Top 10 Maple Syrup Substitutes

Maple Syrup

Sweeteners are commonly used as part of our recipes. They also take part in drinks or cocktails. A common and popular sweetener is maple syrup.

Maple syrup is typical to add at breakfast on pancakes, toast, and many other meals. It is made from the sap of a maple tree. The sap is boiled and concentrated to get the sweet taste of the syrup.

It is easily found at local stores and you can use it to make desserts or to add it as a sweetener to your beverages. However, if you don’t have any and you need it, is there something else that you can use instead?

Can I substitute maple syrup? Maple syrup has its replacement which we have gathered and make a list of.

You can substitute Maple syrup with Honey, Molasses, Corn syrup, White sugar syrup, Brown sugar syrup, Golden syrup, Agave nectar, Coconut nectar, Brown rice syrup and Caramel syrup.

All you have to do is go through each substitute and choose the one that will be good for your recipe based on the ingredients which are used.

Substitutes for Maple syrup

1. Honey


It’s a no-brainer that honey makes a perfect replacement for maple syrup. They are quite similar and can serve as each other’s replacements in many ways. Honey is typically found in our cabinets so you can add it to many sour and sweet recipes.

Typically it is recommended for you to make a swap for a ratio of 1:1. However, you can always adjust and use a cup of honey for every ⅔ of maple syrup.

When you use honey there might be a change in the consistency of the texture and taste. But there is no doubt that it will result in the best meal.

2. Molasses

Pomegranate Molasses

The second best replacement for maple syrup will be molasses. It’s is commonly used and you can easily use it in all the recipes that call for maple syrup. It has a sweet and warm flavor with hints of smokiness.

You can also pick between the tastes of light and dark molasses since there is a slight difference in the strongness of the taste. Use 1 cup of molasses to substitute 1 cup of maple syrup. You can try to make candy, cake, and many other desserts. 

3. Corn syrup

A simple replacement that is always useful is corn syrup and can be used instead of maple syrup. It is sweet and there are lighter and darker versions.

The caramel flavor works well in different desserts but you can also add it as a sweetener to your drinks. This syrup is also known to soften the texture and add volume. When doing the swap using a ratio of 1:1. 

4. White sugar syrup

White sugar

Sugar has many purposes in our kitchen and one of which is being a substitute for maple syrup in many recipes. It is not as sweet as maple syrup and they have different consistencies. However, they are still the perfect substitutes for each other in cooking.

You can use a cup of sugar syrup for every ⅔ cup of maple syrup. Keep in mind that you’ll need to decrease the other liquid ingredients in your cooking. You can always make it at home and use it to sweeten some drinks or use it in desserts. 

5. Brown sugar syrup 

cane sugar vs brown sugar

To create this syrup all you need is some brown sugar, water, vanilla and place them into a saucepan on medium heat. It works well for pancakes, baking goods, desserts, and other ways that you need to use maple syrup.

It is also a type of syrup that can last up to a month in your fridge (of course, if it’s not all gone by then). This delicious syrup can be made whenever you want and use in any recipe you please.

6. Golden syrup

Maple syrup can also find its replacement in recipes by using golden syrup. This syrup has a mild buttery flavor which is not quite similar to maple syrup but can be adjusted in your recipe and adds nice flavors.

Golden syrup is actually sugar, citric acid, and water mixed and butter taste comes even though there is no butter in it. It is thick so make sure to add a proper amount when making a dessert, baking goods, using it as a sweetener, or in any other recipe that requires maple syrup.

7. Agave nectar

Agave Nectar

Another way to replace maple syrup in cooking is by adding agave syrup instead. This syrup is sweet and it’s similar to honey and maple which makes it another good substitute in your cooking.

Also, there is bitterness in the aftertaste which makes this syrup unique on its own. It can serve you well as a sweetener, in desserts, or any other way that you would’ve used maple syrup. Keep in mind the consistency and texture and adjust accordingly when you make the swap.

8. Coconut nectar

As we previously mentioned, coconut nectar can also replace maple syrup in many recipes. It is similar to maple syrup in its rich caramel taste and consistency. It can be used in most of the recipes that call for maple syrup. Adjust the quantity when you add it to your recipe.

9. Brown rice syrup

rice with syrup

A syrup with a mild, nutty, and sweet taste similar to honey that makes for a good maple syrup replacement is brown rice syrup. They both have a thick and sticky texture. It is often used as a sweetener in drinks or any other recipe that calls for maple syrup.

10. Caramel syrup


A closely resembled syrup to maple syrup is the caramel one. Since maple syrup has caramel notes in its taste, this can serve as a good substitute. Brown sugar, which is made from sugar cane is used to make caramel syrup with water.

The sugar starts to caramelize and the taste gets mild and sweet. This syrup can be used instead of maple in many recipes and adjust based on the other ingredients in the recipe. 

Homemade Maple Syrup

Homemade Maple Syrup

The best substitute is always the homemade one. You can make maple syrup at home easily. Just gather the next ingredients and follow the instructions below. This homemade maple syrup tastes as good as store-bought. The best part? It's cheap and effortless to make.


  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Maple extract
  • Vanilla extract
  • Hot water


    1. Place the sugar, honey, and water to boil together.
    2. Place them into a saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
    3. Make sure to stir frequently and keep an eye on the texture.
    4. Afterward, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the maple and vanilla extract
    5. Mix it all together and let it sit for an extra 5 minutes.
    6. In the end, you’ll have the most tasteful homemade maple syrup with just a few ingredients.


Related Questions

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in a recipe?

Of course, honey can be used instead of maple syrup in cooking. They have a similar texture even though the flavors are a bit different.

They can serve as a substitute for each other in many ways. Use a ratio of 1:1. Adjust based on the other ingredients that are used. 

How much honey do I substitute for maple syrup?

You can use ¾ cups of maple syrup for every cup of honey when you are replacing them in your cooking.

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