This 3-ingredient brown sugar simple syrup takes just 5 minutes to make and is cheaper than Starbucks! Add it to coffee, cocktails, or desserts for rich caramel flavor. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
This easy Brown Sugar Syrup will be your new go-to secret ingredient! It’s simple, ready in 5 minutes, and adds rich notes of vanilla and caramel to anything it’s added to.
Similar to Starbucks, this syrup can be used in coffees, lattes, and other cafe drinks for an instant boost of flavor. It can also be added to cocktails, pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream - you name it!
Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to create the ultimate fall-inspired flavor booster.
Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this versatile syrup (which is naturally vegan and gluten-free) deserves a permanent spot in your fridge. Trust me - once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
If you love flavoring your drinks and food with homemade simple syrups, be sure to try my Strawberry Simple Syrup and Lavender Simple Syrup.
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WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BROWN SUGAR SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE
- With just 3 pantry staples, you’re minutes away from a syrup that tastes like it simmered all day. No specialty stores, no fuss.
- Ready in 5 minutes flat - faster than a coffee shop line. Adjust the simmer time to make it silky for cocktails or lusciously thick for pancake drizzles.
- It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free - a guilt-free way to elevate drinks and desserts without artificial additives.
- The dark brown sugar (with its molasses richness) and vanilla pods create a deep, toasty sweetness. It's like liquid crème brûlée for your recipes!
- From whiskey sours to vanilla lattes, oatmeal to ice cream sundaes, this syrup is your secret weapon with unlimited versatility.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE BROWN SUGAR SIMPLE SYRUP
- Sugar: This recipe calls for dark brown sugar which is the base for the syrup. The dark brown sugar contains more molasses for a richer flavor compared to lighter brown sugars. You could use light brown sugar, if you prefer.
- Vanilla: I’ve used extracted vanilla pods which can be found in your spice aisle in any grocery store. The extracted seeds add an incredible vanilla flavor that's worth spending money on. If you do not have vanilla pods, you can use 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Water: Although I usually never consider this an ingredient, it's vital for any homemade syrup. Filtered or spring water is great for this brown sugar simple syrup recipe, but you could also use regular tap water.
- Optional: Add a few cinnamon sticks into the simmering mixture if you'd like some delicious cinnamon notes in your simple syrup brown sugar.
HOW TO EXTRACT VANILLA SEEDS
In order to obtain the most flavor from your vanilla pod it’s important to extract the seeds or they may not "escape" in time.
This may sound a bit complicated, but it really couldn’t be easier.
Here's what you need to do:
- Place your vanilla pod on a small cutting board.
- With a paring knife, run the blade down the middle of the pod like you are splitting it in half but without cutting all the way through.
- Hold the blade of your knife perpendicular to the pod and run it down the length scraping out as many seeds as possible. Scoop the seeds into the pot.
HOW TO MAKE BROWN SIMPLE SUGAR SYRUP
- Add brown sugar, water, seeds from the vanilla pod, and the pod itself to a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately lower the heat to a soft simmer for 5 to 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the syrup thickens and sugar is fully dissolved.
- Strain the vanilla pod and let the syrup cool completely.
- Add your brown sugar simple syrup to drinks, food, and other recipes, or store it in an airtight jar until ready to use.
ALEKA'S EXPERT TIPS
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer caramel-like flavor.
- Simmer the vanilla pod along with the seeds to extract the most flavor (just be sure to strain it before using!)
- Aim for a gentle simmer. Boiling the water will evaporate too quickly, causing a sticky mess.
- Watch the syrup carefully in order to prevent it from cooking for too long.
- To fix a thick syrup, turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- The longer you simmer the syrup, the more concentrated, thicker and sweeter the flavor becomes. I find that 15-20 minutes is a good time to aim for.
VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS
While this rich, glossy syrup is delicious as is, you could try one of these options to customize it and add more flavor:
- Cinnamon: Steep a cinnamon stick in the mixture in addition to the vanilla pod to add a hint of warm, spicy flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Add a fall twist to this brown sugar syrup by mixing in ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Nutmeg and clove: ⅛-¼ teaspoon of each of these spices is enough to add delicious Fall flavor to this brown sugar simple syrup.
STORAGE
Store this brown sugar simple syrup in a sealable glass jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks!
If you wish to freeze it, I recommend doing so in ice cube trays measured out into ½ ounce and 1 ounce portions - perfect for drinks!
WAYS TO USE BROWN SUGAR SIMPLE SYRUP
Cocktails: While this syrup will work in most cocktails, it works especially well in those with a whiskey, brandy, or bourbon base (like my pumpkin margarita and fall bourbon cocktail) because it enhances the warm undertones of the alcohol.
Mocktails: This is such a great way to make a mocktail taste like the real deal!
Coffee: Shake up your morning coffee and ditch the regular syrups. Replace it with this brown sugar syrup for warm, caramely notes that work especially well in lattes and cappuccinos.
Desserts: Drizzle it over ice cream, brownies, or cinnamon rolls and you’ve got a mouth watering treat.
Topping for cakes and muffins: Brush this rich brown sugar simple syrup over dessert breads, muffins, or cakes as a sweet topping. It's also great as a way to flavor vanilla frosting for your cakes and cupcakes!
Breakfast: If used in moderation, you will LOVE this thick, glossy syrup served over pancakes, waffles, or on French toast! You could also stir it into your morning oatmeal for a sweet, cozy breakfast.
Glaze: Use this brown sugar simple syrup as a glaze for chicken, ham, or pork.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Just 3 simple ingredients! Brown sugar, vanilla, and water!
You can buy the syrup at some stores, but it's really expensive. Why not make it from home instead? It's much cheaper and it's super easy!
Yes, it is very similar! In order to get it as close to Starbucks’ as possible, simmer it to a thin consistency so that it mixes into drinks much easier.
The difference between the two comes down to consistency. This brown sugar simple syrup is much thicker, stickier, and has that classic “syrup” consistency. A simple syrup is much runnier and is usually made with granulated sugar.
Yes, technically you can use granulated sugar, but the flavor of this syrup will change.
1-2 teaspoons of this syrup should be enough to sweeten your coffee, but this depends on personal preference.
More Syrup Mixes You May Like To Try:
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredients
Method
- Add brown sugar, water seeds from the vanilla pod and the pod itself to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and then immediately lower heat to a simmer for 5 minutes or up to 20 minutes for a THICKER more concentrated syrup. I recommend longer.
- Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves.
- Strain vanilla pod and let syrup cool.
- Store in glass jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!