Ah, Karo syrup – a pantry staple that’s been delighting taste buds for generations. This sweet and tangy liquid gold is more than just a simple ingredient, it’s a key player in many beloved classic recipes. From pecan pie to caramel sauce, fudge to glazed ham, Karo syrup brings a rich, velvety texture and a depth of flavor that elevates any dish.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 irresistible Karo syrup recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these classic treats will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone wanting more.
Let’s get started with some old-school goodness…
Pecan Pie with Karo Syrup
Classic Pecan Pie with Karo Syrup Recipe
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A traditional Southern dessert, pecan pie is a staple at many holiday gatherings. This recipe uses Karo Syrup to give the filling a rich, smooth texture and deep flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup (Karo)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, Karo Syrup, and eggs until well combined.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Add pecan halves and stir until they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture.
5. Roll out pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour filling into the pie crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Karo Syrup Caramel Sauce
Elevate your desserts with this rich and creamy caramel sauce made with Karo Syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup (Karo)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. Combine the Karo Syrup, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the butter and sea salt until smooth.
5. Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before using.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Old-Fashioned Karo Syrup Fudge
Bring back nostalgic memories with this classic recipe that’s simple to make and indulgent to eat. This old-fashioned fudge is a staple at many family gatherings, and its rich, caramel-like flavor is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup (Karo)
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 12 ounces white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
4. Melt white chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
5. Pour melted chocolate mixture into the cooled sugar mixture and stir until combined.
6. Pour into prepared baking dish and smooth top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Karo Syrup Glazed Ham
This sweet and savory glazed ham recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With the help of Karo syrup, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup Karo light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small saucepan, combine Karo syrup, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Glaze the ham by brushing the sauce all over the surface of the ham.
5. Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Karo Syrup Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole with a Twist: Karo Syrup Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic Southern dish gets a boost from the rich, caramel-like flavor of Karo Syrup. The result is a sweet potato casserole that’s both familiar and innovative.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup Karo Syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 cups marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, Karo Syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter and heavy cream or half-and-half until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with marshmallows.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Karo Syrup Popcorn Balls
Sweet and Salty Karo Syrup Popcorn Balls
These bite-sized treats are a twist on traditional popcorn balls, adding the rich flavor of Karo Syrup to create a sweet and salty combination that’s hard to resist. Perfect for movie nights or as a fun snack at parties.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup popped popcorn, cooled
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine Karo Syrup, light corn syrup, and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
3. Add cooled popcorn to the syrup mixture and stir until well coated.
4. Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Karo Syrup Peanut Brittle
A classic Southern treat, this peanut brittle recipe is a staple of any holiday gathering. With the addition of Karo syrup, these peanuts are perfectly caramelized and chewy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peanuts
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup Karo syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine peanuts, Karo syrup, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted. Pour onto prepared baking sheet.
4. Allow to cool and set completely, about 30 minutes. Break into pieces.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Karo Syrup Marshmallow Treats
Sweet and Chewy Karo Syrup Marshmallow Treats Recipe
These classic treats are a staple at many parties and gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of deliciously sweet and chewy marshmallow treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
– 10-12 large marshmallows
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, Karo Syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface of the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften.
3. Place the marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the marshmallows are puffed and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the softened gelatin mixture to the marshmallows and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let it set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Karo Syrup Pancake Syrup
This sweet and sticky syrup is a staple for pancakes, waffles, and French toast. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this beloved condiment at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon light corn oil or vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Combine the Karo Light Corn Syrup, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the syrup reaches 230°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly add the light corn oil or vegetable oil while stirring.
5. Let the syrup cool slightly before transferring it to a glass bottle.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Karo Syrup Lemon Bars
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic lemon bar, these Karo Syrup Lemon Bars combine the brightness of lemon with the richness of caramel. Perfect for springtime or any time you need a little sunshine in your life.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter; mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Karo Syrup, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the crust.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden.
6. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Karo Syrup Chocolate Sauce
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent chocolate sauce made with Karo Syrup, a staple in many southern households. This indulgent treat is perfect for topping ice cream, cakes, or even using as a dip for fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine Karo Syrup and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
3. Add in chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Karo Syrup Pecan Tassies
These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, and the addition of Karo Syrup gives them a unique flavor boost. With a flaky pastry crust and a gooey pecan filling, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Pastry dough for tassies (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together Karo Syrup, brown sugar, pecans, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in the egg and milk until smooth.
5. Roll out pastry dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into squares or use a tassie pan.
6. Spoon the pecan mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
7. Fold the other half over filling and press edges together.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Karo Syrup Pumpkin Pie
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this classic pumpkin pie recipe, elevated by the rich flavor of Karo Syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Karo Syrup, pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs until smooth.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Karo Syrup Honey Butter
This rich and indulgent spread is perfect for topping toast, biscuits, or using as a glaze for meats and vegetables. The combination of golden honey and dark Karo syrup creates a sweet and savory flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Karo Syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until well combined.
2. Add the Karo Syrup and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None
Karo Syrup Cinnamon Rolls
These soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are infused with the rich flavor of Karo Syrup, making them a unique twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these sweet treats will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup Karo Syrup
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and Karo Syrup to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl, covering with plastic wrap.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, then spread melted butter and cinnamon sugar evenly.
7. Roll up the dough tightly, cut into 12-15 pieces, and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Karo Syrup Apple Pie
Savor the classic flavors of America’s favorite apple pie, infused with the rich caramel notes of Karo Syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup Karo Syrup
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until coated.
3. Stir in Karo Syrup until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture and dot with butter.
5. Cover with top crust or crumb topping (optional). Crimp edges to seal.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Karo Syrup Oatmeal Cookies
These soft-baked oatmeal cookies get an extra boost of flavor from the richness of Karo Syrup. Perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Karo Syrup
– 2 large eggs
– Optional: chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add Karo Syrup and mix well.
4. Beat in eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Karo Syrup Banana Bread
Sweet and moist banana bread gets a boost from Karo Syrup, adding depth and richness to this classic recipe. Perfect for a snack or dessert, this loaf is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup Karo Syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, Karo Syrup, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the egg to the banana mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Summary
Indulge in these classic Karo syrup recipes that are simply irresistible! From sweet treats like Pecan Pie with Karo Syrup and Old-Fashioned Karo Syrup Fudge to savory delights such as Karo Syrup Glazed Ham and Karo Syrup Sweet Potato Casserole, there’s something for everyone. Also try making Karo Syrup Caramel Sauce, Karo Syrup Popcorn Balls, or even Karo Syrup Pancake Syrup to elevate your breakfast game. With these 18 tried-and-true recipes, you’ll be spoiled for choice and craving more of that sweet, sticky goodness.
