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Maple syrup is one of those do-it-all pantry staples that you can't go without. Sure you can drizzle it over pancakes, but maple syrup also makes a wonderful glaze for everything from a big Thanksgiving turkey to a side of oven-roasted carrots or sautéed Brussels sprouts. You can drizzle some in a cup of coffee, stir a bit into your morning oatmeal, or whisk some into homemade salad dressings for a hint of earthy sweetness. It's also a spectacular addition to morning baked goods such as scones or muffins. Heck, Ree Drummond even uses it sweeten up her super simple homemade cranberry sauce for the holidays! But what happens when you're staring at a giant stack of flapjacks on the breakfast table and realize you're fresh out? Fear not! There are many simple substitutes for maple syrup, and you probably have a handful of them in your pantry right this very second.
The first thing to know about maple syrup is that the stuff you grew up drizzling on French toast may not have been the real thing. It turns out the most popular pancake syrups on the grocery aisle are made mostly of corn syrup and simply flavored to taste like the real deal. But true maple syrup is complex, nutty, and much more flavorful than those imposters. One taste and you'll never go back to the table syrups of yesteryear! Of course if you're out of real maple syrup but have pancake syrup on hand, it'll work in a pinch. Out of both? Keep reading to find out what other easy swaps you can make.
1
Honey
Honey is one of the best swaps for maple syrup. While it leans more floral than nutty like maple syrup, it gives glazes and salad dressings wonderful, natural sweetness.
2
Molasses
Molasses is an excellent swap for maple syrup because its consistency and flavor are very similar. It isn't quite as sweet as maple syrup and has more of a robust flavor, but it's equally delicious drizzled over pancakes or stirred into a baked good.
3
Sugar and Water
Even if all you have on hand is a sack of sugar, you can simmer some with equal part water to make an easy substitute for maple syrup. Use simple syrup for baking where you won't miss the nutty, caramelized flavor of maple syrup.
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4
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
This more flavorful twist on simple syrup uses brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar. Simply stir together equal parts brown sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. It'll have a richer, more caramelized flavor than traditional simple syrup.
5
Cane Syrup
Mostly popular in Southern households, cane syrup comes from sugar cane and is toasty, sweet, and ever so slightly bitter. Use it just like you would maple syrup—drizzling it over a fresh batch of biscuits or pancakes, stirring it into glazes, or baking it into cakes and other desserts.
6
Corn Syrup
When it's the sweetness factor you're in search of, a squeeze of corn syrup will do the trick. Just know that, like simple syrup, corn syrup doesn't have much flavor beyond sweetness so when maple syrup is a star ingredient in the recipe, it's best to reach for another substitute. Consider this a good swap for baked goods.
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7
Agave Nectar
You may be familiar with adding this neutral-tasting natural sweetener to your margaritas, but it works well as a maple syrup swap, too! It looks more like honey, but has a consistency close to maple syrup. Use it in sauces, glazes, salad dressings, and for baking.
