Best Golden Syrup Substitute: 7+ Tasty Alternatives For Any Recipe! (2024)

Find the best golden syrup substitute from this list to help you finish up your sweets, treats, and baked goods! It even includes a DIY recipe for making your own golden syrup at home! So don't skip dessert, try one of these golden syrup substitutes today!

Best Golden Syrup Substitutes

Golden Syrup is an amazingly sweet, yet subtle syrup that is made from refined sugar cane or sugar beets. Golden syrup is very popular in the UK, but it is not as common in the United States. It can be hard to find in the USA, and if you have a recipe that requires it, you may be avoiding that dish altogether!

Luckily for you, we have found the perfect substitutions that are easily accessible and often found in pantries across America. Now you can go dig out that recipe card that you have tucked away and cook that dish you have been wanting to make!

1. Honey

Honey is natural, healthy, and has its own unique flavor. Because it is made from bees and each batch is subtly different than the next.

Depending on the location of where the honey is harvested and the type of flowers used, the honey can be thicker, sweeter, or even a little tangy. Honey can be used as a topping on ice cream, biscuits, or even savory dishes like chili!

Use honey in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

2. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a common topping on breakfast dishes such as pancakes and waffles, but it can be used for so much more.

It is a great alternative to golden syrup because it adds a layer of sweetness, and for an extra zing, the delicious maple flavor of maple. Use maple syrup in cookie recipes to make them taste fun and exciting!

Use maple syrup in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

3. Light Corn Syrup

Light corn syrup is mild and a bit thinner than golden syrup, but it makes a wonderful replacement.

It is made with corn starch, which allows it to be thick and rich. It adds sweetness with a touch of vanilla and will help enhance dishes such as pancakes, French toast, or waffles!

Use light corn syrup in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

4. Agave Syrup

Agave syrup is a thinner type of syrup that is made from blue agave plants. The sap of the plant is cooked down into a wonderfully mild sweetener that has a mild flavor.

Agave syrup is a great replacement for golden syrup and can be added to any dish as an alternative.

Use agave syrup in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

5. Molasses

Molasses is a rich and bitter sweetener that can be used to replace golden syrup, although it will alter the flavor of your dish.

It isn't the top replacement choice, but if you don't mind the bitter strong flavor, it may be the right choice for you! Cooking is subjective, we all have different likes and dislikes, so if molasses is something you enjoy, try adding it as a replacement!

Use molasses in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

6. Brown Rice Syrup

Brown rice syrup is a thick sugary syrup made from brown rice. It is a good alternative to golden syrup, however, it does have a mild nutty flavor. Brown rice syrup is great when added to cookies, toffee, or smoothies.

Use brown rice syrup in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

7. Sugar

When in doubt, use sugar! Sugar is a good alternative to golden syrup because it is sweet, which is the primary reason we need a replacement.

You can use white sugar, brown sugar, light brown sugar, or even confectioners’ sugar in dishes that call for golden syrup. While the flavor and texture may be altered a bit because the sugar isn't a liquid, you will still get the layer of sweetness needed for the dish!

Use sugar in a ½ :1 substitution for golden syrup.

8. DIY Golden Syrup

If you want to make your own 'golden syrup' at home, you can do so by adding sugar, water, and lemon juice to a pan. Cook it on low for 45- 60 minutes, or until the mixture becomes amber-colered, thick and syrupy!

You will need:

• 1 ¼ cups water
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Tip: For a deeper caramel-like flavor, substitute half of the sugar for brown sugar.

Use homemade golden syrup in a 1:1 substitution for golden syrup.

I'd love to know which golden syrup substitute is your favorite. Let us know in the comments below which one worked for you!

📖 Recipe Card