If you're in need of a substitute for Maple Syrup, look no further! Maybe the grocery store was out the last time you were there, you simply forgot it or you need an alternative due to an allergy. Whatever the case may be, here are 17 great replacements and when to use them.
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With a luscious consistency and delightful taste, maple syrup is my favorite topping for a stack of banana pancakes in the morning or way to add flavor to sheet pan carrots and chicken for dinner.
Whether I'm baking a batch of muffins, whisking up a poppyseed dressing, or simply stirring it into a cup of tea, it adds the perfect touch of sweetness and flavor to many of my favorite recipes.
But from time to time, I have found myself out of this sweet golden syrup and needed to use something else.
Fortunately, these are several options that work well in place of real maple syrup!
So if you've found yourself in a similar predicament, I've got you covered with a range of fantastic substitutes.
Common Maple Syrup Uses
In Baked Goods: Adding both natural sweetness and delicious flavor, maple syrup is a key ingredient in a variety of sweet treats like my favorite Apple Crisp, or these Healthy Flourless Oatmeal Cookie Bars.
As a Topping: A classic garnish for many breakfast favorites, its smooth texture and rich flavor is the perfect complement to a stack of Oatmeal Pancakes or for sweetening yogurt.
Marinades and Glazes: Maple syrup is a common ingredient in savory dishes to make marinades and glazes like this Maple Glazed Salmon.
Salad Dressings and Sauces: It can also be found incorporated into homemade salad dressings and sauces, like this Maple Balsamic Poppyseed Dressing.
Smoothies: For smoothies that need a little extra touch of sweetness, maple syrup is great option.
Beverages and Cocktails: It can be a tasty way to sweeten hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate and can also be used to craft delicious beverages (like lemonade) or even cocktails and mocktails.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Substitute
Flavor: Take into account the flavor that the maple syrup provides and whether the substitute will have a big impact on the taste.
If you require the recipe to have a maple flavor, you can try adding some pure maple extract along with the sweetener substitution that you use.
Structure and Consistency: Some recipes may call for maple syrup as a structural ingredient or require its liquid consistency for stability or texture.
Amount Required- If a recipe only calls for a small amount, such as 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, it will likely be more forgiving for substitutes than recipes that require a larger amount, such as a cup of maple syrup.
Sweetness Level: Some maple syrup alternatives may not be the same in terms of sweetness, so you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly to achieve the desired level of sweet for your recipe.
Glycemic Index: If you're conscious of your blood sugar levels or following a low glycemic diet, it may be important to consider whether the substitute you are using has a higher or lower glycemic index than maple syrup.
Liquid Substitutes for Maple Syrup
1. Honey
A natural sweetener with a similar consistency to maple syrup, honey often works great in place of maple syrup.
Notes: It has a strong and distinct flavor that differs from maple so you may notice a change in the flavor of what you are making.
Also, honey is not vegan like maple syrup so if you need the resulting recipe to be vegan, honey is not a suitable substitute.
When To Use It: Honey works in most recipes that call for maple syrup.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement for maple syrup.
2. Agave Syrup
Agave nectar is derived from the agave plant (the same plant as tequila is made from) making it one of the best options if you need a vegan alternative.
It has a mild flavor and is a similar consistency to maple syrup, making it a suitable substitute in most cases.
Notes: Because it has a milder flavor, it won't add the more complex flavor that maple adds to dishes.
When To Use It: Agave works in most recipes that call for maple syrup.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
3. Pancake Syrup (Artificial Maple Syrup)
Widely available in grocery stores, pancake syrup can work in a pinch to substitute for maple syrup in some cases.
Notes: While created to mimic the caramel flavor of pure maple syrup, it doesn't have the same flavor profile and so you may taste a difference.
Pancake syrup is also derived from refined sugar, and therefore it lacks any of the limited healthy benefits of maple syrup.
When To Use It: Pancake syrup can be used as an alternative for topping waffles, pancakes or French toast.
It can sometimes work in a pinch for baked goods or for sweetening smoothies or other beverages but I would recommend using honey or agave instead if possible.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
4. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is a natural sweetener with a mild and subtle flavor that is essentially made by processing down the starches of brown rice into sugars.
Notes: Brown rice syrup sometimes contains barley extracts for color and so it may not always be gluten free.
If you need to make this substitute in a recipe that needs to be GF, ensure that the brown rice syrup that you use is certified GF.
When To Use It: This swap should work in recipes where maple syrup provides sweetness or structure.
Substitution Directions: Use as a 1:1 replacement.
5. Molasses
Molasses is a thick and dark syrup produced during the sugar refining process. It has a robust flavor with caramel notes and a rich, sticky texture.
Notes: Molasses has an intense and distinct taste that may not be a fit for all recipes.
It also has a darker color and may impact the overall color of the recipe.
When To Use It: Molasses can work as a substitute in baking recipes (I recommend only using it in recipes that call for a small amount of maple syrup) and in some savory recipes (such as barbecue sauce or baked beans).
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
6. Corn Syrup
Derived from cornstarch, corn syrup has a neutral flavor and smooth consistency, making it a suitable substitute for maple syrup in recipes requiring a liquid sweetener.
Notes: Corn syrup is a more thick syrup than maple and so it may affect the overall texture of your recipe if you use a lot.
It is also a highly refined sweetener, making it less suitable for recipes where you want a natural sweetener.
When To Use It: Corn syrup can work well as a replacement in pies and frostings.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
7. Simple Syrup
Made by dissolving equal amounts of sugar and water, simple syrup is a neutral and sweet liquid that can be easily infused with flavors.
Notes: Simple syrup tends to be thinner than maple syrup, making it less ideal in situations where maple syrup contributes to the structure.
When To Use It: This swap will work as a great substitute in beverages, sauces and dressings.
Substitution Directions: Use 2:1 as a replacement.
8. Date Syrup
A thick and sweet syrup made from pureed dates that is then strained and reduced, it has a rich, caramel-like flavor and a smooth, syrupy consistency.
Notes: Date syrup has a distinct flavor that may not pair well with all dishes.
It can also be a bit thicker than maple syrup, affecting the consistency of some dishes.
When To Use It: Try this great alternative in smoothies, as a topping, in glazes and in baked goods.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
9. Coconut Nectar
Coconut nectar is a sweetener derived from the sap of coconut blossoms. It is sweet and has a subtle, caramel-like flavor. With a lower glycemic index, it can be a healthier alternative to maple syrup for those on a low GI diet.
Notes: Don't confuse coconut nectar with coconut syrup which is essentially a simple syrup made with coconut sugar.
Also, it has a more subtle taste than maple syrup so it won't provide the distinct maple flavor.
When To Use It: This swap is a great option for all recipes calling for maple syrup.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement.
10. Fruit Syrup
Fruit syrup can be a delightful substitute for maple syrup, if you're looking to add a fruity twist to your dishes. These syrups are usually made from fruit juice or puree and are often sweetened with sugar or honey.
Notes: Fruit syrups may have a thinner consistency compared to maple syrup and may not provide the same depth of flavor.
Be mindful of the specific fruit flavor, as it may alter the overall taste of your recipe.
When To Use It: To sweeten smoothies or as a topping for pancakes, waffles or French toast. You could also try using them in some beverages.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement and adjust according to taste.
11. Jam or Jelly
Jam or jelly can be an excellent alternative to maple syrup in situations where you need to add sweetness but are open to different flavors.
Notes: Keep in mind that the texture and consistency of jam or jelly is different from maple syrup, as they are thicker and more spreadable. You may need to warm the jam or jelly up slightly before using it to achieve a smoother pouring consistency.
Additionally, the sweetness level may vary depending on the brand and flavor of the jam or jelly you choose, so adjust the amount according to your preferences.
When To Use It: Try it as a topping for pancakes, waffles or French toast or to add sweetness to smoothies.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement and adjust according to taste.
12. Dates
Dates are a natural sweet fruit with a rich, caramel-like flavor and a sticky texture.
Notes: Dates have a distinct flavor that may not be a fit with all recipes.
When To Use It: Try blending dates into smoothies or in snack bars and energy balls if the recipe is being pulsed in a food processor.
Substitution Directions: Substitute 1 Medjool Date or 2 Noor Dates in place of 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
Non-Liquid Substitutes for Maple Syrup
When it comes to baking recipes that originally call for maple syrup, the preferred substitutes are other liquid sweeteners as mentioned above.
However, if you find yourself in a bind, you can attempt replacing it with granulated sugar. Adjust the recipe by adding an extra ¼ part of liquid for every part of granulated sugar used in place of maple syrup.
For instance, if you're substituting 1 cup of maple syrup, try using 1 cup of granulated sugar along with ¼ cup of liquid such as milk, water, yogurt, or applesauce.
**Do note that this alteration may affect the final outcome of the recipe, so exercise your judgment when experimenting with these substitutions.
13. Date Sugar
Date sugar is a natural sweetener made from dried and ground dates. It has a deep, caramel-like flavor and a similar texture to brown sugar.
Notes: In recipes that heavily rely on the liquid properties of maple syrup to contribute to moisture and structure, date sugar's solid form may not yield the desired outcome.
Also, it has a different flavor profile than maple syrup, so it may impart a distinct taste to your recipes.
When To Use It: In recipes where the liquid properties of maple syrup are not required. It can be used to sweeten beverages, added to smoothies and in some sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement where a liquid sweetener is not required.
14. Maple Sugar
Maple sugar is a granulated sweetener made from evaporating the sap of maple trees. It has a rich, caramelized flavor similar to maple syrup but in a dry, powdered form.
Notes: Maple sugar is not a liquid and therefore, it won't work well in situations where maple syrup provides texture or structure.
When To Use It: In recipes where maple syrup is providing sweetness or maple flavor but not structure. It can be used to sweeten beverages, added to smoothies and in some sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement where a liquid sweetener is not required.
15. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm flowers. It has a slight caramel flavor that is comparable to brown sugar.
Notes: For recipes that rely on the moisture and structure contributed by maple syrup, coconut sugar's solid form won't deliver the same results.
When To Use It: This substitution will work in recipes that don't require maple syrup for structure or moisture such as beverages, smoothies and some salad dressings or sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement where a liquid sweetener is not required.
16. White Sugar
White sugar, aka. granulated sugar, is widely available and is a highly refined sweetener with a neutral flavor made from sugarcane or sugar beets.
Why It Works: In recipes where the moistness and structural integrity provided by maple syrup are needed, it's important to note that granulated white sugar may affect the outcome.
White sugar is a highly refined sugar so it is not optimal for recipes seeking a natural sweetener.
When To Use It: For recipes that don't rely on maple syrup to contribute to the texture or moisture, like beverages, smoothies, and specific salad dressings or sauces, this alternative can be used.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement where a liquid sweetener is not required.
17. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is similar to white sugar but contains a small amount of molasses which gives it a richer and more caramel-like flavor.
Notes: When using brown sugar as a substitute for maple syrup, be aware that its solid form might not provide the necessary moisture and structure that the original recipe requires.
Also, brown sugar is highly refined and therefore not ideal in situations where you are seeking a natural sweetener.
When To Use It: This substitute is suitable for recipes where the role of maple syrup is not crucial for texture or moisture, such as in beverages, smoothies, and certain salad dressings or sauces.
Substitution Directions: Use 1:1 as a replacement where a liquid sweetener is not required.
Best Maple Syrup Substitutes by Use
As a Topping: Honey, Agave, Pancake Syrup, Date Syrup, Fruit Syrup, Jam or Jelly
In Baked Goods: Honey, Agave, Brown Rice Syrup, Coconut Nectar
Smoothies: Dates, Honey, Agave, Coconut Sugar, Date Sugar, Granulated Sugar
Beverages and Cocktails: Simple Syrup, Honey, Agave, Granulated Sugar
Marinades and Glazes: Honey, Coconut Nectar, Brown Sugar, Molasses
Salad Dressings and Sauces: Honey, Agave, Simple Syrup
Summary (Plus Printable Chart!)
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Frequently Asked Questions
In some recipes, such as baked goods, maple syrup provides both sweetness and contributes to structure and texture. In these cases, it is best to substitute with another liquid sweetener such as honey.
However, in a pinch, you can try using a granulated sweeter 1:1 and then adding ¼ part of liquid to the recipe. Keep in mind that the outcome of your recipe may be altered with this swap though.
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