Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe

Ever wondered how to bottle liquid gold? Let me introduce you to homemade vanilla syrup – my secret weapon for turning every cup of coffee into a cafe-worthy experience.

Preparing vanilla simple syrup at home is something I relish. It makes such a wonderful addition to so many recipes.

With just some sugar, water, and a fresh vanilla bean or pure extract (just like I did with this vanilla extract), you could create a syrup that is so much better than anything you could buy. Not to mention, it’s just as easy as, well, making simple syrup.

Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweet flavor; source of carbohydrates.
• Water: Essential for dissolving sugar; calorie-free component.
• Vanilla Bean: Adds aromatic depth; contains natural antioxidants.
• Vanilla Extract: Easy alternative; imparts rich vanilla essence.

Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• Alternatively, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make this Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe

1. Mix together the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Use a small one, since this recipe is meant to yield a small amount of syrup. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium.

2. Keep stirring all the time until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. After dissolving, incorporate the split vanilla bean and the scraped seeds into the mixture.

4. Reduce the heat to low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes so that the vanilla flavor can infuse the syrup.

6. Take the saucepan off of the heat.

7. Should you use it, thoroughly combine the pure vanilla extract and allow it to cool a bit.

8. Take out the vanilla bean pod from the syrup.

9. Allow the syrup to reach room temperature.

10. Put the syrup in a well-cleaned bottle or jar and keep it in the fridge. It will last for one month.

Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Stove
3. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
4. Measuring cups
5. Sharp knife
6. Cutting board
7. Bottle or jar for storage

FAQ

• What is the ratio of sugar to water in this vanilla simple syrup?The ratio is one to one, using one cup of sugar to one cup of water.
• Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?Certainly! Here is a text with the same meaning but different wording:

  You can use pure vanilla extract as a substitute for the vanilla bean. Use 1 tablespoon of that aromatic liquid in place of one vanilla bean.

• How do I store vanilla simple syrup?Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
• Can I use other types of sugar for this recipe?Of course you can use raw or brown sugar, but using them will change both the taste and the hue of the syrup.
• Can I make a larger batch of vanilla simple syrup?Indeed, you have the ability to scale the recipe to any size you require while keeping the ratio of sugar to water at a 1:1 level.
• How long does it take to make this syrup?The syrup takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and simmer.
• What are some uses for vanilla simple syrup?It can be employed to add sweetness to coffee, tea, or even cocktails, or to drizzle over desserts.

Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Granulated sugar: Use 1 cup of honey for a floral sweetness, or 1 cup of agave syrup for something milder.
Water: Usually not replaced, but some like to use an equal amount of coconut water for a slight coconut taste.
Vanilla bean: Replace with 1 tablespoon of vanilla paste, or 1 tablespoon of vanilla powder, for a more intense flavor experience.
Vanilla extract, pure: When it’s not handy, substitute with 1 tablespoon of almond extract for a different but delightful twist.

Pro Tips

1. Control the Temperature When dissolving the sugar, ensure the heat is not too high to avoid caramelization. Medium heat is ideal for dissolving without changing the syrup’s color.

2. Vanilla Bean Alternative If using vanilla extract instead of the vanilla bean, add it off the heat to preserve the full vanilla aroma and flavor, avoiding evaporation from the heat.

3. Infusion Time If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you can extend the simmering time to around 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on the syrup to prevent it from reducing too much.

4. Straining for Clarity After removing the vanilla bean pod, strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure a smooth consistency, free of any residual vanilla specks.

5. Storage Tip Sterilize your storage jar by briefly boiling it in water or rinsing it with boiling water to ensure the syrup stays fresh longer in the fridge.