Best Corn Syrup Substitute: Sugar, Homemade Corn Syrup (+More Great Alternatives!)
A good corn syrup substitute may come in handy, whether you are making candy, caramel, marshmallows, or baked goods like pecan pie! Perhaps you need a healthy substitution or you simply don't have any on hand, either way, we have plenty of ingredients that can be used in its place (including a recipe for homemade corn syrup)!
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Instructions
Option 1 (Quick & Easy) - Sugar
Measure out your sugar and add water, stir until completely dissolved. Use in an equal 1:1 ratio as corn syrup called for in your recipe.
Option 2 (Best For Candy Making) - Homemade Corn Syrup
Measure all of your ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil at medium-high heat. Stir only enough to combine, then remove your spoon and instead lift and swirl the syrup to prevent burning while it heats.
Reduce heat and simmer the syrup until it begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool before using or storing. Use in an equal 1:1 ratio as corn syrup called for in your recipe.
Notes
*Nutritional information is calculated for option 1 (sugar) only.
The homemade corn syrup recipe yields approximately 1 ½ cups of corn syrup.
Add up to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to your corn syrup if desired (for better flavor) especially in baked goods or icings. Do not use in candy making.
The lemon juice will also be beneficial if you plan on storing your corn syrup, as it prevents crystallization from happening.