Out of Corn syrup, one case
Corn syrup substitute for icing
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey
Same amount as the corn syrup
For icing, the best corn syrup substitutes are honey, maple syrup, or golden syrup at a 1:1 ratio. These provide the necessary sweetness and help create smooth, glossy icing.
- Best for —
- buttercream
One casethe full corn syrup card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of corn syrup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honeybuttercream | Same amount |
| 2 | Maple syrupbuttercream | Same amount |
| 3 | Golden syrupbuttercream | Same amount |
| 4 | Brown rice syrupbuttercream | Same amount |
| 5 | Sugar + waterbuttercream | 1 cup sugar + ¼ cup water per 1 cup corn syrup |
Honey
floral, slightly different · similar texture
Natural sweetener that provides the necessary sweetness and helps create smooth, glossy icing while adding a subtle floral note.
- Best for
- buttercream, glazes, frostings, drizzles, natural icings
Adds floral flavor and natural sweetness. Creates smooth, glossy icing.
Maple syrup
maple, slightly different · similar texture
Natural sweetener with distinctive flavor that enhances icing while providing the necessary sweetness and smooth texture.
- Best for
- buttercream, glazes, frostings, drizzles, maple-flavored icings
Adds distinctive maple flavor. Creates elegant, sophisticated icing.
Golden syrup
caramel, slightly different · similar texture
British sweetener with caramel-like flavor that provides the necessary sweetness and creates smooth, glossy icing.
- Best for
- buttercream, glazes, frostings, drizzles, British-style icings
Caramel-like flavor that enhances icing. Creates rich, traditional icing.
Brown rice syrup
mild, slightly different · similar texture
Natural sweetener with mild flavor that provides the necessary sweetness without overpowering other ingredients in icing.
- Best for
- buttercream, glazes, frostings, drizzles, natural icings
Mild flavor that won't overpower other ingredients. Good for natural icings.
Sugar + water
sweet, neutral · similar texture
Simple substitute that provides sweetness and moisture, though it may not create as smooth a texture as corn syrup.
- Best for
- buttercream, glazes, frostings, drizzles, emergency situations
Basic substitute when other options aren't available. May result in slightly different texture.
How it behaves in this recipe
In icing, corn syrup serves a crucial role in creating smooth, glossy texture and preventing crystallization. It provides sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together. When substituting, choose options that provide similar binding properties and consider how the flavor will complement your dessert.
Tips for substituting corn syrup
8 tips- Corn syrup helps create smooth, glossy icing by preventing crystallization
- Honey and maple syrup add their own flavors, which can enhance the overall taste of the icing
- Golden syrup works particularly well in traditional icing recipes
- Brown rice syrup is ideal for natural or health-conscious icing recipes
- Sugar + water is a basic substitute but may result in a slightly different texture
- Consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of your substitute
- Test your substitute in a small batch first to ensure the icing has the desired consistency
- The icing should be smooth and glossy when properly prepared
Notes on corn syrup
- Use agave nectar for a neutral, slightly sweeter alternative
- 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 icing?
Yes, honey is an excellent substitute for corn syrup in icing. Use a 1:1 ratio, and it will add a subtle floral flavor while creating smooth, glossy icing.
What's the best corn syrup substitute for buttercream icing?
Honey or maple syrup work well in buttercream icing. They provide the necessary sweetness and help create a smooth, creamy texture.
Will using maple syrup instead of corn syrup change my icing?
Maple syrup will add a distinctive maple flavor to your icing, which can enhance the overall taste and make it more sophisticated.
Can I use golden syrup instead of corn syrup in icing?
Yes, golden syrup is an excellent substitute for corn syrup in icing. It has a caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall taste and creates smooth, glossy icing.
What if I want a neutral flavor substitute for corn syrup in icing?
Brown rice syrup or a simple sugar + water mixture will provide the most neutral flavor while maintaining the necessary sweetness and smooth texture.