Out of Corn syrup, one case
Corn syrup substitute for candy making
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Golden syrup
Same amount as the corn syrup
For candy making, the best corn syrup substitutes are golden syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup at a 1:1 ratio. These provide the necessary anti-crystallization properties and sweetness for successful candy making.
- Best for —
- caramels
One casethe full corn syrup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of corn syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden syrupcaramels | Same amount |
| 2 | Honeycaramels | Same amount |
| 3 | Brown rice syrupcaramels | Same amount |
| 4 | Maple syrupmaple caramels | Same amount |
| 5 | Sugar + water + cream of tartarcaramels | 1 cup sugar + ¼ cup water + ¼ tsp cream of tartar per 1 cup corn syrup |
Golden syrup
caramel, slightly different · similar texture
British sweetener with excellent anti-crystallization properties that makes it ideal for candy making, especially caramels and toffees.
- Best for
- caramels, toffees, fudge, hard candies, British-style candies
Excellent anti-crystallization properties. Caramel-like flavor enhances many candies.
Honey
floral, slightly different · similar texture
Natural sweetener with anti-crystallization properties that works well in candy making while adding a subtle floral flavor.
- Best for
- caramels, toffees, fudge, hard candies, natural candies
Natural anti-crystallization properties. Adds floral flavor to candies.
Brown rice syrup
mild, slightly different · similar texture
Natural sweetener with good anti-crystallization properties and mild flavor that works well in candy making.
- Best for
- caramels, toffees, fudge, hard candies, natural candies
Good anti-crystallization properties. Mild flavor that won't overpower other ingredients.
Maple syrup
maple, slightly different · similar texture
Natural sweetener with distinctive flavor that works well in candy making, especially for maple-flavored varieties.
- Best for
- maple caramels, maple toffees, maple fudge, maple hard candies, specialty candies
Adds distinctive maple flavor. Good for maple-flavored candies.
Sugar + water + cream of tartar
sweet, neutral · similar texture
Simple substitute that provides sweetness and anti-crystallization properties through the addition of cream of tartar.
- Best for
- caramels, toffees, fudge, hard candies, emergency situations
Basic substitute with anti-crystallization properties. Good for emergency situations.
How it behaves in this recipe
In candy making, corn syrup serves a crucial role in preventing crystallization and providing the necessary sweetness and texture. When substituting, it's important to choose options that have similar anti-crystallization properties to ensure your candy turns out properly.
Tips for substituting corn syrup
8 tips- Corn syrup is crucial in candy making for its anti-crystallization properties
- Golden syrup is often the best substitute because it has similar anti-crystallization properties
- Honey and brown rice syrup also provide good anti-crystallization properties
- Maple syrup works well for specialty candies but may not prevent crystallization as effectively
- Sugar + water + cream of tartar provides basic anti-crystallization properties
- Always use a candy thermometer when making candy to ensure proper temperature
- Test your substitute in a small batch first to ensure proper crystallization prevention
- The type of candy you're making will determine the best substitute choice
Notes on corn syrup
- Use agave nectar for a neutral alternative with some anti-crystallization properties
- Try date syrup for a natural, fruity sweetness
- Consider molasses for a deeper, more complex flavor
- Use light corn syrup if you need the exact properties but want a lighter version
Questions
5 questionsCan I use honey instead of corn syrup in candy making?
Yes, honey is a good substitute for corn syrup in candy making. It has natural anti-crystallization properties and will add a subtle floral flavor to your candies.
What's the best corn syrup substitute for making caramels?
Golden syrup is often considered the best substitute for corn syrup in caramel making because it has excellent anti-crystallization properties and a caramel-like flavor.
Will using maple syrup instead of corn syrup affect my candy?
Maple syrup will add a distinctive maple flavor to your candy and may not prevent crystallization as effectively as corn syrup. It's best for specialty maple-flavored candies.
Can I use brown rice syrup instead of corn syrup in candy making?
Yes, brown rice syrup is a good substitute for corn syrup in candy making. It has good anti-crystallization properties and a mild flavor that won't overpower other ingredients.
What if I don't have any of these substitutes for candy making?
You can use a mixture of sugar, water, and cream of tartar as a basic substitute. The cream of tartar helps prevent crystallization, though it may not be as effective as corn syrup.