This simple Brown Sugar Syrup adds a deep caramel-like sweetness to drinks, pancakes, and desserts. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Brown sugar syrup is a staple in my kitchen because it’s so versatile and incredibly easy to make. With just two ingredients—brown sugar and water—you can whip up a smooth, caramel-like syrup that enhances everything from your morning coffee to your favorite cocktails.
The warm, rich sweetness of the brown sugar makes it perfect for adding depth to both drinks and desserts.
What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily toss in a cinnamon stick or a splash of vanilla for some extra flavor.
Whether you drizzle it over pancakes or stir it into your tea, this brown sugar syrup adds a deep, cozy sweetness that just makes everything better. And the best part? It’s ready in less than 15 minutes.
Making this syrup couldn’t be easier. You just mix the sugar and water in a saucepan, let it simmer gently, and in no time, you’ve got a jar full of golden-brown syrup that’s good for weeks. Plus, it’s an ideal make-ahead recipe for those who love meal prep or gifting homemade treats.
When you first taste this syrup, you’ll notice the rich molasses notes from the brown sugar (use dark brown sugar for a more molasses flavor), which give it a deeper, more complex sweetness than plain white sugar syrup.
It’s a bit like liquid caramel but with a slightly lighter, more balanced flavor. You can use it in so many ways: in your coffee for a homemade sweetener, in cocktails for a subtle sweetness, or even over French toast for a morning treat.
If you love simple syrup recipes, then I have a LOT here for you. Check them all out in this list of Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipes. Personal highlights are Blueberry Syrup, Coffee Syrup, Chai Syrup and Mint Syrup!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Only two ingredients and less than 15 minutes are all it takes to make this syrup.
- Versatile: Use it in coffee, cocktails, on pancakes, or even in baking.
- Customizable: Add a cinnamon stick, vanilla, or a pinch of salt for extra layers of flavor.
- Long-Lasting: It stores well in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute hosting.
- Affordable: You probably already have brown sugar and water in your pantry, so no need to run to the store!
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: The star of the recipe. You can use either light or dark brown sugar depending on your taste preference. Dark brown sugar has a deeper molasses flavor, while light is slightly milder and more caramely. Substitution: Coconut sugar or raw sugar can also work, but they will alter the flavor.
- Water: Simple, but essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the syrup.
- Optional Flavorings:
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, comforting aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a warm, spicy note into the syrup—great for fall or winter recipes.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor without making the syrup salty.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
In a small saucepan, stir the brown sugar and water together.
Heat over a medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved.
Don’t allow the mixture to boil, but reduce the heat and let the brown sugar syrup simmer for 10 minutes.
Optional Flavoring: If you'd like to add extra flavorings, add in a cinnamon stick during the simmering process, or stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, or a pinch of salt, after simmering.
The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks in an airtight container.
To store for longer, or for gifting, store in a sanitised jar or bottle for up to a month.
Variations
- Vanilla Brown Sugar Syrup: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end for a smooth, fragrant twist.
- Cinnamon Brown Sugar Syrup: Add a cinnamon stick while simmering to infuse a cozy, spicy flavor.
- Salted Brown Sugar Syrup: A pinch of salt at the end enhances the sweetness and adds complexity.
- Citrus Brown Sugar Syrup: Add a strip of orange or lemon peel for a bright, zesty note.
- Spiced Brown Sugar Syrup: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for a more aromatic, warming version.
Serving Suggestions
- Coffee and Tea: Stir a spoonful into your hot or iced coffee or tea for a sweet, rich flavor.
- Cocktails: Use it as a sweetener in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or whiskey sour.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a homemade syrup alternative.
- Oatmeal: Mix into your morning oatmeal for a quick, flavorful sweetener.
- Baking: Swap it in for honey or maple syrup in baked goods like muffins or cakes.
Storage
Store: Store your brown sugar syrup in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you’d like to keep it even longer, sterilize your jar before storing, and it can last up to a month.
Top tips
- Don’t let it boil: Keep the syrup at a low simmer to avoid crystallization and ensure a smooth texture.
- Stir often: This helps the sugar dissolve evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Customize the flavor: Play around with optional ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla to create your perfect syrup.
FAQ
Yes, but the flavor will be less rich and caramel-like.
It will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, or longer if stored in a sterilized container.
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📖 Recipe
Brown Sugar Syrup
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar light or dark
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cinnamon stick, or a pinch of salt (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, stir the brown sugar and water together.
- Heat over a medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Don’t allow the mixture to boil, but reduce the heat and let the brown sugar syrup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Optional Flavoring: If you'd like to add extra flavorings, add in a cinnamon stick during the simmering process, or stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, or a pinch of salt, after simmering. Remove the cinnamon stick before storing the syrup.
- At the end of simmering, remove the pan of syrup from the heat and let it cool. Pour it into a clean jar or bottle for short term storage.
- The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks in an airtight container.
- To store for longer, or for gifting, store in a sanitised jar or bottle for up to a month.
- This brown sugar syrup is perfect for adding to coffee, tea, cocktails, or drizzling over pancakes!
Notes
Add: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter at the end, for a brown sugar butter syrup.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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