Home » Homemade Ingredients » Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute
4.48 from 355 votes
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My Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute is a candy-like sauce that cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like real corn syrup.
By Gemma Stafford | | 491
Last updated on November 23, 2022
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In true Bold Baking Basics fashion, my Corn Syrup recipe is for an ingredient I never came across when baking in Ireland. Corn syrup is a common baking ingredient in America, but if I saw a recipe using corn syrup back home I knew I couldn’t make that recipe. It’s baking hacks like these that allow you to bake anything you want, no matter where you are in the world!
So, my recipe is for all of you Bold Bakers that don’t want to use corn syrup, for those who simply cannot find it, and for those who like to make it all from scratch. While this recipe for homemade corn syrup is not anexact recipefor corn syrup, it is the perfect substitute. I have great recipes for ingredients like Homemade Cream Cheese or Condensed Milk on my Bold Baking Basics page!
What are substitutes for corn syrup?
Making this corn syrup substitute could not be easier. Made of only sugar, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice, this candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like corn syrup.
[ Need more substitution ideas? How about how to Substitute Eggs! ]
There are other corn syrup substitutes out there like rice syrup, golden syrup, and glucose syrup — which are easier to find in Europe. That said, all of these substitutes do not yield the same color and texture as my homemade sub. If you’re looking for a corn-free corn syrup substitute, this is hands down the most effective one.
Is glucose syrup the same as corn syrup?
Yes, corn syrup is in fact a variety of glucose syrup and my substitute is as well. Again, the major difference here is that mine is made with no corn what-so-ever, no artificial ingredients, or stabilizers.
How can I use Corn Syrup?
Use my Corn Syrup Substitute to make Homemade Marshmallows and even Rolled Fondant.
How long does this corn syrup substitute last?
As this substitute has no preservatives it will last for up to 3 months.
While that’s not the same shelf life as store-bought corn syrup, it’s still quite a long time. This means that once you make one batch, you can almost always have this on hand for all of your cooking and baking needs that call for corn syrup.
Get More Bold Baking Basics!
- Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
- How to Make a Molasses Substitute
- Homemade Buttermilk
- Sugar Substitutes
- Hot Chocolate Mix
Check out my new cookbook,BiggerBolder Baking Every Day, for more great baking basics and classic recipes!
Try These Recipes!
Watch The Recipe Video!
Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute
4.48 from 355 votes
Print Recipe
My Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute is a candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like real corn syrup.
Author: Gemma Stafford
- Limited Ingredients
- Stovetop
- Saucepan
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
My Perfect Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute is a candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like real corn syrup.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Ingredients
- 2 cups (16oz/450g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (6floz/170ml) water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (there is no substitute for this)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice*
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
In a heavy bottomed saucepan, over medium heat, add the sugar, water, cream of tartar, salt and lemon juice.
Once the sugar dissolves, turn down the heat and let the syrup simmer steadily until it reduces significantly and becomes a thick syrup that drips off your spatula slowly. This will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes. You can test if it's ready by putting a drop on a cold plate and placing it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. If it is really thick once it's cold then it is ready. To be even more exact, you want it to reaches 230°F (110°C) on a candy thermometer.
Remove from the heat and put the pot in a bowl of cold water to cool it down quickly. Once the syrup cools down completely use as directed in your recipe.
You will end up with roughly 1 1/3 cups (14oz/398g) of corn syrup substitute. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 months.
Recipe Notes
*The lemon juice prevents the sugars from crystallizing once stored.
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Kathy
4 years ago
Hi,
I made this, using Truvia, instead of sugar, and it turned out great. It was an awesome substitute in the pecan pie I made.
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Tracie Rye
4 years ago
Hi Gemma. I have just made this but I just couldn’t get it to the point where it dropped off the spatula. I gave up after 50 minutes. It seems ok and tastes ok but it is more of a golden colour. So it still alright? Or have I burnt it?
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Jean Wood
4 years ago
Hi, Gemma.
Will this substitute work for Candy such as Carmels
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Karri
4 years ago
Can this be used instead of corn syrup in a cotton candy recipe?
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Jules
3 years ago
Thank you so much for this!! I’m in Ireland an watched ina garten make marshmallows an wanted to have a go but couldn’t find corn syrup!! I’m so happy 😁
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Debra L Covault
3 years ago
Can you make a double batch or do you have to make each batch separately?
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Andreina
4 years ago
Loved this recipe …..my merengue to cover up the cake was delicious and BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU
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Mishka
2 years ago
Hi Gemma
Can you use this recipe to make almond rocca?
I love all your recipes! Thx. Kind regards
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Melissa
2 years ago
I love this! I’ve been trying to get granola and cereal bars to turn out like I wanted them to. This syrup is absolutely perfect! Thank you so much!
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sheethal
3 years ago
hi. can this be stored gornlater use and how?
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About Us
Meet Gemma
About Us
Meet Gemma
Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.
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