sweetness

Honey can be replaced in just about any recipe by using a 50/50 mix (by volume) of granulated sugar and water to prepare a simple syrup.  But to obtain a level of sweetness anywhere near that of honey you'll need to use about 1 1/2 times (or more) as much simple syrup than the amount of honey specified in your formula.  You can play with the simple sugar mix and melt granulated sugar at a ratio approaching 75/25 but then you're venturing into the area of making candy and you'd have to monitor that mixture very closely.  Have you tried corn syrup?

If you use a substitute for honey, be sure to adjust your hydration level for the formula you're working with.

That said, nothing comes close to honey as a sweetener in recipes because honey carries other flavors with it that are not present in simple sugars.

Since I am vegan I use agave syrup, particularly the Raw agave. It works great as a substitute to honey and is used widely by many vegans as a honey substitute. It tends to be a bit sweeter and thus you should use a bit less, but I myself always use the called for amount in the recipe, especially when baking.

You can find agave nectar/syrup in well stocked larger super markets or at your local Co-Op!

Enjoy!

I've used maple syrup instead of honey in my buttermilk sourdough and have tasted no difference.