Description

This Homemade Vanilla Syrup recipe is a simple and versatile sweetener perfect for enhancing your coffee, tea, desserts, or cocktails. Made with just a few ingredients, you can choose between vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or real vanilla beans to infuse your syrup with rich, aromatic vanilla flavor. The syrup is cooked on the stovetop and cooled before use, making it an easy pantry staple to personalize your favorite beverages and treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Vanilla Flavor Options (choose one)

1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
or 1 whole vanilla bean

Instructions

Prepare the simple syrup base: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Place it over medium heat and stir regularly as it warms to prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until the sugar completely dissolves.
Add vanilla flavor – Vanilla Extract method: Once the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is heated through, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 ½ tablespoons of vanilla extract until well combined. Let the syrup cool completely before using or storing.
Add vanilla flavor – Vanilla Bean Paste method: Alternatively, after removing the syrup from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated. Allow the syrup to cool before use or storage.
Add vanilla flavor – Real Vanilla Bean method: Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both seeds and the pod to the saucepan along with 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring regularly until it simmers. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
Strain and store (for real vanilla bean method): After cooling slightly, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the vanilla bean pod and any seed fragments. Pour the syrup into a clean container for storage.

Notes

Use high-quality vanilla extract, paste, or beans for the best flavor.
Store the vanilla syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
This syrup is perfect for sweetening iced coffee, lattes, cocktails, or drizzling over desserts.
You can adjust the sweetness by altering the sugar amount slightly based on your preference.
For a richer flavor, especially with vanilla beans, longer simmering time can be experimented with.

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: vanilla syrup, homemade syrup, vanilla extract syrup, vanilla bean syrup, coffee syrup, simple syrup, vanilla paste syrup