Light corn syrup is made by the process of extraction of sugar by cornstarch. Sometimes it has an addition of vanilla flavor. It is a necessary ingredient for recipes such as sweet sauces, caramels, candies, jellies, frosting, etc. It is a clear-colored syrup that does not crystalize at high temperatures.
Dark corn syrup has a brown color because it contains molasses in its ingredients. The use of dark corn syrup in place of light corn syrup will give a more assertive flavor to recipes. The recipes made using dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup will give a slight flavor variance.
Can You Substitute Dark Corn Syrup For Light?
You might encounter a thought that can you substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup. If you do not have light corn syrup on hand then you can substitute it with dark corn syrup. You can use both of them as sweeteners in recipes. Both syrups can be part of the preparation of savory dishes and confections. It is because of their ability to not crystallize like sugar at high temperatures. The use of dark corn syrup as a replacement for light corn depends on the type of recipe you are making.
Ingredients
Light corn syrup contains vanilla and salt. Whereas refiner’s sugar that is a kind of molasses is added in preparation for dark corn syrup. The presence of molasses is the main distinguishing feature between both types of syrup. The color of recipes made using dark corn syrup as an alternative for light corn syrup will be slightly different due to molasses.
Flavor
Dark corn syrup has a caramel flavor. Its color is somewhat similar to soya sauce. Light corn gives a hint of floral vanilla flavor. The use of dark corn syrup will add the same sweetness and texture to recipes like that of light corn syrup. If you are looking for a light corn syrup substitute for use in pie filling recipes, then dark corn syrup is a good option as it will enhance the flavor note. The dark corn syrup will give a strong caramel flavor to the pie filling.
In some situations, the use of dark corn syrup as a replacement for light corn will not be reasonable. Its because it will alter the specific colors along with the taste of dishes such as light-colored ice creams, candies, etc.
Recipes
Both light and dark corn syrup can be efficiently replaced in recipes to give them a sweet taste like in desserts. In the pecan pie recipe, both light or dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably. Light corn syrup will give a delicate vanilla flavor to the pie. Whereas, the addition of dark corn syrup will give a more robust flavor. Dark corn syrup is most suitable for candies due to its ability to resist crystallization in candies.
You can replace dark corn syrup with light corn syrup in recipes as per your choice. The ingredients of both light and dark corn syrup are almost the same. Your choice should be dependent on the type of recipes you are making. If the dish you are following is not sensitive to coloring then, the dark corn syrup choice will be more reasonable.