How to Prepare Brown Sugar Syrup at Home

This brown sugar syrup can be prepared in just 5 minutes and is packed with a deep caramel taste. Ideal for sweetening coffee beverages, pancakes, and many other dishes!

Of course, you can enhance your lattes and iced espresso using traditional simple syrup. However, this homemade brown sugar syrup has become my latest go-to! It not only sweetens but infuses an even richer flavor: its deep caramel notes provide an intensely comforting experience, complemented by hints of toffee and vanilla. Additionally, it requires only 5 minutes to make and is great for coffee drinks, pancakes, and even cocktails and mocktails.

The first time I sampled a Starbucks Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, I was captivated and felt compelled to create my own homemade version. Now, I always have a jar stored in my fridge!

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

– **Fast and simple.** It comes together in less than 5 minutes using just brown sugar and water.
– **Rich, layered flavor.** The molasses content in brown sugar delivers a decadent caramel-toffee taste that’s more intriguing than simple syrup.
– **Flexible use.** Incorporate it into lattes and iced coffee, drizzle on pancakes and waffles, mix into oatmeal, or use it in cocktails.
– **Cost-effective.** Avoid costly trips to Starbucks or purchasing expensive syrups from Torani.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”This is fantastic. Perfect for tea to create tea lattes. Delicious!” -Carilyn S.

Ingredients You’ll Require

– **Brown sugar:** You have the option to utilize either light or dark brown sugar: whatever is accessible! Naturally, dark brown sugar has a slightly richer caramel flavor. Coconut sugar or cane sugar could also be alternatives, though the taste may vary.
– **Water:** Standard tap or filtered water is suitable. The ratio is equal parts: 1 cup of water to 1 cup of brown sugar.
– **Optional extras:** Include a ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for added warmth or 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks for a comforting spice essence.

How to Create Brown Sugar Syrup

Brown sugar syrup is simply a variation of simple syrup: it’s a liquid sweetener created with equal amounts of brown sugar and water. Due to the presence of molasses, it offers a profound flavor with caramel and toffee undertones. It has gained popularity from its use in Starbucks beverages, but it’s extremely easy to prepare at home. All you need is brown sugar! Here’s how:

1. **Mix sugar and water:** Combine ½ cup each of brown sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove.
2. **Heat until it dissolves:** Warm over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until completely dissolved. Avoid simmering!
3. **Let it cool:** Take it off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Microwave option: Combine your brown sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl or large mason jar. Heat on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15-second increments until the sugar fully dissolves. This should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes total.

Storage Suggestions

Keep homemade syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. A glass bottle facilitates easy pouring and is optimal for storage, or a glass mason jar can also work well. The flavor remains relatively stable over time, and it can last even longer.

Usage Suggestions

This brown sugar syrup is incredibly adaptable, suitable for everything from Starbucks beverages to breakfast! I designed it specifically for my Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso recipe (which I strongly recommend). However, there are numerous ways to incorporate delightful cozy flavor notes.

Coffee and Tea Beverages

Several of my favorite coffee and tea beverages would be delightful with brown sugar syrup as the sweetener:

Baking and Sweets

Brown sugar syrup can serve as a versatile sweetening agent in baking and desserts as well:

– Brush it on cakes or muffins, such as Pumpkin Muffins
– Drizzle it over ice cream or frozen yogurt
– Replace other liquid sweeteners in recipes with it

Cocktails and Mocktails

Utilizing brown sugar syrup brings depth to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The caramel undertones harmonize well with:

You can also gift homemade brown sugar syrup. Pour it into a small glass bottle or mason jar, add a label, and it becomes a wonderful gift for coffee enthusiasts. Pair it with a bag of quality coffee beans for a thoughtful host gift or holiday surprise!

Dietary Information

This brown sugar syrup recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Common Inquiries

**How long does homemade brown sugar syrup remain good?** Homemade brown sugar syrup lasts up to 1 month when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always inspect for signs of spoilage like cloudiness, mold, or an odd smell before using.

**Is brown sugar syrup good for you?** Brown sugar syrup is fundamentally brown sugar dissolved in water, thus it contains the same carbohydrates, minimal saturated fat,