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 substitute for pecan pie is maple syrup and a hint of molasses. They make the filling sweet and flavorful, but not too sweet and still ultra-smooth. The pie is cooked at just the right temperature for a smooth texture - no curdled filling here!
Is light or dark Karo syrup better for pecan pie? ›
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.
What's the difference between dark and light Karo syrup? ›
Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams. Karo light corn syrup is made with real vanilla. Dark corn syrup is made with refiners' syrup, a type of molasses. With its more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods.
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.
5 Healthier Substitutes for Corn Syrup
- Maple syrup. Derived from the sap of the maple tree, maple syrup is a natural sweetener known for its distinct taste and aroma. ...
- Honey. Honey is a popular sweetener that has been lauded for its health benefits. ...
- Stevia. ...
- Golden syrup. ...
- Molasses.
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: Dark corn syrup adds texture, volume, and deep flavor. For a lighter flavor, use light corn syrup. 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.
Can you replace corn syrup with 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. Try it in place of light corn syrup in a gooey butter cake or homemade cracker jack, or in maple fudge or sour cherry-almond ice cream with chocolate chunks.
Why is my pecan pie crust soggy? ›
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.
Why does pecan pie taste so good? ›
The pecans' flavor and texture, paired with the flaky pie crust, the filling's vanilla, butter, and cinnamon… it all just makes this my favorite pecan pie recipe.
According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated.
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.
Are Karo and corn syrup the same? ›
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.
Do you need to refrigerate Karo syrup after opening? ›
How should Karo® Syrups be stored? Before or after opening, Karo® Syrups may be stored at room temperature. Storage conditions affect product quality. Light corn syrup may turn slightly yellow with age, but this is normal and won't affect results.
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 substitute for corn syrup in frosting? ›
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.
- 1 cup maple-flavored syrup (pancake syrup)
- 1 cup agave nectar.
- 1 cup brown rice syrup.
Corn syrup keeps sugar from crystallizing, a.k.a. hard sugar lumps forming in your otherwise smooth syrup, which is why you'll often see it in homemade candy or caramel recipes. Whether you're making brittle or butterscotch, adding corn syrup along with the sugar results in smooth, never-grainy caramel.
Can I use liquid glucose instead of corn syrup? ›
Essentially, glucose and corn syrup are the same thing. All corn syrup is glucose syrup, but not all glucose syrup is corn syrup. This means they can be used interchangeably, but as mentioned above, they are different types of glucose syrups that can aid in certain recipes.
