Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (2024)

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My Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute is a candy-like sauce that cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like real corn syrup.

By Gemma Stafford | | 495

Last updated on November 23, 2022

Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (1)

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In true Bold Baking Basics fashion, my Corn Syrup recipe is for an ingredient I never came across when baking in Ireland. Corn syrup is a common baking ingredient in America, but if I saw a recipe using corn syrup back home I knew I couldn’t make that recipe. It’s baking hacks like these that allow you to bake anything you want, no matter where you are in the world!

So, my recipe is for all of you Bold Bakers that don’t want to use corn syrup, for those who simply cannot find it, and for those who like to make it all from scratch. While this recipe for homemade corn syrup is not anexact recipefor corn syrup, it is the perfect substitute. I have great recipes for ingredients like Homemade Cream Cheese or Condensed Milk on my Bold Baking Basics page!

What are substitutes for corn syrup?

Making this corn syrup substitute could not be easier. Made of only sugar, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice, this candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like corn syrup.

[ Need more substitution ideas? How about how to Substitute Eggs! ]

There are other corn syrup substitutes out there like rice syrup, golden syrup, and glucose syrup — which are easier to find in Europe. That said, all of these substitutes do not yield the same color and texture as my homemade sub. If you’re looking for a corn-free corn syrup substitute, this is hands down the most effective one.

Is glucose syrup the same as corn syrup?

Yes, corn syrup is in fact a variety of glucose syrup and my substitute is as well. Again, the major difference here is that mine is made with no corn what-so-ever, no artificial ingredients, or stabilizers.

Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (2)

How can I use Corn Syrup?

Use my Corn Syrup Substitute to make Homemade Marshmallows and even Rolled Fondant.

How long does this corn syrup substitute last?

As this substitute has no preservatives it will last for up to 3 months.

While that’s not the same shelf life as store-bought corn syrup, it’s still quite a long time. This means that once you make one batch, you can almost always have this on hand for all of your cooking and baking needs that call for corn syrup.

Get More Bold Baking Basics!

  • Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • How to Make a Molasses Substitute
  • Homemade Buttermilk
  • Sugar Substitutes
  • Hot Chocolate Mix

Check out my new cookbook,BiggerBolder Baking Every Day, for more great baking basics and classic recipes!

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Easy Almond Flour Baking Mix Recipe
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Watch The Recipe Video!

Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute

4.48 from 356 votes

Print Recipe

My Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute is a candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like real corn syrup.

Author: Gemma Stafford

  • Limited Ingredients
  • Stovetop
  • Saucepan

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

My Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute is a candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like real corn syrup.

Author: Gemma Stafford

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (16oz/450g) sugar
  • 3/4 cup (6floz/170ml) water
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (there is no substitute for this)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice*
  • a pinch of salt

Instructions

  • In a heavy bottomed saucepan, over medium heat, add the sugar, water, cream of tartar, salt and lemon juice.

  • Once the sugar dissolves, turn down the heat and let the syrup simmer steadily until it reduces significantly and becomes a thick syrup that drips off your spatula slowly. This will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes. You can test if it's ready by putting a drop on a cold plate and placing it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. If it is really thick once it's cold then it is ready. To be even more exact, you want it to reaches 230°F (110°C) on a candy thermometer.

  • Remove from the heat and put the pot in a bowl of cold water to cool it down quickly. Once the syrup cools down completely use as directed in your recipe.

  • You will end up with roughly 1 1/3 cups (14oz/398g) of corn syrup substitute. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 months.

Recipe Notes

*The lemon juice prevents the sugars from crystallizing once stored.

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (9)

Kathy

4 years ago

Hi,

I made this, using Truvia, instead of sugar, and it turned out great. It was an awesome substitute in the pecan pie I made.

39

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Tracie Rye

4 years ago

Hi Gemma. I have just made this but I just couldn’t get it to the point where it dropped off the spatula. I gave up after 50 minutes. It seems ok and tastes ok but it is more of a golden colour. So it still alright? Or have I burnt it?

13

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (11)

Jean Wood

4 years ago

Hi, Gemma.
Will this substitute work for Candy such as Carmels

12

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (12)

Karri

4 years ago

Can this be used instead of corn syrup in a cotton candy recipe?

10

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (13)

Jules

3 years ago

Thank you so much for this!! I’m in Ireland an watched ina garten make marshmallows an wanted to have a go but couldn’t find corn syrup!! I’m so happy 😁

9

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (14)

Debra L Covault

3 years ago

Can you make a double batch or do you have to make each batch separately?

5

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (15)

Andreina

4 years ago

Loved this recipe …..my merengue to cover up the cake was delicious and BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU

3

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (16)

Mishka

2 years ago

Hi Gemma

Can you use this recipe to make almond rocca?
I love all your recipes! Thx. Kind regards

2

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (17)

Melissa

2 years ago

I love this! I’ve been trying to get granola and cereal bars to turn out like I wanted them to. This syrup is absolutely perfect! Thank you so much!

1

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (18)

sheethal

3 years ago

hi. can this be stored gornlater use and how?

1

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About Us

Meet Gemma

Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (24)

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

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Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute Recipe - Bold Baking Basics (2024)

FAQs

Do cornstarch and water make corn syrup? ›

Mix the cornstarch with the cold water; place in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring while cooking. When it becomes clear, add the sugar. Boil down until it is the thickness of prepared corn syrup. It will thicken some as it cools.

What is the chemical formula for corn syrup? ›

CORN SYRUP (CHEM005220)
Record Information
Chemical FormulaC6H14O7
Average Molecular Mass198.171 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass198.074 g/mol
CAS Registry Number977004-12-8
80 more rows
Nov 9, 2016

What is a good substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup will serve as the primary sweetener for this pecan pie. Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): Either coconut sugar or traditional brown sugar will work as our secondary (dry) sweetener.

How much sugar do I substitute for corn syrup? ›

Instead, dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 1/4 cup of water to mimic corn syrup and bring the Brix level to around 80%. Since the only taste the simple syrup will bring is sweetness, you can use it for a variety of recipes like pies, sauces, and co*cktails.

Is corn syrup just sugar and water? ›

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 does cornstarch do to syrup? ›

Using Cornstarch

In a small bowl, combine equal amounts of cornstarch and warm water, starting with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of each. Mix them together with a spoon until they form a gritty paste. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that won't change the flavor of your syrup.

What are the main ingredients of corn syrup? ›

Corn syrup is a food syrup which is made from the starch of corn/maize and contains varying amounts of sugars: glucose, maltose and higher oligosaccharides, depending on the grade. Corn syrup is used in foods to soften texture, add volume, prevent crystallization of sugar, and enhance flavor.

Can you use honey instead of 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 is Karo corn syrup made? ›

Glucose or corn syrup is made by converting a starch source( corn, rice ) whereby the starch is cooked/boiled in water, then an enzyme to convert the starch to a dextrin/ polysacharide then processed to reduce its water/ moisture content . This is the simple answer.

What is corn syrup mostly made of? ›

Where does HFCS come from? HFCS is derived from corn starch. Starch itself is a chain of glucose (a simple sugar) molecules joined together. When corn starch is broken down into individual glucose molecules, the end product is corn syrup, which is essentially 100% glucose.

Is baby formula corn syrup? ›

In the past, certain formula manufacturers used high-fructose corn syrup as a carbohydrate source in their products. Companies have moved away from this ingredient, instead using 100% glucose-containing corn syrup instead of glucose+fructose-containing HFCS.

What is the real name for corn syrup? ›

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), also known as glucose–fructose, isoglucose and glucose–fructose syrup, is a sweetener made from corn starch.

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.

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.

What is the natural ingredient in corn syrup? ›

Corn syrup is made from cornstarch, which comes from the endosperm of corn kernels. After the starch is extracted from ground-up kernels, it's converted into corn syrup using a process called acid hydrolysis. Here's how that works: The cornstarch is mixed with water and a weak solution of hydrochloric acid.

What is a good substitute for corn in a recipe? ›

Beans, cauliflower, and eggplant all have a similar flavor to corn and can be used as a substitute for it.

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