โญ Brown Rice Syrup (Best Vegan Option)
1 1/4 cups brown rice syrup per 1 cup maple syrupBrown rice syrup is a good alternative due to its viscous texture and mild sweetness, which helps maintain the moisture and binding properties in carrot cake batter. Its subtle nutty flavor complements the earthy sweetness of carrots and spices.
Because it is less sweet than maple syrup, increasing the amount by 25% helps balance sweetness without overpowering the cake. Monitor batter consistency and add a tablespoon of liquid if it becomes too thick.
The final cake will be slightly denser and less sweet, with a more muted flavor profile, but still moist and tender.