Homemade simple syrup recipe

Syrup isn’t just for pancakes anymore. It’s a versatile addition to your kitchen, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, stirring into your morning coffee, or even topping off a bowl of ice cream. While I’ve always loved simple syrups, store-bought varieties are packed with preservatives and artificial flavors. Instead, let’s make a whole and delicious alternative instead.

Today, we’re talking about homemade syrup – simple, natural, and a delicious addition to any drink or dish. I have three separate recipes (all really easy) to cater towards every palette and taste levels, so let’s dive right in.

Why Homemade Syrup?

Now, you might be wondering, why bother making syrup from scratch when you can grab a bottle from the store? I promise that homemade is so much better (and ridiculously easy), but here’s why I love it so much:

Homemade simple syrups recipe

1. It’s All-Natural: No weird chemicals or preservatives here—just pure, wholesome ingredients that you can actually pronounce.

2. Endless Flavor Possibilities: With homemade syrup, the flavor possibilities are endless. From classic maple to fruity blends and rich caramel, you can customize it to suit what you like to eat.

3. It’s Surprisingly Easy: I know the kitchen isn’t everyone’s strong suit, but all of these syrup recipes were designed to be easy and novice-friendly. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, and you’ll have a delicious homemade syrup.

4. Impress Your Loved Ones: While I do the majority of my baking/cooking from scratch, there’s something about elevating your basics that just feels like an extra touch of love. My family and friends always compliment my syrups and ask for the brand, so it’s with a lot of confidence that I say these recipes are fan favorites.

Homemade Syrup Recipe: Pancake Syrup

Let’s start with the ultimate class and my family’s favorite – pancake syrup. Think of this as the ultimate addition to any breakfast that gives that warm and homey taste. 

Pancake Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup pure cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon maple extract (optional)

Pancake Syrup Steps:

  1. Combine water and sugar in a skillet and heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and maple extract (if you want that extra maple kick).
  3. Let it cool for a bit, then transfer it into a mason jar.
  4. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay good for about two weeks.

Homemade Syrup Recipe: Berry Syrup

Now, let’s switch things up with a burst of fruity goodness, the berry syrup. It’s perfect for those who want a little more flavor added to their dishes, or those that want the tang of fruit to cut out the syrupy sweetness a bit more.

Berry Syrup Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup pure cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Berry Syrup Steps:

  1. In a skillet, combine berries, water, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Let it simmer until the berries soften and release their juices, giving your kitchen that irresistible aroma.
  3. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
  4. Once cooled, pour it into a jar and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for two weeks, but trust us, it won’t last that long.

Homemade Syrup Recipe: Caramel Syrup

Last but certainly not least, we have the deliciously sweet and rich caramel syrup. Of all the syrups on this list, it’s the most decadent. Think of it like adding a sweet treat to any dish or drink.

Caramel Syrup Ingredients:

  • ½ cup pure cane sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Caramel Syrup Steps:

  1. In a skillet, combine sugars of choice and water and heat until it transforms into a beautiful amber color, swirling the pan occasionally.
  2. Carefully add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring until everything is smooth and heavenly.
  3. Let it cool for a bit before transferring it into a mason jar.
  4. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll be good to go for the next two weeks. 

So there you have it—three simple syrup recipes to elevate your breakfasts, desserts, or anything that needs a little added sweetness. Whether you enjoy pancake, berry, or caramel flavors, I promise there’s homemade syrup here for you. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Homemade simple syrup recipe

Homemade Syrups Recipe

Here are the instructions for delicious pancake, caramel, and berry syrup!
Total Time4 minutes

Ingredients  

Pancake Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup pure cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp maple extract (optional)

Berry Syrup Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup pure cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Caramel Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pure cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions 

Pancake Syrup Instructions:

  1. Combine water and sugar in a skillet and heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and maple extract (if you want that extra maple kick).
  3. Let it cool for a bit, then transfer it into a mason jar.
  4. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it'll stay good for about two weeks.

Berry Syrup Instructions:

  1.  In a skillet, combine berries, water, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Let it simmer until the berries soften and release their juices, giving your kitchen that irresistible aroma.
  3. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
  4. Once cooled, pour it into a jar and stash it in the fridge. It'll keep for two weeks, but trust us, it won't last that long.

Caramel Syrup Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, combine sugars and water and heat until it transforms into a beautiful amber color, swirling the pan occasionally.
  2. Carefully add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring until everything is smooth and heavenly.
  3. Let it cool for a bit before transferring it into a mason jar.
  4. Pop it in the fridge, and it'll be good to go for the next two weeks.

Curious To Find More Easy Homemade Recipes?

Once you start making homemade and healthy recipes, I promise there’s no going back. If you’re looking to start making the switch to more whole foods and meals in home, I want to help! My recipe book, Staples Made Simple, will give you a complete guide on how to make everyday recipes that are good for the body and the soul.

MilkMaid Farm: Staples Made Simple

Have you ever tried making your own syrup before? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: