13 Best Maple Syrup Substitutes (2024)

When you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you’re out of maple syrup, don’t panic!

There are plenty of substitutes that can step in and save the day.

Whether you’re baking, cooking, or just need a sweet drizzle, here are the 13 best maple syrup substitutes to consider…

13 Best maple syrup substitutes

• Honey
• Table syrup
• Maple extract + liquid sweetener
• Maple sugar
• Maple butter
• Molasses
• Brown sugar simple syrup
• Coconut nectar
• Agave syrup
• Brown rice syrup
• Date syrup
• Liquid monk fruit/sugar-free maple syrup substitute
• Brown sugar

Best overall maple syrup substitute: Honey

The best substitute for maple syrup is honey. It’s readily available, naturally sweet, and has a slightly floral flavor that complements most dishes. Honey’s viscosity is similar to maple syrup, making it an easy swap for pancakes, waffles, and more.

Easiest maple syrup substitute for pancakes and more: Table syrup

For a quick and easy swap, reach for table syrup. It’s designed to mimic the taste and texture of maple syrup and works well in any recipe calling for the real deal. It may not be the healthiest, but it’s often more budget-friendly.

Best maple syrup substitute for baking: Maple extract + liquid sweetener

When baking, the intense flavor of maple extract combined with a liquid sweetener like agave or simple syrup can be a great substitute. The extract provides the maple flavor while the sweetener adds the necessary sweetness and moisture. Use sparingly, as the extract is very concentrated.

Best maple syrup substitute for flavor: Maple sugar

Maple sugar is made from boiling down maple syrup until it crystallizes. It has a concentrated maple flavor and can be a great substitute if you need the maple taste in a dry form. However, it’s not liquid, so it can’t be used in all the same ways as syrup. It’s ideal for sprinkling on oatmeal or adding to recipes where a dry sweetener is needed.

Best for spreading/icing maple flavored baked goods: Maple butter

Maple butter is a creamy spread made from concentrated maple syrup. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or icing baked goods with a rich maple flavor.

Best maple syrup substitute for intense flavor: Molasses

Molasses is a dark, thick byproduct of sugar production. It has a strong, almost burnt caramel flavor and is less sweet than maple syrup. Light molasses is the sweetest and most mild, making it the best option if you need to use molasses as a substitute. Avoid blackstrap molasses unless you’re looking for a more bitter taste. Molasses works well in baking but can overpower other flavors if used in large quantities.

Best for oatmeal and bakes: Agave syrup

Agave syrup is a natural sweetener with a mild flavor and a consistency similar to maple syrup. It’s excellent for drizzling on oatmeal or using in baked goods. Note that agave is sweeter than maple syrup, so you might need to use a little less.

Best maple syrup substitute for coffee/tea and co*cktails: Brown sugar simple syrup

Brown sugar simple syrup, made by dissolving brown sugar in water, adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to drinks. It’s a great substitute for maple syrup in coffee, tea, and co*cktails.

Healthiest maple syrup substitute: Coconut nectar

Coconut nectar is a low-glycemic, vegan-friendly sweetener made from the sap of coconut trees. It has a mild flavor and is less processed than many other sweeteners, making it a healthier alternative to maple syrup.

Best natural low glycemic maple syrup substitute: Date syrup

Date syrup, made from pureed dates, is thick, sweet, and packed with nutrients. It has a slightly lower glycemic index than maple syrup (47 vs 54), so it may be a good option for folks with diabetes. It’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes and has a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Best vegan maple syrup substitute: Brown rice syrup

Brown rice syrup is a vegan-friendly option that has a mild flavor and a consistency similar to honey. It works well to sweeten homemade granola bars, energy balls, or vegan desserts like brownies, cookies, and muffins, providing a slightly healthier alternative to refined sugars while adding a subtle caramel-like flavor.

Best low-sugar/keto maple syrup substitute: Liquid monk fruit

“Sugar-free maple syrup” – often liquid monk fruit blended with allulose, mimics the rich flavor and consistency of maple syrup but without the sugar. Brands like Wholesome Yum and Lakanto taste the best and are great for those on a low-carb or keto diet.

Best maple syrup substitute for cooking: Brown sugar

Brown sugar, typically made by adding molasses to white sugar, adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor to recipes. While it’s not a liquid, it can be a good substitute in cooking, especially in sauces, dressings, and marinades. Use it in recipes where a bit of maple syrup is called for, and adjust the liquid content as needed.

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