Sweeten up your bakes without breaking a sweat. Ever run out of pure cane syrup right when you’re about to make pancakes or bake a cake? Yeah, we’ve been there.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some fantastic substitutes. From honey to maple syrup, these swaps will save your day.
Some options might already be in your pantry, sitting there waiting to be the hero ingredient. This list is not just a lifesaver, it’s a flavor saver.
So sit back and relax. Let’s explore the best six pure cane syrup substitutes.

6 Easy Substitutes for Pure Cane Syrup
If you’ve ever wondered what pure cane syrup is, it’s a thick and sticky syrup made from sugarcane juice. It’s commonly used in baking, sweetening drinks, and as an ingredient in some sauces and glazes.
But if you don’t have any on hand or prefer to use alternatives for dietary reasons, here are six easy substitutes to try:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dish |
Honey | Sweet, floral | Thick, viscous | 1:1 | Baked goods, desserts |
Maple Syrup | Rich, caramel-like | Thick, viscous | 1:1 | Pancakes, waffles, French toast |
Agave Nectar | Mild, slightly sweet | Thin, watery | 1:1 | Baked goods, desserts, cocktails |
Coconut Sugar | Mild, slightly sweet | Granular | 1:1 | Baked goods, desserts, savory dishes |
Brown Sugar | Rich, caramel-like | Granular | 1:1 | Baked goods, desserts, savory dishes |
Date Syrup | Sweet, fruity | Thick, viscous | 1:1 | Baked goods, desserts, savory dishes |
1 – Honey
First things first, honey is versatile. It’s a sweetener with a flowery undertone.
When swapping honey for cane syrup, use a one-to-one ratio. If you need a cup of syrup, use a cup of honey.
Honey is sweeter and less thick but still adds delightful sweetness to your bakes.
Its unique floral taste stands out and blends easily into recipes without overpowering other flavors. Want to know more about honey substitutes? Check out best honey substitutes.
2 – Maple Syrup
In terms of favorite sandwiches as kids, who didn’t love a peanut butter and maple syrup sandwich? Maple syrup is a reliable substitute for pure cane syrup. It’s easily available and has a delectable, rich flavor. Use it in a one-to-one ratio just like honey.
It has a woody and caramel-like taste. Maple syrup’s smooth consistency works perfectly in baking and cooking.
From pancakes to cookies, it never disappoints. Curious about other ways to use maple syrup? Check out our guide on maple syrup substitutes.
3 – Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is like that quiet kid in class who always had the best snacks. It’s derived from the agave plant and has a mild, almost caramel-like flavor. We love its smooth sweetness—it’s not overpowering and blends well in baked goods and drinks.
When using agave nectar to replace pure cane syrup, use a three-quarters to one ratio. If a recipe calls for one cup of syrup, use three-quarters of a cup of agave.
Its lighter consistency makes it easier to mix into batters or drinks. It’s perfect for pancakes, muffins, and even cocktails. Craving more syrup knowledge? Check our article on the best maple syrup substitutes.
4 – Coconut Sugar
Next on our list is coconut sugar. It’s like your laid-back friend who always brings something cool to the party. Coconut sugar comes from the sap of coconut palm trees, not from the coconut itself.
It has a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s less sweet but more wholesome than cane syrup. It’s great for baking because its granulated form is easy to measure and mix.
Swap coconut sugar for cane syrup at a one-to-one ratio.
Using it in cookies and cakes gives a deeper, more nuanced sweetness. Coconut sugar also works great in drinks, adding a bit of that island vibe. For more substitutes, see our article on coconut sugar substitutes.
5 – Brown Sugar
In case you’ve ever tried making cookies and ran out of pure cane syrup, brown sugar is here to save the day. We love its deep molasses flavor that gives bakes a cozy, warm taste. Brown sugar is just granulated sugar mixed with molasses, making it a little sticky and moist.
Use it at a one-to-one ratio to replace cane syrup. It’s slightly less sweet and has a more complex flavor profile. This makes it perfect for adding a rich touch to cookies, cakes, and even sauces.
You can mix it directly into batters or liquids without any fuss. Interested in more options? Check out our article on brown sugar substitutes.
6 – Date Syrup
Last but definitely not least, date syrup is our underrated favorite. It’s thick, dark, and incredibly rich. Made from dates, it’s naturally sweet with a hint of caramel. Imagine molasses but less intense and more refined.
We suggest using three-quarters of a cup of date syrup to one cup of cane syrup. It’s amazing in sauces and glazes as it blends smoothly. Plus, it gives baked goods a deep, earthy sweetness.
We once tried it in brownies, and wow, it stole the show. Curious about other options? Check out our best date syrup substitutes for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, honey is a natural substitute for pure cane syrup and adds a rich sweetness with floral undertones.
Maple syrup is an excellent alternative, providing a unique earthy sweetness and more liquid consistency than pure cane syrup.
Agave nectar is a great substitute with a milder sweetness. It’s thinner than pure cane syrup, so you may need to adjust the quantity used.
Coconut sugar can replace pure cane syrup, but it has a more caramel-like flavor and a less liquid texture, so adjust accordingly.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.