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Updated: Aug 14, 2025 · Published: Jul 21, 2025 by Nikki · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

SUBSTITUTE FOR HONEY IN BAKING (+ CONVERSION CHART!)

Substitute for honey in baking (+ conversion chart!). Looking to bake a delicious batch of muffins or homemade bread, but just realized you're out of honey? Whether you're avoiding it for dietary reasons, need a vegan-friendly swap, or simply want to use a pantry staple instead, you're in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best replacements for honey in baking and even created a handy conversion chart to make your swaps seamless.

A honey cake with edible bumble bees placed on the top of the cake.

Jump to:
  • 🍯 7 BEST SUBSTITUTES FOR HONEY
  • 📊 HONEY SUBSTITUTION CHART (1 CUP HONEY)
  • 🌱 WHAT ABOUT VEGAN HONEY?
  • 🧁 BEST HONEY SUBSTITUTES BY RECIPE TYPE
  • ❓FAQS
  • A FEW MORE SUBSTITUTION IDEAS:
  • Did this help you? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

🍯 7 BEST SUBSTITUTES FOR HONEY

1. MAPLE SYRUP

Best for: Muffins, cookies, pancakes

Why: Similar consistency and sweetness. Plus, it's 100% vegan.


Swap ratio: 1:1 (use the same amount as honey)

A stack of fluffy pancakes with a block of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Pink blossoms are in the background.
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2. GOLDEN SYRUP

Best for: Classic British-style baking, sticky puddings, breads


Why: Thick and caramel-flavored, golden syrup gives a rich depth like honey.


Swap ratio: 1:1

3. BROWN SUGAR

Best for: Muffins, quick breads, brownies


Why: Adds sweetness and moisture. It’s easy to find and budget-friendly.


Swap ratio: Use 1 ¼ cups of brown sugar + ¼ cup extra liquid (like milk or oil) for every 1 cup of honey.

A plate of apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the top.
APPLE CRUMBLE RECIPE

4. COCONUT SUGAR

Best for: Vegan or low-GI baking


Why: Subtly caramel-flavored and more nutrient-rich than white sugar


Swap ratio: Same as brown sugar (1 ¼ cups + add liquid)

Feijoa muffins in a tray with fresh feijoas placed around the tray.
FEIJOA MUFFIN RECIPE

5. AGARVE NECTAR

Best for: Cakes, muffins, energy bars


Why: Neutral flavor and vegan-friendly


Swap ratio: ¾ cup agave for every 1 cup of honey

6. MOLASSES

Best for: Gingerbread, spice cakes, dense breads


Why: Rich and robust in flavor (use sparingly!)


Swap ratio: Use ½ cup molasses + ½ cup sugar for every 1 cup honey

7. DATE SYRUP OR BLENDED DATES

Best for: Healthy baking, snack bars, muffins


Why: Natural sweetness and fiber boost


Swap ratio: ⅔ cup date syrup or paste for every 1 cup of honey

A tray of Protein Lemon Bars with drizzled chocolate and slices of lemon on the side.
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📊 HONEY SUBSTITUTION CHART (1 CUP HONEY)

🐝 Substitute⛾ Amount to Use📝 Notes
Maple Syrup1 cupVegan, slightly thinner
Golden Syrup1 cupRich and caramel-like
Brown Sugar1¼ cup + ¼ cup liquidAdds moisture and warmth
Coconut Sugar1¼ cup + ¼ cup liquidLow-GI alternative
Agave Nectar¾ cupSweeter than honey; reduce other liquids slightly
Molasses + Sugar½ cup molasses + ½ cup sugarBold flavor; best in spiced recipes like ginger bread cookies.
Date Syrup⅔ cupBest for wholesome, dense baked goods

🌱 WHAT ABOUT VEGAN HONEY?

Vegan honey isn’t technically honey, but it mimics the flavor and texture! Common ingredients include apple juice, sugar, and lemon. You can find it at health stores or online, and it’s an easy 1:1 substitute in baking.

A tray of blackberry muffins and some flowers for garnish.
BLACKBERRY MUFFINS RECIPE (VEGAN!)

🧁 BEST HONEY SUBSTITUTES BY RECIPE TYPE

🍪 Recipe Type🍯 Best Honey Substitutes
MuffinsMaple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar
BreadCoconut sugar, golden syrup, molasses
CookiesBrown sugar, date syrup, maple syrup
Energy BarsAgave nectar, vegan honey, blended dates
CakesMaple syrup, golden syrup

❓FAQS

ONE TABLESPOON OF HONEY EQUALS

1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 tablespoon vegan honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar + 1 teaspoon water

A FEW MORE SUBSTITUTION IDEAS:

  • 10 SUBSTITUTES FOR ORANGE JUICE


Did this help you? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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