What can I substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie? Pecan pie recipes typically call for using a decent amount of corn syrup, however, there are alternatives you can use. The combination of how you use the corn syrup substitute will impact the sweetness of the pecan pie. Do not worry, even with the different options, your pecan pie will still be just as delicious.
Corn Syrup Alternatives
- Maple Syrup
- When substituting pancake syrup such as maple syrup for corn syrup, it is best to use a one-to-one ratio. For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead.
- The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.
- If you are concerned with the change in flavor, your pecan pie will still be sweet, however, maple syrup does tend to have a more earthy flavor. If you already expect that taste change, then enjoy this substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie.
- Cane Syrup
- Most cane syrup is produced from organically grown sugar cane. Since it is made from sugar cane, it will be just as sweet, if not, sweeter than using standard corn syrup.
- Cane syrup is made from boiling sugar cane juice until it develops a molasses-like consistency. It will also have a slight molasses-like taste to it.
- When substituting, use a one-to-one ratio, with one cup of cane syrup for every one cup of corn syrup.
- Honey
- Honey will tend to have a more distinct flavor and can be used in equal amounts to corn syrup. This means you can use one cup of honey for every one cup of corn syrup the recipe calls for.
- This alternative is healthier than corn syrup and is packed with antioxidants. The darker the honey is, the more antioxidants it will have.
- When it comes to flavor, the lighter the honey the more mild-tasting it is. The darker the honey, the more bold the flavor is.
- Brown Rice Syrup
- This is made by using the liquid from fermented brown rice. It is heated until the liquid thickens.
- The taste is sweet, usually carrying a cooked brown rice flavor with strong nutty hints.
- There are also health benefits of using brown rice syrup. Not only does it contain fiber, but there is also at least three percent of your daily sodium and potassium intake. The longer the body takes to absorb these sugars, the less likely you will be slammed with a sugar crash.
- Use a one-to-one ratio when measuring, this means one cup of brown rice syrup for every one cup of corn syrup.
- Agave Nectar
- Agave Nectar is a sweetener from Mexico. It comes from the tequila plant.
- Because agave nectar is sweeter than corn syrups or sugar, it is best to substitute ¾ cup of agave nectar for every one cup of corn syrup.
When focused on making a pecan-rich pie, experimenting with the alternatives to corn syrup is the best practice. If you are not sure whether the pie will taste just as good, why not prepare several versions? For a nutty or earthy flavor, consider substituting maple syrup or brown rice syrup instead of corn syrup. If you want something sweeter, try out the agave nectar or cane syrup. Regardless of which syrup alternative you use, remember to use the maximum amount of pecan nuts to get the full spectrum of pecan flavors in your pie.
FAQs
For a nutty or earthy flavor, consider substituting maple syrup or brown rice syrup instead of corn syrup. If you want something sweeter, try out the agave nectar or cane syrup.
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup? ›
Maple syrup has a pretty specific flavor and it's a bit thinner in consistency than corn syrup, but you can still use an equal amount in most baked goods and sauces. At around 67 degrees Brix, it's slightly less sweet, but the rich flavor will carry it through, especially when subbing it in for dark corn syrup.
Is light or dark Karo syrup better for pecan pie? ›
Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.
What is the primary thickening agent in pecan pie? ›
Corn Syrup: Dark corn syrup adds texture, volume, and deep flavor. For a lighter flavor, use light corn syrup. Butter: Butter gives this pie richness and a delicious depth of flavor. Cornstarch and water: Two teaspoons of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water work together to help thicken the filling.
Can I use cream of tartar instead of corn syrup? ›
Corn syrup prevents sugar crystals from forming. If making a candy you can substitute a dash of lemon juice or cream of tartar, which performs nearly the same function.
How much honey do I substitute for corn syrup? ›
Honey has a similar consistency as corn syrup, but it tends to be a bit sweeter. While it does make for a great swap in baked goods, it should not be used for candy making. Use a 1:1 swap for corn syrup, but do keep in mind that honey may impart a distinct flavor when using it as an alternative.
How do you avoid corn syrup? ›
Eating more fresh, unprocessed foods is typically the easiest way to limit it, as is giving up or heavily reducing soda and other sweetened beverages. Reducing HFCS reduces your risk of weight gain, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
Do you have to use corn syrup? ›
There are some cases where you can substitute corn syrup to no great consequence. In baked goods, where corn syrup merely enhances the texture, substituting another sweetener—such as maple syrup, honey, agave, or sorghum syrup—is no big deal.
Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›
Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.
Is honey healthier than corn syrup? ›
You may think you're making a healthy swap when you choose honey or even regular cane sugar over corn syrup. But you're not. Honey has basically the same effect on the body as high-fructose corn syrup, according to a new article in the Journal of Nutrition.
Essentially, glucose and corn syrup are the same thing. All corn syrup is glucose syrup, but not all glucose syrup is corn syrup. This means they can be used interchangeably, but as mentioned above, they are different types of glucose syrups that can aid in certain recipes.
Why is my Karo pecan pie runny? ›
A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.
Why does pecan pie taste so good? ›
The pecans' flavor and texture, paired with the flaky pie crust, the filling's vanilla, butter, and cinnamon… it all just makes this my favorite pecan pie recipe.
What can I substitute for dark Karo in pecan pie? ›
Maple Syrup
Swap in equal parts maple syrup for light or dark corn syrup in pies, cakes, or any recipe where its subtle maple flavor would be welcome.
What can I use instead of dark Karo syrup? ›
Molasses can be used in place of dark corn syrup in an equal amount when making baked goods, glazes, and sauces. Alternatively, you can combine 1 part molasses with 3 parts light corn syrup to match the color, flavor, and consistency of dark corn syrup more closely.
What does Karo syrup do in baking? ›
Karo® Light contains corn syrup made with real vanilla and salt and is most famously used in pecan pie. It's a subtle sweetener, made without high fructose corn syrup, that enhances the flavor and texture of your favorite foods and recipes.
What is a non alcoholic substitute for bourbon in pecan pie? ›
Vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar have often been used to mimic the taste of bourbon in recipes, but you can clearly tell when they are used as substitutes.
Is white corn syrup the same as Karo syrup? ›
The clear Karo® Corn Syrup has been called “light” since the 1940s, before “light” became a popular description for reduced-calorie products. The term “light” in this case refers to the color, and not the number of calories. Consumers may also refer to light corn syrup as “white” corn syrup.
