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This maple syrup alternative is made with just 5 ingredients and is ready in minutes. Serve it over pancakes or use it as a replacement for maple syrup in your baked goods. Save money on pure maple syrup and use this substitute instead!

Maple syrup substitute
I know pure maple syrup is the gold standard, but it can be expensive. The current price is about $32 per gallon. That’s a lot! Nice for the pocketbook to have an affordable option. Also, there may be times when your pantry is empty and you don’t want to make a mad dash to the store. Here are some options to consider:
- Agave nectar — This is my favorite maple syrup replacement because it’s affordable, readily available, and works just like maple syrup in recipes.
- molasses – Molasses has a strong flavor that may not be suitable for drizzling over pancakes, but you can use it in baking recipes.
- Dark corn syrup — Corn syrup is a great alternative to maple syrup that you can use in pancakes or even recipes.
- Vegan honey – Honey is a great alternative to maple syrup. If you don’t like honey, vegan honey is an excellent alternative.
- home made — This maple syrup substitute is easy to make!
How to Make Maple Syrup Substitute
You can find the complete printable recipe with ingredient amounts below. But first, here are some ingredient explanations and steps to help you perfect this recipe every time.
- Reserve a tablespoon of water.
- Add the brown sugar and remaining water and bring to a low boil.
- Stir reserved water, cornstarch, extract, and syrup in a small bowl.
- Drizzle it over the hot brown sugar syrup and stir to combine.
- Continue stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
- Allow the syrup to cool and then pour it into a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate.
- Serve on pancakes, waffles and more.
the main ingredient
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- brown sugar – You can use light or dark brown sugar.
- Cornstarch — Feel free to substitute arrowroot powder.
- extract – I like to use real maple syrup extract. Please do not use fake maple syrup that does not have an authentic flavor. You can substitute vanilla extract.
- Agave nectar — To keep the sugar from crystallizing, we’ll add a little agave nectar (a thickening corn syrup).

Why this recipe is a winner
- simple – You only need 7 ingredients to make this maple syrup alternative.
- magic — Convert brown sugar into a delicious maple syrup substitute.
- quickly – Throw this syrup together in minutes so you can serve that yummy breakfast just in time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maple syrup made of?
Maple syrup is a sugar made from the sap of the maple tree. The sap is boiled to reduce the water, leaving a sugar concentrate that we refer to as maple syrup. However, it takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
What is pancake syrup?
Pancake syrup is made by combining syrup, usually corn syrup, with maple syrup extract.
Serving advice
Serve this maple syrup alternative with your favorite pancakes and waffles:
Storage Tips
Transfer the syrup to a glass jar with a lid. Seal it tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 months. To serve, let it come to room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds until it resumes a spreadable consistency.

Maple syrup is a favorite
Here are some delicious recipes that use maple syrup either in the recipe or drizzled on top:

Prevent your screen from going dark
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Reserve a tablespoon of water. Add brown sugar and remaining water to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low boil.
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Stir together the reserved water, cornstarch, extract, and syrup in a small bowl. Drizzle it over the hot brown sugar syrup and stir to combine. Boil, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutesuntil volume reduces to 1 cup or ¾ cup for thick syrup.
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Allow the syrup to cool and then pour it into a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate. Serve it on whole wheat pancakes, vegan waffles and more.

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Use real maple syrup extract for best flavor.
Calories: 141kcal | Sugars: 36g | Protein: 0.04g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.002g | Sugar: 36g | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 0.3mg
The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist consultation.