Substitutes for Corn Syrup in Caramel | 10 Best Alternatives

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If you love caramel, especially soft, chewy caramel, you probably have corn syrup in your cupboard. And if you’re like me, you might have run out of this essential ingredient before. For those moments when you realize you’re all out of corn syrup (or you just don’t want to use it), what do you do?

The great news is that you can substitute corn syrup with different ingredients depending on what you are looking for in terms of flavor and texture. In this article, we will explore some substitutes for corn syrup in caramel. 

What is corn syrup?

Corn syrup is a type of sugar that is made from corn. It is a thick, sticky syrup that is used to sweeten foods and beverages.

Corn syrup is made by breaking down the starch in corn kernels into sugar. The sugar is then converted into corn syrup by adding enzymes and other chemicals.

Corn syrup is used in many different products, including candy, baked goods, and soda. It can also be used to make fructose, which is a type of sugar that is often used in processed foods.

There are a few different types the syrup, but the most common is light corn syrup. It’s made by processing corn starch with enzymes to break it down into glucose. Dark corn syrup is also produced, but it’s not as popular as the light version.

Corn syrup has a high glycemic index, which means that it can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. For this reason, it is important to consume corn syrup in moderation. 

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10 Substitutes for corn syrup in caramel

As fate would have it, you ran out of corn syrup for your caramels, but you can use one of these substitutes instead. 

1. Honey:

While honey does have a slightly different flavor than corn syrup, it can be used as a substitute in most recipes.

In general, you can use honey in place of corn syrup on a one-to-one basis. So, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of corn syrup, simply use 1/2 cup of honey instead.

When substituting honey for corn syrup, keep in mind that honey is more viscous than corn syrup. As a result, it may take longer to incorporate honey into your recipe.

Additionally, honey is sweeter than corn syrup, so you may need to reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe accordingly.

Finally, because honey is an acidic ingredient, it can cause baked goods to brown more quickly. To prevent this from happening, simply reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Agave nectar:

Agave nectar can be used as a substitute for light corn syrup in most recipes. It has a similar consistency and sweetness, making it a good choice for those who are looking to cut down on their sugar intake.

When substituting agave nectar for light corn syrup, it is important to use the same amount of sweetener.

Agave nectar is also a good choice for those who are looking for a vegan-friendly option. Corn syrup is made from cornstarch, which is not suitable for those following a plant-based diet. However, agave nectar is derived from the agave plant, making it a vegan-friendly alternative. 

3. Maple syrup:

The maple-flavored syrup is another sweetener that can be used in place of corn syrup. It has a distinct flavor that will add a new dimension to your recipe.

When substituting maple syrup for corn syrup, remember that maple syrup is much sweeter than corn syrup. As a result, use less maple syrup than corn syrup to achieve the same level of sweetness.

Additionally, maple syrup is more viscous than corn syrup, so it may take longer to incorporate into your recipe. 

4. Golden syrup:

If you’re looking for a substitute for corn syrup, golden syrup is a great option. Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored syrup that has a rich, buttery flavor. It’s often used in baking and as a topping for pancakes and waffles. You can find golden syrup in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

When substituting golden syrup for corn syrup, use the same amount of golden syrup as you would corn syrup.

Golden syrup can also be used as a coating for candy and fruit. To do this, simply heat the golden syrup until it’s thin and runny, then brush it over the surface of the food. The golden syrup will harden as it cools, creating a beautiful and tasty coating with that coveted buttery flavor profile.

 5. Brown rice syrup:

Brown rice syrup is a great substitute for corn syrup in caramel because it has a similar consistency and sweetens just as well. It also imparts a nutty, toasted flavor that can complement the flavor of the caramel.

To use brown rice syrup as a substitute for corn syrup, simply heat it in a pan until it becomes liquid, then add it to the caramel recipe in place of the corn syrup. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but otherwise, the process is the same.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutty-tasting caramel, give brown rice syrup a try. 

6. Cane syrup:

Popular in many parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Asia, cane syrup is a thick, dark sugar syrup. It has a deep molasses flavor that makes it a great option for baking and cooking.

To use cane syrup in caramel, heat the syrup in a pan over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, add the sugar and cream to the pan and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Once the mixture comes to a boil, continue to cook it until it thickens and turns a deep amber color. Finally, pour the caramel into a mold or onto a sheet of wax paper to cool.

Cane syrup can also be used to make candy, ice cream, pudding, and other sweet treats. 

7. Molasses:

While the traditional method for making caramel calls for corn syrup, molasses can be used as a substitute. Molasses has a strong, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the rich sweetness of caramel.

When substituting molasses for corn syrup in caramel, it is important to use a light or dark variety, depending on the desired flavor. Dark molasses is a kind of heavy cream and will give the caramel a deeper flavor, while light molasses will be more subtle.

Molasses can also be used to adjust the consistency of the caramel. For a softer caramel, use less molasses, or add more for a firmer candy. 

When substituting molasses for corn syrup, cook the sugar over low heat (use a candy thermometer to be sure) to prevent scorching. Cook the sugar until it reaches the desired color, then remove it from the heat and stir in the molasses. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before using it as desired. 

8. Stevia:

Stevia is a natural liquid sweetener that can be used as a substitute for corn syrup. Unlike corn syrup, stevia is not processed and does not contain any artificial ingredients. Stevia can be found in most health food stores, and it can be used in many recipes that call for corn syrup including caramel and pecan pie.

To make stevia caramel, simply substitute stevia for the corn syrup called for in the recipe. The stevia will add sweetness without the sugar high that comes with corn syrup. As an added bonus, stevia is also calorie-free. So if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to corn syrup, stevia is a great option.

9. Sweetened condensed milk:

Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in place of corn syrup in caramel. While it doesn’t have the same flavor profile as dulce de leche, sweetened condensed milk contains brown sugar, vanilla, and butter, which give it a rich, sweetness that is perfect for caramel.

To use sweetened condensed milk as a substitute for corn syrup, simply heat the milk until it thickens, and then add it to your caramel recipe. The result will be a delicious, creamy caramel that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

10. Granulated white sugar:

Caramel is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. While corn syrup is the traditional sweetener used in caramel, granulated sugar can also be used to create a delicious and slightly different flavor. When using granulated sugar in place of corn syrup, it’s important to add a bit of lemon juice to prevent sugar crystals from crystallization. This is to invert sugar, in more technical terms.

To make caramel with granulated sugar, simply dissolve 1.25 cups of sugar in 0.25 cups of hot water. Then add the lemon juice and continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. This makes the most ideal substitution for 1 cup of high-fructose corn syrup in caramel.

Once the caramel is finished, you can use it in any dish that calls for caramel.

Substitute corn syrup for honey

When it comes to sweeteners, honey is often hailed as the healthier option. However, corn syrup can actually be a better choice in some situations.

For one thing, corn syrup is less likely to crystallize when used in baking. This is because it has a higher fructose content than honey, which prevents the formation of large crystals. As a result, baked goods made with corn syrup are typically softer and more evenly textured.

In addition, corn syrup has a neutral flavor, which means it won’t alter the taste of your recipe.

Honey, on the other hand, can add a subtle floral flavor that may not be desired in all dishes. 

Corn syrup vs. golden syrup

There are a few key differences between corn syrup and golden syrup. Golden syrup is made from sugar cane, whereas corn syrup is made from corn starch. Golden syrup is also slightly more viscous than corn syrup. These syrups are made from different types of sugar, but they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

The other key difference is that corn syrup has a higher fructose content than golden syrup. Fructose is metabolized differently than other types of sugar. Consuming large amounts of fructose can lead to insulin resistance and other health problems. Thus, many people prefer golden syrup as a substitute for corn syrup.

Still, the golden syrup has a distinct flavor that some people prefer over the taste of corn syrup.

Corn syrup nutrition facts

Corn syrup is a sugar made from corn starch. It’s often used as a sweetener in processed foods. One tablespoon (22g) of corn syrup contains:

ItemsQTY
Calories62
Fat0g
Carbs (sugar)17g
Protein0g
Sodium14mg
Potassium0.2mg 

Corn syrup is high in sugar and calories, but it does not contain any other nutrients. It’s important to limit your intake of corn syrup and other added sugars. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup?

While honey can be used as a substitute for corn syrup, it may alter the flavor of your recipe. In addition, honey is more likely to crystallize when used in baking.

What is light corn syrup?

Light corn syrup is a less viscous version of corn syrup. It’s often used in baking and candy making.

Can I use glucose instead of corn syrup?

Glucose can be used as a substitute for corn syrup. It’s important to note, however, that glucose is more likely to crystallize when used in baking. 

What is golden corn syrup?

Golden corn syrup is a type of corn syrup that is made from sugar cane. It’s slightly more viscous than corn syrup and has a distinct flavor.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many substitutes for corn syrup. When choosing a substitute, it’s important to consider the flavor, texture, and health implications. Ultimately, the best substitute for corn syrup is the one that meets your needs and preferences.

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