As rich and distinct as it is sweet, maple syrup is beloved in everything from desserts to drinks to salad dressings. But it can be pricey and sometimes unavailable, so we have a list of some decent alternatives to maple syrup and their ratios to use in cooking.

Plus, scroll down to see our fast and easy honey syrup recipe!

In a nutshell, here is our list of excellent maple syrup substitutes for cooking and some raw applications, like in dressing, marinades, and drinks.

Honey syrup
Agave nectar
Brown rice syrup
Molasses
Date syrup
Simple syrup

Read below for details and measurements, and a simple, easy recipe for honey syrup that makes a great alternative to maple.

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A spoon overflowing with maple syrup drips onto a glass jar.

Table of Contents

Substitutes for Pure Maple Syrup

Now, let’s dive into our list of cooking tips with maple syrup alternatives and discover the perfect match for what you need when there’s no pure maple on hand.

Substitute 1: Honey Syrup

Flavor Profile: The flavor of honey can vary depending on the type, from light and floral to dark, rich and robust. Honey syrup is milder than straight honey and is easier to cook with because it blends more easily with other liquids.
Comparison: Honey is a close match to maple syrup in sweetness. However, its flavor is distinct, with floral notes and an earthy undertone. Honey also has a thicker consistency than pure maple syrup.
Best Dishes: Honey can substitute maple syrup in many recipes, from drizzling over pancakes to sweetening marinades and dressings. Try our Honey Cider Cocktail (ages 21+, please).
Substitution Guidelines: Swap honey for maple syrup at a 1:1 ratio. Remember that most honey has more sugar than maple syrup, so adjust to taste if needed. Also, consider the differences in flavor, as honey’s floral notes can add a unique dimension to your dishes. You may want to make a honey syrup to better match pure maple in its thinner texture. See below for our honey syrup recipe; it’s super easy to make.

Substitute 2: Agave Nectar

Flavor Profile: Agave nectar is less sweet than pure maple with a neutral flavor profile that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
Comparison: Agave nectar is lighter in flavor than maple syrup, lacking the earthy and woody notes. Still a liquid sweetener, it’s an ideal choice to sweeten a dish without altering its taste significantly.
Best Dishes: Agave nectar is perfect for beverages, dressings, and baked goods. It’s particularly popular in cocktails and as a drizzle for yogurt and oatmeal.
Substitution Guidelines: Replace maple syrup with agave nectar at a 1:1 ratio. Since agave nectar is sweeter, consider reducing the quantity slightly if you prefer a milder sweetness. Keep in mind that agave nectar is thinner in consistency.

Substitute 3: Brown Rice Syrup

Flavor Profile: Brown rice syrup brings a mild sweetness with a touch of caramel-like rich flavor.
Comparison: Brown rice syrup has a distinct caramel flavor and lacks maple syrup’s deep, woodsy notes. It’s perfect for recipes where you want to infuse a subtle caramel undertone.
Best Dishes: Use brown rice syrup in baking, granola bars, and homemade energy snacks. It’s excellent for adding sweetness without overwhelming other flavors.
Substitution Guidelines: Swap maple syrup with brown rice syrup at a 1:1 ratio. Since brown rice syrup is less sweet, you might want to increase the quantity slightly if you desire a sweeter taste. Be aware that it’s thicker and less runny than maple syrup.

Substitute 4: Molasses

Flavor Profile: Molasses is known for its rich, robust sweetness with hints of caramel, toffee, and a touch of bitterness. It’s a complex and bold flavor that can add depth to your dishes.
Comparison: Molasses is significantly darker and more intense in flavor compared to maple syrup. While it may not mimic maple syrup’s light sweetness, it’s an excellent choice for a deep, rich sweetness with complex undertones.
Best Dishes: Use molasses in recipes like gingerbread cookies, barbecue sauces, and baked beans. Its deep flavor pairs wonderfully with spices and savory ingredients.
Substitution Guidelines: Replace maple syrup with molasses at a 1:1 ratio. Remember that molasses is more intense, so you may want to reduce the quantity for a milder sweetness. Adjust according to your flavor preferences.

Substitute 5: Date Syrup

Flavor Profile: Date syrup offers a natural sweetness with a rich, fruity flavor reminiscent of dates. It’s a wholesome alternative that adds a touch of earthiness to your recipes.
Comparison: Date syrup is less sweet than maple syrup and has a unique fruity taste. It’s a fantastic choice for a natural, unprocessed sweetener with a distinct date flavor.
Best Dishes: Use date syrup as a sweetener in smoothies, oatmeal, and desserts. It’s particularly well-suited for Middle Eastern and North African cuisines.
Substitution Guidelines: Replace maple syrup with date syrup at a 1:1 ratio. Since date syrup is less sweet, you might want to increase the quantity slightly for a sweeter taste. Keep in mind that it’s thicker and has a pronounced date flavor.

A collage of maple syrup replacements includes, honey syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, molasses, and date syrup.

Bonus: Make Your Own Simple Syrup (with just table sugar and water on the stove).

The bottom line

In the world of culinary creativity, substitutions are your playground. Whether you choose honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup, remember that cooking is all about personal taste and exploration. As a recap, note the following about maple syrup substitutes;

Honey syrup, agave nectar, and simple syrup are lovely, mild-flavored swaps.
Molasses, brown rice syrup, and date syrups offer lots of flavor like maple does.
Most of the maple syrup substitutes are handy 1:1 measurement swaps.

More About Cooking Substitutions

How To Make Honey Syrup

Yield: About 1 cup

Making honey syrup with real honey is a great way to get the flavor and sweetness of your favorite honey. But the heat and water thins out the honey, so it’s not so thick and dense, which can be hard to work with. Especially in marinades, dressings, and mixed drinks, regular honey may not blend well with other liquid ingredients, so honey syrup does the trick!

Ingredients

½ c Honey (any flavor)
½ c Water

Instructions

Add the honey and water into a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir constantly until the honey is dissolved.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Set aside until ready to use in your recipes.

Notes

Making honey syrup is a great way to get the flavor and sweetness of honey. It thins out the honey so it’s not so thick and dense, which can be hard to work with. Especially in marinades, dressings, and mixed drinks, regular honey may not blend well with other liquid ingredients, so honey syrup does the trick!