Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup

Every cup of coffee should never be the same after you learn how to make this homemade brown sugar syrup. The 2-ingredient recipe takes less than 15 minutes and is more than affordable. Not to mention the true advantage of having a substitute for maple syrup at hand anytime.

My grandma always served her coffee with sugar syrup as a sweetener, so I grew up with its unique smell and taste. I can still remember how I adored the mornings when she would have to prepare it. I’ve never understood how something so delicious can be prepared with so few ingredients.

What Is Brown Sugar Simple Syrup Made Of?

INGREDIENTS FOR BROWN SUGAR SIMPLE SYRUP

2 cups of brown sugar

2 cups of boiling water

2 sticks of cinnamon or vanilla (if you prefer flavored sugar syrup)

The homemade brown sugar syrup is a variation on simple syrup: it’s a liquid sweetener made with equal parts brown sugar and water.

How to Use Brown Sugar Simple Syrup?

That is the part I love the most when it comes to sugar syrup recipes: its versatility. It’s really satisfying to always have in hand a “fancy” sweetener at home. You can use it in coffee, tea, and iced coffee anytime. Not to mention the subtle toffee flavor it gives to any drink. For instance, if you are in the mood for a sweet cocktail, use brown sugar syrup as a sweetener. It’s especially recommended if you want to prepare whiskey or bourbon-based cocktails.

Also, if you prefer something more refreshing like milk bubble tea, use our secret sweetener when preparing the fruit syrup and also when serving. From my “tea afternoons” experience, I’ve learned that ladies are far more impressed by a liquid sweetener. It’s kind of funny to observe how eager they are to use the syrup instead of granulated sugar. I guess it’s because the sugar syrup doesn’t make you feel so guilty about consuming sweets. However, I prefer it for the flavor and the convenience.

Last but not least, you can always transform your simple syrup into thick brown sugar syrup for all your desserts. You can use it as a topping for waffles, pancakes, muffins, and ice cream. Also, I love to top my apple pie with brown sugar syrup for the extra toffee hint.

How to Make Thick Homemade Sugar Syrup for Topping

If you want to prepare thick brown sugar syrup as a topping, you’ll only need to use some corn syrup. Next, in a medium saucepan, bring the sugars, corn syrup, and water to a boil. After that, reduce the heat and simmer vigorously for 10 15 minutes, until the syrup thickens.

INGREDIENTS FOR A THICK BROWN SUGAR SYROP

2 cups of brown sugar

2 cups of boiling water

1/4 cup of light corn syrup

How Do You Keep Sugar Syrup from Crystallizing?

Now, my loves, it’s time for a little chemistry lesson! Don’t worry; it all was a little foggy for me, too, at first. However, once you understand the crystallization process, the failure will be a memory!

First, it’s important to know that sugar crystals form after heated sugar molecules cool down into a hard structure. So, sugar will latch onto other particulates like burnt caramel or dirt, and the crystallization process will spread once formed. Therefore, keep in mind that unclean pots, hard water, excessive stirring, and impure sugar can all cause sugar to crystallize.

• Use only super clean and dry pots and pans.
• If you have water with high mineral content, consider investing in a water filter or purifying pitcher.
• To avoid impure sugar, use a clean scoop when you measure out the sugar.
• Add corn syrup or a mild acid like lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar to break up crystallization as an alternative solution. Keep in mind that adding more of the syrup or acid will affect the flavor noticeably.

How Do You Preserve Homemade Syrup?

Even though it only takes some minutes to make fresh sugar syrup, I know how we all prefer to make it beforehand. So, here are some tips and tricks about preserving homemade syrup the best way!

• Store the brown sugar syrup in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Make sure that your container is well cleaned and dry.
• Try using a glass container to store your homemade syrup.
• Once the simple syrup is ready to store, remove the additional ingredients (cinnamon or vanilla sticks). Leaving other ingredients in the simple syrup will shorten its shelf life.

How Long Does Homemade Sugar Syrup Last?

You can safely store homemade syrup for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Also, when you choose the container in which you’ll store the syrup, go for a glass bottle or a glass mason jar. The smell and taste are preserved best in a glass container.

Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Brown Sugar Syrup

Sweet Final Thoughts

Finally, there you have it: a simple brown sugar syrup, perfect for frappes and pancakes! What do you think about it? Did you find it difficult to avoid syrup crystallization? Did you go for the simple recipe, or did you add some extra cinnamon flavor? How did you use your homemade sugar syrup? Tell me everything in the comment section below.

Last but not least, don’t forget that your input on every recipe I have is extremely valuable. It really helps me know what you actually think about my work and how you would improve it. So, keep on asking any questions in the comments section. I will make sure to respond as soon as possible!