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
The best corn syrup substitutes for baking are brown rice syrup, maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, honey, golden syrup, and black treacle.
Why does pecan pie need corn syrup? ›
Corn syrup is the glue that holds this filling together. Thicker than other liquid sweeteners, corn syrup works with the eggs to help ensure your pecan pie filling will set.
What has the same consistency as corn syrup? ›
Golden syrup is made up of water, sugar, and citric acid and has a very similar consistency to corn syrup. Because it's a thick liquid, it's a great 1:1 swap in baking and candy recipes.
Can I sub honey for corn syrup? ›
Honey won't prevent crystallization as well as corn syrup does, so it's not the best choice if you're making candy, but it's great for other uses. You can sub in equal quantities, but at around 80 degrees Brix, honey does bring a higher rate of sweetness.
Can I use cream of tartar instead of corn syrup? ›
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.
What formula does not have corn syrup? ›
If you are looking for a baby formula brand that doesn't use corn syrup or maltodextrin, Kendamil is a great option to consider. Kendamil uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate source, which is a natural and easily digestible carbohydrate found in breast milk.
Why do people avoid corn syrup? ›
HFCS and sugar have been shown to drive inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition to inflammation, excess fructose may increase harmful substances called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which may harm your cells ( 21 , 22 , 23 ).
What does corn syrup do in baking? ›
Bakers, confectioners, and large-scale manufacturers use commercial corn syrup in baked goods, condiments like jams and jellies, and candy making. The syrup ensures a smooth texture in sugar pies, pecan pie (or pecan tassies), chess pies, homemade ice creams, and sorbets by preventing the formation of sugar crystals.
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? ›
Corn syrup sweetens pecan pie and gives it a smooth texture by preventing the crystallization of the sugar when baking. It also acts with the eggs to thicken. It can be replaced with maple syrup and flour.
Pecan pie was made before the invention of corn syrup, and older recipes used darker sugar-based syrup or molasses. The 1929 congressional club cookbook has a recipe for the pie which used only eggs, milk, sugar and pecans.
What is the closest substitute for corn syrup? ›
Popular substitutes for corn syrup include maple syrup, honey, and molasses, among others. You may need to adjust the amount with some substitutes.
What if I don't have corn syrup? ›
You can replace 1 cup of corn syrup with one of these simple substitutes: 1 cup sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water. 1 cup honey. 1 cup light molasses.
Can you substitute brown sugar for corn syrup? ›
To use brown sugar as a substitute for the dark variety, GourmetSleuth recommends combining 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar and three to four tablespoons of water. Use this in place of one cup of dark corn syrup, suggests GourmetSleuth.
What can I use as a pie thickener? ›
Types of Pie Thickeners
- All-Purpose Flour. Flour is a popular thickener for sauces and soups, and it can be used to add body to your fruit filling. ...
- Cornstarch. ...
- Arrowroot. ...
- Quick-Cooking Tapioca. ...
- Instant ClearJel.
Sugar and Water
A modified simple syrup of four parts sugar to one-part warm water is an easy corn syrup swap in many recipes, including confections cooked to the soft-ball stage—think buttercreams, pralines and fudge. This neutral swap is similar in taste to corn syrup.
What does corn syrup do to baked goods? ›
Bakers, confectioners, and large-scale manufacturers use commercial corn syrup in baked goods, condiments like jams and jellies, and candy making. The syrup ensures a smooth texture in sugar pies, pecan pie (or pecan tassies), chess pies, homemade ice creams, and sorbets by preventing the formation of sugar crystals.
What can I use in pies instead of cornstarch? ›
All-purpose flour is an easy substitute for cornstarch; in fact you may see recipes for thickening pie fillings or soups with either. You'll need 2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a recipe.
