy similar food products without all of the sugar.

How to use it:

You can use these sugar-free syrups in the same way as you would use pure maple syrup. Just be mindful that there may be other ingredients in your recipe that are high in sugar, so the maple syrup may not be the only substitute you need to make in order for the recipe to fit your lifestyle. Still, this healthy substitute for syrup can still make a big difference in lowering your sugar intake.

How to make maple syrup alternative at home

Another noteworthy alternative to maple syrup is making your own at home. Using a homemade maple syrup recipe allows you to create a thick and flavorful syrup right in your kitchen. It may not quite be pure maple syrup, but it's close enough to the real thing that your recipes will be unaffected by the slight changes.

Homemade 'maple syrup' ingredients: 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature), a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon pure maple extract (please try to avoid imitations)

How to make homemade 'maple syrup':

In a large saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar and water. Gently boil for 5-8 minutes until the mixture thickens and is able to coat the back of a spoon. Then, mix in butter, salt, and maple extract. If maple extract is unavailable, use vanilla extract for added flavor.

So what is the best maple syrup substitute?

While this list is full of suitable maple syrup substitutes, the best healthy alternative to maple syrup is honey. Its natural sweetness is perfect for everything from baked goods to drizzling on breakfast foods and using in place of pancake syrup. In its pure form, honey also contains numerous health benefits that outshine other alternatives on this list.

If you require a vegan maple syrup substitute, coconut nectar is the best option. It is also naturally derived with minimal processing, giving it a delicious, sweet flavor and the retention of many of its nutrients.

Maple syrup substitute FAQs

Alternative pancake toppings

Maple syrup is undoubtedly the most popular topping for your pancakes and waffles, but you shouldn't feel limited to this or any of the maple syrup alternatives listed above. There are several alternative pancake toppings that can brighten your breakfast and add flair to your family's plates.

Feel free to flex your creative muscles and get imaginative with breakfast time. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Homemade Lotus Biscoff Spread

White Chocolate Sauce

Caramel Sauce

Homemade Nutella

Raspberry Glaze

Lemon Curd

Crème Anglaise

Carmelized Apple Topping

Whipped Mascarpone