Golden Syrup Substitute

Golden syrup is a liquid sweetener made from sugarcane juice. It resembles honey in appearance, but, is more like corn syrup, in consistency. In fact, this sweetener is one of the substitutes for honey, as well as corn syrup. It has a unique nutty flavor and is sweeter than sugar. Otherwise known as light treacle, golden syrup is one of the indispensable ingredients in some traditional British dishes, especially, desserts, like, the treacle tart and flapjack. Even though, this product is now available in countries, other than the U.K., it may happen that you find it difficult to get this sugar product at your place. In that case, you may use golden syrup substitutes, as a replacement for this sweetener.

What is Golden Syrup

Even though, golden syrup is a sweetener that is very popular in the U.K. and the neighboring regions, this sugar product is now getting popular in other regions too. In fact, this sweetener is a partially inverted sugar syrup that is either prepared during the process of sugar production from sugarcane juice or by treating sugar with an acid. This is done by partially splitting sucrose into glucose and fructose. This means that the resultant product contains some amount of sucrose, along with glucose and fructose. For splitting sucrose or sugar, hydrochloric acid is added. As this process makes the resultant product acidic in nature, it is later treated with a lye solution, to make it neutral. This resultant product is golden syrup that is used as a liquid sweetener in a wide range of recipes. It is also used as a topping in pancakes, oatmeal, etc.

Substitutes for Golden Syrup

Golden syrup has a unique flavor that is difficult to substitute. But, there are some alternatives that can provide with an almost similar flavor. The following are some of the golden syrup substitutes that may be used to replace this sweetener.

• Honey: You might have heard about the use of golden syrup as a substitute for corn syrup and honey. Likewise, you may replace golden syrup with honey. But, honey can be expensive and may result in a different flavor. Another problem with honey is that as compared to golden syrup, it reacts differently to heat and so, may affect the flavor of the dish.
• Corn Syrup: When compared to honey, corn syrup is more preferred as a substitute for golden syrup. While, some people find this substitute to be less sweet, according to others, corn syrup is runny. However, a variant of corn syrup, called 'high fructose corn syrup', is said to be more useful as a golden syrup substitute. Even dark corn syrup is said to be useful for this purpose. You may also go for a combination of honey and corn syrup in equal amounts. Golden syrup can be used as a corn syrup substitute
• Maple Syrup and Molasses: As mentioned above, maple syrup may be runny and can be very expensive in some regions. It may differ in flavor too. The same applies to molasses, characterized by a very dark color and slightly bitter flavor. But, if you find these substitutes to be useful, you may try them (go for light molasses). Otherwise go for a mixture of one part molasses with two parts corn syrup. Even a combination of equal amounts of honey and maple syrup may work.
• Homemade Golden Syrup Substitute:This can be prepared by heating ¼ cup sugar in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Shake the pan, till the sugar spreads in an even layer on the bottom of the pan. Now, mix a teaspoon of water with ½ teaspoon of vinegar and sprinkle this mixture over sugar. Place the pan over low heat and cook for four to five minutes, without stirring. After that, increase the heat to medium and cook for another five minutes, till it forms a syrup with caramel color. Don't stir the mixture, till it stops bubbling. Once the bubbling stops stir well and remove the pan from heat. You can use this syrup as a golden syrup substitute.

You may use any of the above said substitutes to replace golden syrup. But, try to use those substitutes that do not alter the texture and flavor of the dish. So, try any of the above said substitutes, as you run out of golden syrup, the next time.