10 Best Golden Syrup Substitutes & Easy Homemade Recipe

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If you need to find a golden syrup substitute, look no further! There's nothing worse than checking the pantry and suddenly realizing you've run out of an essential ingredient. Or perhaps it is just harder to get hold of in stores near you.

Whatever your reason for needing a golden syrup replacement, I have rounded up 10 trusted alternatives to use instead, including brown rice syrup, corn syrup, molasses, barley malt syrup, simple syrup, maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, coconut nectar, and keto or other low-carb syrups. I will also share with you a super homemade golden syrup recipe at the end.

What is golden syrup?

Golden syrup is an inverted sugar syrup made by processing and refining sugar cane or sugar beets and then treating the sugar solution with acid. It was invented by British chemists Charles and John Eastick for Abram Lyle's company in London in 1881. The brand, Lyle's, still produces golden syrup today in their synonymous green and gold ornate tins. Lyle's is famous for winning a Guinness World Record in 2007 for having the world's longest unchanged brand packaging!

One of its best qualities is that golden syrup remains a liquid and does not crystallize even when exposed to heat during cooking or baking. Hence, it is a valuable ingredient and works especially well in making candy.

Golden syrup has a sweet and subtle caramel flavor, as well as a translucent, golden color, reminiscent of molten amber. It has a similar consistency to honey, but with a much milder taste.

What can I use as a substitute for golden syrup?

Before choosing the best golden syrup substitutes, consider which of its properties are essential in the recipe you are making. Is it the caramel flavor? The level of sweetness, its consistency, or its behavior under heat? There are many golden syrup alternatives and some behave more similarly to golden syrup than others:

Brown rice syrup
Corn syrup
Molasses
Barley Malt syrup
Simple syrup
Maple syrup
Honey
Agave nectar
Coconut nectar
Keto or other low-carb syrups

+Homemade golden syrup

Check your recipe and make a decision based on what will be the best golden syrup substitute for you. Here are some of the details behind each golden syrup alternative:

1. Brown rice syrup

Brown rice syrup is derived from brown rice and has a similar sweetness level to golden syrup, as well as a similar consistency. It's vegan and gluten-free and has a mild nuttiness to it which lends itself well to baked products like brownies. Brown rice syrup is also sometimes known as rice malt syrup, rice syrup, or maltose syrup, and is similarly useful in high-temperature cooking as it does not crystalize.

How to use it:

To replace golden syrup, brown rice syrup can be used in equal measures.

2. Corn syrup

Corn contains natural sugars, and through the hydrolysis of cornstarch, a clear syrup known as corn syrup (or glucose syrup) is produced. Light corn syrup has a mild flavor and does not crystallize at high temperatures, making it a suitable substitute for golden syrup in recipes such as gingerbread or candies. Dark corn syrup is thicker and stronger in taste, so less of a good substitute for golden syrup.

How to use it:

Use light corn syrup as a substitute for golden syrup in equal quantities.

3. Molasses

Molasses is a byproduct of the processing of granulated sugar. In some sugars (for example, light and dark brown sugar), molasses content is reintroduced in varying quantities, but molasses is also used in its own right. Light molasses is a pale, viscous liquid with a caramel flavor and can be used as a good substitute for golden syrup.

Dark molasses can also be used as an alternative to golden syrup, but it has a deep color and stronger taste. So, I would consider whether or not this would have an impact on your recipe. Avoid using blackstrap molasses, as it is the least refined of the three and has a very intense taste.

How to use it:

To replace golden syrup, substitute molasses in a 1:1 swap.

4. Barley malt syrup

If you love a malt flavor, then barley malt syrup might be the best golden syrup alternative for you. Made by processing sprouted, malted, and barley that is cooked, drained, and then roasted, barley malt syrup is a thick and sticky syrup with a dark brown color. This will translate over into your baked good, so it works well in chocolate items that are already dark brown in color. Whilst it has its own flavor, it isn't as strong or as overpowering as dark molasses.

How to use it:

Barley malt syrup can be substituted for golden syrup in equal quantities. However, bear in mind that it is slightly less sweet than golden syrup, which could have an impact on taste.

5. Simple syrup

Simple syrup is a common ingredient in mixology and cocktail making, but it is helpful in baking, too! It is made by boiling sugar and water together until it reaches the right syrupy consistency. It is flavorless, colorless, and slightly runnier than golden syrup, so it may not always be the ideal alternative to golden syrup. For a more molasses flavor, use light brown sugar in the syrup instead of granulated sugar.

How to use it:

Use simple syrup instead of golden syrup in equal quantities.

6. Maple syrup

Maple syrup also has a thinner consistency but contains less sucrose than golden syrup, so it is a little bit less sweet. It has a delicious flavor though which can come in handy in certain recipes like these mini pumpkin bundt cakes with maple glaze. Maple syrup is definitely the best alternative to golden syrup for pancakes and waffles. Pure maple syrup (or real maple syrup) is a naturally derived product harvested from the maple tree, so it is less processed than golden syrup.

How to use it:

Use maple syrup as a substitute for golden syrup in the same quantities.

7. Honey

Honey is similar in texture to golden syrup, but it is made by bees. Unprocessed raw honey is a natural product, and certain types of honey, such as manuka, offer numerous health benefits and contain enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants.

However, most of the honey you can buy in stores is processed, pasteurized, and often contains added sugar as well. Any honey is still sugar, though, and will be processed by the body in the same way, so shouldn't necessarily be considered a healthy alternative. Honey is not vegan as it is considered an animal product, so it is not suitable for those following a vegan diet.

How to use it:

Try to avoid using runny honey or superlight honey and instead use thick honey as a golden syrup substitute in equal quantities for best results.

8. Agave nectar

Agave nectar or agave syrup is made by boiling down the sap from the leaves of the agave plant. The viscous fluid is thinner in consistency than golden syrup and almost twice as sweet; therefore, adjustments may need to be made when using agave nectar instead of golden syrup in baking or other recipes.

How to use it:

To replace golden syrup with agave nectar, use ½ of the amount stipulated in the recipe.

9. Coconut nectar

Coconut nectar, also known as coconut honey, is made from coconut sap and is an unrefined syrup with a light, caramel-like flavor. It is not always readily available in grocery stores and is more commonly found in health food shops or online. However, it is a low-glycemic-index alternative to golden syrup and is also vegan. It works well drizzled over pancakes or waffles, and can also be used in baking.

How to use it:

You can use coconut nectar as a substitute for golden syrup in equal quantities.

10. Keto or low-sugar syrups

Many products claim to be healthier alternatives to sugar, but the way our bodies process and react to it remains the same, regardless of whether it's honey or the white granulated stuff you add to your coffee. Brands like Sukrin or Lakanto have developed keto-friendly syrups that use natural sugar alternatives like stevia, and they have fewer calories, are low-carb, and produce much less of an effect on the body's glucose levels.

So, if you are looking for a healthy golden syrup substitute or searching for something more suitable for those with diabetes, consider one of these low-sugar syrups.

How to use it:

Replace golden syrup in a recipe with the same amount of Sukrin Gold Syrup, as specified in the recipe you are making.

Homemade golden syrup

And finally, if you have the ingredients and the time, I recommend making your own golden syrup, which will always be the best substitute.

How to use it:

Use homemade golden syrup in precisely the same way you would use store-bought.

How to make homemade golden syrup

Ingredients

1 cup/237ml water
2 cups/440 grams of light brown sugar
2 cups/400 grams of granulated sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

Heat the water, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the mixture is boiling, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Continue to cook the mixture over low to medium heat for 40-50 minutes until it thickens and becomes golden in color.
Allow the homemade golden syrup to cool completely in the saucepan; it will further thicken as it returns to room temperature.
Store homemade golden syrup in an air-tight container or sterilized glass jar and use it within 2-3 months.

So what is the best golden syrup substitute?

Homemade golden syrup, brown rice syrup, and light corn syrup are excellent alternatives to golden syrup, as they have a minimal impact on the taste and texture of baked goods and other items.

Honey and pure maple syrup will also work well, offering less refined alternatives that bring their delicious flavors.

Sukrin Gold Syrup and other keto-friendly syrups are healthier alternatives to golden syrup that I'd recommend.

If you are searching for other good baking substitutes or want to learn more about certain important ingredients in baking, check out my baking guides.

Golden syrup substitute FAQs

Is golden syrup healthy?

Golden syrup contains more water and less sucrose than granulated white sugar. But the human body still processes it in the same way, so it is not healthier than sugar. Sugar (and all its derivatives) is a highly valuable ingredient in baked goods such as cakes and desserts. While it may not be beneficial to consume it in large quantities, it is acceptable to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is golden syrup in America?

Golden syrup is primarily produced and sold in Europe and Australia, but in the United States, it is commonly known as light treacle. So, in the USA, the most obvious choice for a golden syrup substitute is light treacle, as they are essentially the same thing.

Are golden syrup and light treacle the same?

Yes, golden syrup is known as light treacle in some countries, like the United States of America.

Can you use sugar instead of golden syrup?

If you use sugar instead of golden syrup in a recipe, it will alter the moisture levels, so other adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired result.

Can you use maple syrup instead of golden syrup in gingerbread?

Yes, maple syrup can be used as a golden syrup alternative; however, it has a distinct flavor of its own, which is essential to consider when using it in baked goods.

What is a good substitute for golden syrup in baking?

The best substitutes for golden syrup in baking are brown rice syrup and corn syrup.

Can I replace golden syrup with honey?

Yes, although honey has a stronger flavor than golden syrup.

Have you tried this recipe?

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