Making your own homemade syrup is a great way to control the ingredients that go into it, as well as the sweetness. You can also make a larger quantity for a fraction of the cost of store-bought syrups. This recipe makes about 2 cups, which will be enough for several batches of pancakes or waffles.
What is syrup?
Traditionally, the syrup is a thick, sweet liquid made from sugar and water. It’s used to top pancakes and waffles, or as a sweetener in cocktails and other drinks.

Ingredients
- White sugar – You’ll need this for the syrup itself. You can use any type of white sugar, including granulated, caster, or even superfine.
- Water – This is used to dissolve the sugar and create syrup.
- Vanilla extract – This is completely optional, but it does add a nice flavor to the syrup. If you don’t have any on hand, you can leave them out.
- Brown sugar – This gives the syrup a nice caramel flavor. If you don’t have any, you can omit it or substitute white sugar.
How to Make Homemade Syrup
- Add all of your ingredients to a medium-size saucepan. Whisk and continue to mix together.
- Cook on medium heat until it starts to boil while continuing to whisk.
- Once it starts to boil, remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use. It will thicken as it cools.
How long does it take to make the syrup?
From start to finish, this recipe only takes about 10 minutes.
What can I do with leftover syrup?
If you have any syrup leftover, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage. Thaw frozen syrup in the fridge overnight before using.

Tips and Tricks
- If you want a thinner syrup, you can add more water. If you want it thicker, cook it for a longer period of time or add less water.
- You can use any type of sugar that you have on hand. Brown sugar will give it a caramel flavor, while white sugar will keep it light and sweet.
- If you want to flavor your syrup, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract. You could also try other extracts like almond or mint.
- If you find that your syrup is too sweet, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance it out.
FAQ for Homemade Syrup
How long will homemade syrup last?
Homemade syrup will last for about a month if stored in a cool, dark place. If you want it to last longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to six months.
What is the best way to use homemade syrup?
The best way to use homemade syrup is on pancakes, waffles, or French toast. You can also use it to top ice cream or yogurt, or in coffee or tea.
Can I flavor my homemade syrup?
Yes! You can flavor your homemade syrup with any extract you like. Try vanilla, almond, or even mint. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to create fun colors.
My syrup is too thick/thin. What can I do?
If your syrup is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can cook it for a little longer to thicken it up.
The homemade syrup is a great way to save money and control the ingredients in your food. With this recipe, you can easily make a large batch of delicious syrup in just 10 minutes. Give it a try the next time you’re making pancakes or waffles!
What Can I Eat with Homemade Syrup?

Homemade Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Add all of your ingredients to a medium-size saucepan.
-
Whisk and continue to mix together.
-
Cook on medium heat until it starts to boil while continuing to whisk.
-
Once it starts to boil, remove from heat and allow to cool.
-
Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use. It will thicken as it cools.