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This easy homemade vanilla simple syrup recipe tastes way better than the stuff from the store, yet only uses three simple ingredients you probably have on hand. Keep a batch in your fridge for the most refreshing iced coffee, tea, sodas, and more!
Whether you love adding homemade vanilla syrup to your favorite coffee drinks or brushing it over freshly baked cakes, making your own vanilla syrup is seriously easy! Start by making a basic simple syrup with equal parts water and sugar. Then, add the vanilla flavor with one of the options listed below.
Since the sugar crystals are dissolved into the syrup, it’s the perfect liquid sweetener for cold beverages (like my go-to iced vanilla latte) as well as all of your favorite drinks.
One batch will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge, so you can easily use it all week long. You can easily scale this recipe up or down too, so make as much as you need!
Love vanilla? Try this vanilla bean infused maple syrup for the most delicious pancakes and waffles! These vanilla muffins use my homemade vanilla paste for lots of delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar – You can use any sugar you like for this homemade vanilla simple syrup. I usually use organic cane sugar from Costco.
- Water
- Vanilla – You have several different options. You can use fresh vanilla beans, vanilla sugar, homemade vanilla extract, or vanilla bean paste! Follow the step-by-step instructions below for the best results.
Equipment
To make this homemade vanilla syrup recipe, you’ll need:
- Small or medium saucepan
- Sharp knife (I used a paring knife)
- Narrow funnel
- Syrup bottles or a mason jar
How to Make Vanilla Simple Syrup (3 Ways)
With Real Vanilla Bean
- Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Use a sharp knife to slice 1-2 vanilla pods lengthwise, then carefully scrape out the caviar. Add the pods and caviar to the pan.
- Turn on the pan to medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately an hour.
- Strain out or remove the vanilla pods and store the homemade syrup in an airtight container or glass bottle.
- Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks and use as desired.
Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- Place the sugar and water in a saucepan like normal. Remove from the heat when the sugar crystals dissolve.
- Then, stir in the vanilla bean paste or extract. Stir well to incorporate, especially for the paste.
- Allow the mixture to cool and store in a glass jar as described above.
With Vanilla Sugar
- Follow the same steps in the first version (heating the water and sugar on the stove), but use vanilla sugar instead of regular white sugar.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, feel free to add up to an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or paste once you remove the syrup from the heat.
Storing
It’s best to store any homemade syrups in the fridge. This vanilla coffee syrup recipe will last for 1-2 weeks when stored this way.
Helpful Tips
- Use twice as much sugar for a rich simple syrup. This will make a really thick syrup!
- For a darker, more caramel-like flavor, replace the white sugar with brown sugar.
- Blend it in. One of my readers mentioned that she blends the vanilla pod into the syrup after it cools for an even stronger flavor. Love this tip!
- Try vanilla bean powder. Steep 1/2 TBS of vanilla bean powder into the syrup for a nice punch of flavor without the straining.
How to Use Vanilla Syrup
Once you have a batch of vanilla syrup on hand, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it! It’s a great addition to a variety of drinks, desserts, and more.
- Sweeten a vanilla simple syrup cocktail
- Drizzle over fresh fruit
- Brush on cake layers to lock in moisture
- Stir into your favorite coffee drinks
- Make a delicious homemade cream soda
- Sweeten your cup of chai or hot chocolate
- Stir into your favorite iced tea for a floral flavor
- Whip into homemade whipped cream
Flavor Variations
- Lavender vanilla simple syrup: Add up to 3 tbsp of dried lavender buds to this recipe.
- Orange vanilla simple syrup: Slice an organic orange into thin slices and steep it in the vanilla sugar mixture.
- Cinnamon vanilla simple syrup: Simmer 1 whole cinnamon stick in the vanilla bean syrup.
- Vanilla chai simple syrup: Either add up to 1 tablespoon of cardamom pods or 2 bags of your favorite chai tea.
FAQs
Yes! There’s a standard ratio for substituting vanilla extract, whole beans, paste, and more. In general, one whole vanilla bean is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste.
If you don’t have vanilla extract or whole beans, use the paste! It has a strong vanilla flavor that’s perfect for flavoring this syrup.
You can use any type of vanilla beans, including extract-grade beans or the leftover beans from making your own vanilla extract! I used Ugandan beans for this homemade coffee syrup, which are a great option. Feel free to use Bourbon or Madagascar, Mexican, or Tahitian vanilla beans. Each one has a slightly different flavor. Madagascar beans typically have the strongest, most classic vanilla flavor, while Tahitian has a lighter, more floral flavor.
Personally, I’m partial to using the whole vanilla bean pod because I love the little flecks and the rich vanilla flavor. If you make a lot of vanilla sugar like I do, you can get an even stronger flavor by combining two of the methods above. Use the vanilla sugar instead of white sugar, but also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or paste once you remove it from the heat. So good!
Related Recipes
I love making my own simple syrups for tea, coffee, lemonade, and so much more! They’re great for entertaining all year long. These are some of my favorite simple syrup recipes.
- Cardamom Simple Syrup
- Lavender Simple Syrup
- Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
- Earl Grey Syrup
- Blackberry Simple Syrup
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment or ask a question below! I’d love to hear what you think or troubleshoot any issues.
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Homemade Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe
Equipment
- Small or medium saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Syrup bottles or a mason jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar, (or 1 cup vanilla sugar)
- 1 cup water
- 1 whole vanilla bean, (or 1 TBS vanilla bean paste or extract or 1/2 TBS vanilla bean powder)
Instructions
With Real Vanilla Bean
- Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Use a sharp knife to slice 1-2 vanilla pods lengthwise, then carefully scrape out the caviar. Add the pods and caviar to the pan.
- Turn on the pan to medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately an hour.
- Strain out or remove the vanilla pods and store the homemade syrup in an airtight container or glass bottle.
- Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks and use as desired.
With Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- Place the sugar and water in a saucepan like normal. Remove from the heat when the sugar crystals dissolve.
- Then, stir in the vanilla bean paste or extract. Stir well to incorporate, especially for the paste.
- Allow the mixture to cool and store in a glass jar as described above.
With Vanilla Sugar
- Follow the same steps in the first version (heating the water and sugar on the stove), but use vanilla sugar instead of regular white sugar.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, feel free to add up to an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or paste once you remove the syrup from the heat.
Video
@milkglasshomekitchen Vanilla Syrup Recipe for ☕️ and more #creatorsearchinsights It doesn't get easier than this! Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Use a sharp knife to slice 1-2 vanilla pods lengthwise, then carefully scrape out the caviar. Add the pods and caviar to the pan. Turn on the pan to medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately an hour. Strain out or remove the vanilla pods and store the homemade syrup in an airtight container or glass bottle. Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks and use as desired. If using vanilla extract, add it AFTER you make the syrup to avoid burning off the flavor. That's it! Have fun! #vanillasyrup #coffeedrinks #vanilla #homemadefood #easyrecipes #vanillalatte ♬ original sound – Rachael – Milk Glass Home 🌻
Notes
Did you try this recipe?
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First off, I RARELY give a 5* rating!
Now, THANK you for tis wonderful post!
The only thing I would do differently, is use allulose, as I’m diabetic.
I also love your other syrup suggestions, and probably will make them as well.
Question: WHERE did you get that lovely dispenser???
It is really different from all other oil/vinegar/dispensers that look cookie cutter same and larger.
Great recipe!