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Homemade Ingredients

Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute

4.73 from 95 votes
If you're out of Golden Syrup or find yourself with a recipe that calls for it but you can't get any, I will teach you to make the Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute!
By Gemma Stafford | | 125

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Hi Bold Bakers!

A homemade version of golden syrup was hugely requested once I released my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook because it makes an appearance in a few recipes. I heard you, Bold Bakers! So I’ve come up with the Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute.

Golden syrup is a very popular baking ingredient in Ireland. We use it in cookies, steamed sponge puddings, and also it’s a key ingredient when making Homemade Honeycomb. It’s a thick, caramel-colored syrup and often used in recipes where you would use corn syrup. A substitute can be made easily at home using just 3 ingredients.

What Is Golden Syrup?

It’s a thick amber-colored form of inverted sugar syrup made in the process of refining sugar cane or sugar beet juice into sugar. It is used in a variety of baking recipes and desserts that you can see below. A very popular baking ingredient in Europe and Australia.

What Is Golden Syrup in America?

The best other syrup to liken it to for color and texture would be dark corn syrup. Although personally I believe golden syrup has a more caramel flavor to it. This substitute will work perfectly if you can’t buy it.

What Uses Golden Syrup?

A lot of yummy European, Australian, and New Zealand recipes call for golden syrup as we don’t have access to corn syrup like the US and Canada. Mostly we add it to Sticky Toffee pudding, treacle puddings, biscuits and one of my personal favorites, Homemade Honeycomb.

What spurred me to make this substitute was that I have a few recipes in my cookbook that call for golden syrup, so if you have my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook then you will find this substitute really useful.

Golden Syrup Substitute dripping off a spoon into a jar, showing consistency.

What Can Be Substituted for Golden Syrup?

This exact recipe is the best substitute for a tin of golden syrup. It’s the same texture, thickness, and caramel tone and flavor that is unique to golden syrup. If you are looking for another option then you can also use dark corn syrup. I don’t recommend substituting it with maple syrup as it will not react the same way.

How do I store it?

You can store your substitute in a jar or any airtight container at room temperature. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated just like you don’t refrigerate honey, corn syrup, or maple syrup.

It will also last a very long time. I write in the recipe it lasts a minimum of 8 weeks but honestly, it should last a lot longer than that. If you think of it like corn syrup and store it properly, it will not ever go bad.

Tips and Tricks for making a Golden Syrup Substitute

  • Caramel making is a low and slow process, don’t turn up the heat and try to rush it
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to make this golden syrup substitute as it’s best for caramel making
  • Watch the video so you can see the same color and texture of my syrup
  • Store in an airtight container with a proper sealable lid
  • This golden syrup substitute will last for months in your cupboard

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Watch The Recipe Video!

Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute Recipe

4.73 from 95 votes
Print Recipe
If you're out of Golden Syrup or find yourself with a recipe that calls for it but you can't get any, I will teach you to make the Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute recipe!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 2 cups
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
If you're out of Golden Syrup or find yourself with a recipe that calls for it but you can't get any, I will teach you to make the Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute recipe!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (4oz/115g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (2floz/57ml) water
  • 2 ¼ cup (18oz/507g) sugar
  • 1 ½ cup (10 ½floz/296ml) boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Heat ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium/low heat until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Bring to a simmer and caramelize until an amber/golden color forms, about 8-10 minutes. If needed, brush the sides of the pan with water to clean away the sugar build up so the caramel doesn’t crystallize.
  • Once your caramel has formed, add the remaining sugar. Slowly add in boiling water and lemon juice. Be careful when adding the liquid because the caramel will bubble rapidly. Whisk to combine. Note: The sugar will clump but don't worry, keep whisking and those lumps will dissolve.
  • On medium/low heat, continue to simmer for about 17-20 minutes. You are looking for a rich amber color and a slightly thickened consistency.
  • Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely. The syrup will thicken significantly when completely cooled.
  • Pour the thick, cooled homemade golden syrup into a jar and keep at room temperature in a cupboard for a minimum of 8 weeks. Important note: If your syrup is TOO stiff then put it back on the heat and thin it out with some water until you get the consistency of thick syrup. Likewise, if it is still TOO thin once cooled completely then pop it back on the stove for another few minutes to thicken up further.
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Carla
Carla
3 years ago

I’m not sure if you know it or not, but the left menu that shows tips, video, recipe, comments, etc. hides a good portion of the text on the left side of the screen on my iPad Air 2.

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Mike
Mike
3 years ago

The syrup I ended up with looks exactly like Lyle’s and the consistency is spot on however, the flavor and sweetness are not. I find the Lyle’s to be considerably sweeter and far more flavorful. I used pure cane sugar.
Also, I have viewed other videos on golden syrup and they all say to simmer for 45 minutes where you say around 18 minutes. Just wondering if I didn’t understand?

Thanks

Mike

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Joan
Joan
2 years ago

I just made this syrup and it is wonderful. I took half of the syrup and added a few drops of Maple Extract and the result was amazing. It tastes just like real maple syrup! So I now have a bottle of great tasting golden syrup and another bottle of delicious maple syrup substitute. Thanks, Gemma. Love your videos and recipes !! One other comment; What’s with the bar that runs down the left side of the screen…tips,video, recipe, etc. ? It blocks the ingredients list on your recipes and is so annoying. Is it just me? I’m not tech… Read more »

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Ronald William Martin
Ronald William Martin
2 years ago

I made it today here in Thailand where Golden Syrup is almost non existent. It’s excellent. Thanks for the recipe and video.

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Linda
Linda
3 years ago

So, Gemma, one needs to plan ahead when thinking of using this syrup. It looks like you need to make it 8 weeks before you need it. Or did I misunderstand? Either way, it looks delicious, and I cannot wait to try it.

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Alina A
Alina A
3 years ago

Loved this! Turned exactly as pictured! ❤️

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Stephen Murdoch
Stephen Murdoch
2 years ago

What should the finish temperature be?

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Ingrid
Ingrid
3 years ago

Does the last paragraph mean we have to wait 8 weeks to use it? Or did you mean to write we can keep it in the cupboard for a “maximum” of 8 weeks?

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Catherine Clerkin
Catherine Clerkin
4 months ago

Thank you Gemma. This recipe worked perfectly for me 🙂

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Laura Stevens
Laura Stevens
5 months ago

Used my homemade golden syrup today to make crunchy ginger biscuits. Worked like a charm 👍

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This Recipe Made By Bold Bakers

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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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