Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipe

This homemade pancake syrup has a sweet vanilla and molasses flavor and it only takes minutes to make. It is perfect for waffles, French toast, and all your favorite pancake recipes!

close up image of a bowl and spoon with homemade pancake syrup.

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Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipe

I have to admit that I do not like plain pancakes. I need some kind of syrup or topping or else my breakfast just isn’t complete. But sometimes I run out of maple syrup and need an alternative to put on my fluffy pancakes, overnight pancakes, and homemade waffles.

That is when I grab this recipe and make a quick batch of this easy homemade syrup. Then, I can finally sit down to eat!

Making maple-flavored pancake syrup really is easy. You only need four basic ingredients that you probably already have in your house. Dark brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, plus a little water, are all it takes.

Just boil those ingredients together. You will get a thick, sticky syrup that you may just like better than traditional maple syrup.

I actually make this pancake syrup recipe in big batches so I always have some on hand. Try doing the same and you will never have to worry about eating dry pancakes ever again!

homemade syrup poured out of a vessel over a stack of four pancakes topped with a slab of butter.

Ingredients for Pancake Syrup

To print: see recipe card below.

ingredients to make homemade pancake syrup.

1 cups water
2 cups dark brown sugar – Light brown sugar will also work, but dark brown sugar gives a much richer flavor to the pancake syrup.
1/2 cup salted butter – This is one case I actually use salted butter rather than unsalted. The salt enhances the flavor of the pancake syrup and makes it taste even better!
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

If you only have unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the syrup. Add the salt at the end of the recipe, at the same time as the vanilla.
If you use light brown sugar, add a tablespoon of molasses to make the syrup more flavorful.
Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract. This will make the syrup taste almost identical to real maple syrup.

pancake syrup boiling in a stainless steel sauce pan.

pancake syrup in a stainless steel sauce pan with a stick of butter.

Directions for How to Make Pancake Syrup

Mix the sugar: Add the brown sugar and the water to a small pot. Stir gently to make sure all the sugar is wet.
Boil: Bring the water and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Boil the syrup for about three minutes or until it’s thick and glossy.
Stir: Add the butter and vanilla to the pot, and stir until the butter has melted.
Cool: Let the syrup cool slightly. It will be very hot right after it cooks. I usually wait at least 10 minutes before using the syrup. However, it is delicious when still warm!

Serving Suggestions

This is the best pancake syrup to use for waffles, French toast, and, of course, any kind of pancakes. It is delicious on top of strawberry pancakes or poured over a bowl of pancake cereal. I also love pancake syrup on top of overnight oats or as a dip for pancake muffins. You will find a lot of uses for this recipe!

white bowl of homemade pancake syrup with a spoon sitting in the bowl.

How to Store Pancake Syrup

Store cooled syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.
Reheat leftover syrup in the microwave for a few seconds, and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Use a candy thermometer to achieve the perfect consistency. Boil the sugar until it reaches between 210 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the syrup will be nice and sticky, not too runny, and not too thick.

FAQs

What is pancake syrup made out of?

My homemade pancake syrup is made with brown sugar, vanilla, and butter. Store-bought syrup is usually made from primarily corn syrup. Real maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees.

Is pancake syrup better than maple syrup?

Pancake syrup and maple syrup are very different. Pancake syrup has a more neutral flavor but is very, very sweet. Real maple syrup has a very complex taste that is rich and very vanilla-y. Both are tasty in their own way!

What is the healthiest syrup for pancakes?

Maple syrup is typically considered the healthiest syrup since it is a natural sugar. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can be beneficial to your health.

Pancake Syrup

This homemade pancake syrup has a sweet vanilla and molasses taste and only takes minutes to make. It is perfect for pancakes, waffles, or French toast!

1 from 1 vote

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Author: Kasey Schwartz

Servings: servings

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Equipment

1 Medium pot

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup water
▢ 2 cups dark brown sugar
▢ ½ cup salted butter
▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Add the water and brown sugar to a medium pot and stir to make sure the brown sugar is completely wet.
1 cup water, 2 cups dark brown sugar
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Boil for three minutes. The syrup will look thicker and the bubbles will be slower.
Remove the pot from the stovetop and stir in the butter and vanilla. Stir until the butter in completely melted.
½ cup salted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Let the syrup cool and then pour over your favorite pancakes.