IDEA ALLEY: Light, dark corn syrup differ in flavor | Arkansas Democrat Gazette (2024)

Recipes that appear in Idea Alley have not been tested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

As of deadline, I've only heard from a couple of readers regarding last week's plea for recipes and questions. I'm sure more will arrive any time now. However, the Head Kat is going on vacation so there will not be a column Nov. 6.

"What is the difference between light and dark [Karo syrup] for pecan pie?"

-- Jeff Everett of Tumbling Shoals

Karo is a popular brand of corn syrup and is used in many recipes.

Most often when a recipe specifies light or dark corn syrup it is simply the preference of the recipe creator. Light corn syrup has a mild, sweet flavor and is absolutely colorless. Dark corn syrup gets its brown color from the inclusion of molasses, which also adds a richer flavor.

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances.

In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

Some people prefer to use light corn syrup feeling that it lets the true flavor of the pecans shine, while others believe the caramely burnt notes of dark corn syrup complement the flavor of the pecans.

The following recipes are from the Idea Alley archives.

Jenny Ann Boyer's Pecan Pie

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust, Pillsbury recommended

3 eggs

¾ cup sugar

4 tablespoons butter, melted

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup light corn syrup

½ cup butter-flavor pancake syrup ( Boyer uses Walmart store brand)

1 ½ cups pecan halves

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a glass pie plate with pie crust.

Beat the eggs with an electric mixer.

In a separate bowl, stir together the sugar, butter, salt, vanilla and syrups. Gently fold into eggs, then fold in the pecans. Pour filling into the pie crust. Bake 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees, then reduce oven to 325 degrees and bake 10 to 25 minutes more, or until pie is no longer wobbly in the center. Start checking for doneness after the pie has baked for a total of 30 minutes.

Makes 1 pie.

Betty Caton's Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

1 (9-inch) baked pie shell, cooled

¾ cup dark corn syrup

½ cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons butter OR margarine, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch salt

3 eggs

1 ½ cups pecan halves, toasted

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, salt and eggs until well blended. Gently stir in pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool on wire rack for at least 3 hours before serving.

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week.

Variation: Bourbon Pecan Pie, add 2 tablespoons bourbon and ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg to the egg mixture.

REQUEST

• Pumpkin soup like the one that was served at the now-closed Starving Artist Cafe in North Little Rock for Carole Baxter.

Send recipe contributions, requests and culinary questions to Kelly Brant, Idea Alley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR 72203; email:

kbrant@arkansasonline.com

Please include a daytime phone number.

Food on 10/30/2019

IDEA ALLEY: Light, dark corn syrup differ in flavor | Arkansas Democrat Gazette (2024)

FAQs

IDEA ALLEY: Light, dark corn syrup differ in flavor | Arkansas Democrat Gazette? ›

Most often when a recipe specifies light or dark corn syrup it is simply the preference of the recipe creator. Light corn syrup has a mild, sweet flavor and is absolutely colorless. Dark corn syrup gets its brown color from the inclusion of molasses, which also adds a richer flavor.

What's the difference between light corn syrup and dark corn syrup? ›

Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams. Karo light corn syrup is made with real vanilla. Dark corn syrup is made with refiners' syrup, a type of molasses. With its more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods.

What is the flavor of dark corn syrup? ›

Dark corn syrup turns a caramel color because of that molasses addition. This gives it a distinct flavor that tends to add a sweet, smoky taste to foods. It's often used in dishes like pecan pie and gingerbread cookies.

Which is better for pecan pie, light or dark corn syrup? ›

Light corn syrup has a milder flavor than dark corn syrup. But you can use either in pecan pie. If you like a more robust, molasses-like flavored pie, try using dark.

Is there a difference between Karo syrup and corn syrup? ›

Karo Syrup IS corn syrup. However, Karo does not contain high fructose corn syrup, the ingredient that has the medical community up in arms.

Is Karo dark corn syrup the same as molasses? ›

Like molasses, dark syrup is a liquid sweetener with dark brown color. But unlike molasses, dark corn syrup has a fairly simple taste compared to molasses' robust flavor profile. BTW, you can use dark corn syrup as a 1:1 swap for molasses.

What is the best substitute for light corn syrup? ›

The best light corn syrup substitutes are golden syrup, brown rice syrup, golden or amber maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, simple syrup, and light honey.

Should pecan pie be refrigerated? ›

According to the USDA, homemade egg-rich pies, including pecan pie, must be refrigerated after cooking and cooling to prevent the growth of bacteria. They recommend chilling pies promptly, and as a general rule, not leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours.

Can you add molasses to light corn syrup? ›

Molasses can be used in place of dark corn syrup in an equal amount when making baked goods, glazes, and sauces. Alternatively, you can combine 1 part molasses with 3 parts light corn syrup to match the color, flavor, and consistency of dark corn syrup more closely.

Can I use molasses instead of dark corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

Mix one part of molasses to three parts of honey to make a dark corn syrup substitute. This version will have a comparable thickness and volume but will be sweeter than the corn syrup.

Should you refrigerate corn syrup? ›

How should Karo® Syrups be stored? Before or after opening, Karo® Syrups may be stored at room temperature. Storage conditions affect product quality. Light corn syrup may turn slightly yellow with age, but this is normal and won't affect results.

Does Karo syrup help with constipation in adults? ›

Constipation is difficulty passing stools, and people have long used Karo regular corn syrup to promote the smoother passing of stools. Certain proteins in Karo syrups have a laxative effect. However, they are a genetically modified (GM) food and would not be suitable for people who choose a non-GM diet.

Is Karo corn syrup 100% glucose? ›

Both products are made from corn starch, but regular corn syrup is 100 percent glucose, while high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has had some of its glucose converted to fructose enzymatically. ... Manufacturers sometimes add HFCS to regular corn syrup, but it will be listed as an ingredient if that is the case.

What is the use of Karo syrup? ›

Share on Pinterest Karo is a type of corn syrup that has a laxative effect. People mainly use Karo syrup in recipes to keep food moist and prevent sugar crystallization. Karo syrup is a commercial corn syrup derived from the starch of maize. Corn syrup is an old home remedy for constipation.

Is dark corn syrup healthy? ›

Indeed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that overconsumption of either variety of corn syrup can be harmful to health. Each variety has been linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, "and studies show that corn syrup increases appetite, thus promoting obesity," says Young.

What is light corn syrup used for? ›

Light corn syrup has been clarified and decolorized; it is used in baked goods, jams and jellies, and many other food products. Because it does not crystallize when heated, it is particularly valued as an ingredient in candies. Dark corn syrup is made by combining…

What is a substitute for dark corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Golda Nolan II

Last Updated:

Views: 6625

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Golda Nolan II

Birthday: 1998-05-14

Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

Phone: +522993866487

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.