Recreate the rich, amber sweetness of golden syrup right at home with this easy and budget-friendly Homemade Golden Syrup Substitute recipe. With just five pantry staples—granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and a little patience—you can whip up a golden-hued syrup that’s perfect for baking, cooking, or drizzling over pancakes. This step-by-step guide walks you through the caramelization process to achieve the iconic flavor and glossy texture of traditional golden syrup. Ready in under an hour with a few simple techniques, this homemade substitute is an excellent alternative to store-bought syrup, offering all the versatility you need for your favorite desserts and dishes.
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 200 grams of granulated sugar and 60 ml of water.
Place the saucepan over low heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling at this stage.
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to cook until it turns a deep caramel color, approximately 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to low, and carefully add 120 ml of hot water to the caramel. The mixture may sputter, so pour slowly and use caution.
Add the remaining 400 grams of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir gently until all the sugar has dissolved.
Simmer the mixture on low heat for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches a syrup-like consistency. The syrup will thicken further as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Transfer it to a clean, airtight jar or container for storage.
Store the syrup at room temperature for up to a month. Use it as a substitute for golden syrup in recipes.
Calories |
2313 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 601.0 g | 219% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 600.4 g | ||
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 23 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 23 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.