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
5 Corn Syrup Substitutes
- 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. ...
- Brown Rice Syrup. ...
- Honey. ...
- Golden Syrup. ...
- Cane Sugar Syrup.
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.
Can sugar substitute corn syrup? ›
Corn syrup doesn't add flavor to a recipe—just sweetness—so sugar is definitely the best substitute in terms of flavor. By dissolving it in water, you're creating a concentrated simple syrup. This liquid form is a great substitute for pies (like pecan) and coated fruits.
What makes 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.
What is the primary thickening agent in pecan pie? ›
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. Eggs: Whole eggs help bind the filling together and add welcome moisture.
What to do if you run out of corn syrup? ›
9 Corn Syrup Substitutes for Silky Sauces and Crackly Candy
- Agave nectar. “If I had to make a substitution, I would probably try agave first,” says New York City-based recipe developer Janine Desiderio. ...
- Brown rice syrup. ...
- Honey. ...
- Golden syrup. ...
- Black treacle. ...
- Cane syrup. ...
- Tapioca syrup. ...
- Maple syrup.
You can substitute an equal amount of honey for light corn syrup in many recipes. Like maple syrup, honey is not the best choice for making candies or caramel because it may crystallize. However, it is a good option for making frostings, baked goods, jams, and jellies. Be sure to opt for raw honey whenever possible.
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.
What can I use instead of Karo dark corn syrup? ›
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contains some molasses and will give your recipe some of the intended molasses flavor. To liquify it, make a simple syrup from brown sugar and water. Karo (the company that makes the best-known corn syrups) recommends 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar dissolved in 3 to 4 tablespoons of water.
Why does pecan pie taste so good? ›
Some people might say what makes the pecan pie so good is the number of sweet ingredients you add to it. However, the ultimate focus should always be on the pecan nuts you add. After all, without the pecans, your confectionary dessert is just sugar, butter, and crust.
Wet pie fillings + raw dough are a tricky combination. If the bottom crust doesn't set before the filling soaks in, it's going to be gummy. A metal pie pan placed on a preheated surface will set the bottom crust quickest; once cooked, the liquids from the filling above won't soak in, and as a result: no soggy bottom.
Can you skip corn syrup in a recipe? ›
Because corn syrup plays an important role in developing texture for many recipes, it's best not to leave it out. Instead of omitting it altogether, choose an alternative as a worthy swap.
What is a diabetic substitute for corn syrup? ›
ingredients
- 2 cups Splenda granular.
- 3⁄4 cup water.
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar.
- 1 pinch salt.
Corn syrup consists mostly of glucose. To make it sweeter and more similar in taste to regular table sugar (sucrose), some of that glucose is converted to fructose using enzymes. Different types of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) provide varying proportions of fructose.
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.
Can I use maple syrup instead of Karo 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.
What does Karo syrup do in baking? ›
Karo® Light Corn Syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor and color are desired, such as in fruit sauces, jams and baked goods.
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.
