Brown Sugar Syrup

Enjoy the rich, complex flavors of homemade brown sugar syrup! This easy-to-make recipe contains just 2 ingredients and is ready in a few minutes. Keep a jar on hand to elevate your morning coffee, bubble tea, weekend pancakes, or any treat that could use a little sweetness!

Why you'll love this recipe

• Simple: Just simmer the brown sugar and water, then transfer your syrup to a jar!
• Quick: All you need are 5 minutes of cooking time for this brown sugar syrup recipe.
• Versatile: You can use it to enhance a variety of drinks and desserts.
• Economical: Homemade brown sugar syrup is much cheaper than store-bought alternatives.

What is brown sugar syrup?

Brown sugar syrup is a simple, homemade recipe made from brown sugar and water. The syrup boasts a rich, caramel-like flavor and a smooth, glossy texture. Plus, its dark amber hue adds a pop of color to any dish it's used in.

All you have to do to make this recipe is simmer brown sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, deepening the mixture into a deliciously sweet reduction. I love to serve my syrup drizzled over pancakes, on top of waffles, or stirred into hot or cold drinks like Jasmine Green Milk Tea.

Is brown sugar simple syrup vegan?

Brown sugar simple syrup is not always vegan because some brown sugar brands use bone char in the refining process. To make sure your brown sugar is vegan, opt for organic or vegan-labeled brown sugar.

If you can’t find any vegan-friendly brown sugar, you can always opt for more natural options like coconut sugar, panela, jaggery, or piloncillo.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Brown sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like flavor. If brown sugar is unavailable, you can substitute it with an equal amount of coconut, muscovado, or turbinado sugar. Just note that the overall flavor will vary slightly depending on which one you use.
• Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and create a syrup consistency. For the best flavor, I recommend filtered water.

How to make brown sugar syrup

• Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water over medium heat. Gently stir until the sugar dissolves, but be careful not to let it come to a boil.

• Step 2: Once the sugar has dissolved and the consistency is syrupy, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.

• Step 3: Pour the cooled brown sugar syrup into an airtight glass jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

How to use brown sugar simple syrup

Once your brown sugar simple syrup has cooled, serve it with desserts and drinks like these:

• Vegan Protein Pancakes or waffles
• Your favorite coffee drinks
• Jasmine Green Milk Tea
• Oatmeal or yogurt
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Oat milk whipped cream
• Boba Drinks

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftover brown sugar syrup, follow these simple storage instructions:

• Fridge: Store it in an airtight glass container for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing brown sugar syrup as it tends to crystalize.
• Reheating: Gently warm the syrup in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat when you’d like it warmed again.
• Prep ahead: If you know you’ll need it ahead of time, you can prepare the syrup and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready.

Variations

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for extra warmth and complexity in your brown sugar simple syrup.
• Vanilla: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla, coconut, or maple extract for more flavor.
• Alcohol: Add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.
• Chocolate: Try mixing in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a rich and chocolatey brown sugar syrup.
• Citrus: Infuse the syrup with orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Nutty: Add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Rich: Mix in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical taste and texture.

Top tips

• Use a heavy pan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching the sugar.
• Watch it closely: Keep the heat on medium or just under and watch the saucepan closely to avoid boiling. Boiling the mixture will result in burnt sugar and impart a bitter taste.
• Stir the syrup: Make sure you’re stirring the syrup occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
• Cool the syrup: Allow the syrup to cool before transferring it to a jar to prevent the glass from cracking.
• Make a large batch: Make a double or triple batch for gift-giving and meal-prepping.

FAQ

🍴 More sauce recipes

If you enjoyed this brown sugar simple syrup recipe, be sure to check out some more of my most popular syrups and sauces like these:

• Lavender Simple Syrup: Simple syrup infused with ​​sweet, aromatic, and floral flavors.
• Cardamom Syrup: A unique recipe that will enhance all your favorite dishes.
• Tamarind Chutney: A sweet, tangy, and delicately spiced sauce.
• Lemongrass Paste: Sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavor enhancer that’s great as a soup or ramen base