Perfect Golden Syrup Substitute Recipe

4.75 from 32 votes

Prep Time Cook Time

10 mins 20 mins

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!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Irish
Servings: 2 cups
Author: Gemma Stafford

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
1. Heat ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium/low heat until the sugar has
dissolved.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely. The syrup will thicken significantly when completely cooled.
6. 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.