Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
Updated

  • View Recipe
  • 17

    ratings
  • 9 comments

This homemade buttermilk syrup has a rich and creamy caramel flavor that makes your pancakes taste heavenly! It’s easy to whip up with 5 ingredients in 10 minutes.

We love to serve this syrup on breakfast recipes like Swedish pancakes, easy banana pancakes and Belgian waffles.

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Table of Contents

  • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
  • What is Buttermilk Syrup?
  • 5 Simple Ingredients
  • How to Make Buttermilk Syrup
  • Caramel Version
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Storage
  • Favorite Ways to Use it:
  • Buttermilk Syrup Printable Recipe

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup

If you’ve never made your own syrup, you have to try it ASAP! It’s SO much better than store-bought syrup and literally tastes like liquid gold. Some of my other favorites to make at home are maple syrup, caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce.

I grew up on this buttermilk syrup recipe and it’s one of my favorites to make anytime we have guests over for brunch. My family calls it liquid gold and it only takes 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to make.

This buttermilk syrup will take your breakfast to a whole new level! We love to serve it on top of buttermilk pancakes, French toast and even homemade ice cream. Absolutely delicious!

What is Buttermilk Syrup?

If you’ve never made buttermilk syrup before, you are missing out! It is a syrup variation that has a rich, caramel flavor that tastes absolutely amazing! It’s almost like a caramel sauce, but lighter and not as thick. It’s perfect to use on pancakes, waffles, french toast and more.

5 Simple Ingredients

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.

  • Sugar: You’ll need granulated sugar for this recipe. It gives the syrup the perfect amount of sweetness.
  • Butter: Adding butter really helps to create that rich, caramel flavor. Use salted butter.
  • Buttermilk: I like to make my own homemade buttermilk. It only takes 10 minutes!
  • Baking soda: This reacts with the acid to create air bubbles, which gives the syrup a smoother texture.
  • Vanilla extract: I love the added flavor that vanilla extract gives the buttermilk syrup!

How to Make Buttermilk Syrup

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)
  • Cook buttermilk, sugar and butter. Combine buttermilk, sugar and butter in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  • Turn heat to low and cook until golden yellow. Once the mixture comes to a light boil, turn the heat to medium low and cook for 3 more minutes, or until it turns a golden yellow color.
  • Stir in baking soda and vanilla.Remove immediately from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.
  • Serve. Serve warm over pancakes while warm.

TIP:This syrup will foam up A LOT (especially after you add the baking soda and vanilla), so make sure to use a large soup pot. The foam is the best part, so don’t skim it off! The bubbles will settle down after sitting at room temperature for a few minutes.

Caramel Version

To turn this into a thicker caramel syrup, add a Tablespoon of Karo syrup in with the butter. Allow the syrup to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Once it turns a nice caramel color, remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is buttermilk syrup made of?

This recipe is made with 5 simple ingredients: with butter, sugar, buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla.

How to make your own buttermilk?

Add 1/2 Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until it has become sour.

Where did buttermilk syrup originate?

This recipe originated in Utah at a restaurant called Magleby’s.

Storage

This buttermilk syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks if stored in a closed jar in the fridge. When ready to use, heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until the syrup is warm.

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (6)

Favorite Ways to Use it:

  • Pancakes: Best homemade pancakes orchocolate chip pancakes
  • Specialty pancakes: Like these German pancakes
  • Waffles: Classic waffles or seasonal variations like pumpkin waffles
  • French Toast: Classic french toast or french bread french toast
  • Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream or even a banana split

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (7)

Buttermilk Syrup

5 from 17 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

Amazing homemade buttermilk syrup with a rich, caramel flavor. Only 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to make. Perfect for pancakes, waffles, french toast and more!

Prep Time: 2 minutes mins

Cook Time: 8 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 16

PrintPin

Video

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Combine buttermilk, sugar and butter in a large pot over medium heat, stirring frequently.

  • Once it comes to a light boil, turn the heat to medium low and cook for 1 more minute. If you want it more of a thicker caramel sauce, cook up to 3 minutes.

  • Remove immediately from the heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. Serve over pancakes while warm.

  • Store in a closed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Warm in the microwave in 30-second increments until the syrup is warm.

Notes

Tip: Use a pot bigger than you think because this syrup will bubble up while cooking.

To turn this into a thicker caramel syrup, add 2 Tablespoons of Karo syrup in with the butter. Allow the syrup to cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Once it turns a nice caramel color, remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 10mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Calcium: 10mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Categorized as: American, Breakfast, Condiments, Stovetop, Toppings

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (8)

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

9 comments

    • Shannon Graham
    • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (9)

    I’ve never heard of buttermilk syrup before! Wow, so delicious! Especially for pancakes!

      • Chrissie Baker
      • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (10)

      it’s look awesome and i love buttermilk as well. i will trying to make this syrup for my child. Thanks for sharing…!

        • Catalina
        • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

        I am so glad that I can make this syrup at home now! Sounds perfect!

          • Katerina
          • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (12)

          Oh wow, this sounds amaaazing!! I can’t wait to try it!!

            • Michelle
            • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (13)

            Buttermilk syrup is our favorite at our local pancake joint, so yummy!

              • Dorothy Reinhold
              • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (14)

              So good! I have never had the pleasure of trying this liquid gold! I can’t believe it only has 5 ingredients and takes so little time. Win!

                • Susan

                I found you from a pin image on Pinterest and signed up for your email list and then followed in Instagram.

                  • Allison
                  • Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (15)

                  I want to put this on everything! So tasty! Thanks for sharing.

                      • Jamielyn Nye

                      I’m so happy to hear you love it! I could definitely eat this syrup by the spoonful!

                    Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

                    FAQs

                    How long does buttermilk syrup last in the fridge? ›

                    How Long Will Buttermilk Syrup Last? Store it in a jar or airtight container, and place in the fridge. Buttermilk syrup will stay good, for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Reheat buttermilk syrup in the microwave or on the stove top.

                    Why add baking soda to syrup? ›

                    Add in your vanilla and baking soda and watch the magic happen! Your syrup will start to bubble up--this is the baking soda reacting with the acid in the buttermilk and brown sugar. The reaction between the acid and the baking soda creates tiny carbon dioxide bubbles giving you that soft caramely syrup.

                    How can I make my own buttermilk? ›

                    For every 1 cup of milk, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. You can scale the recipe up or down depending on how much you need.

                    Can I use apple cider vinegar to make buttermilk? ›

                    You can make homemade buttermilk with 1 cup of milk and 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Simply stir the two ingredients together and let them sit for 5 minutes. The milk will react with the acidity of the vinegar and curdle slightly, creating the same, tangy, creaminess of store bought buttermilk!

                    Does homemade syrup go bad? ›

                    Unflavored syrup can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. However, flavored syrups (especially fruit-flavored) should be used within 2 weeks of when they're made. I usually keep mine in a mason jar but any airtight container with a good lid will work great.

                    Does syrup go bad if not refrigerated after opening? ›

                    When unopened, you can store hot-packed pure maple syrup for at least a year (or more) in the pantry at room temperature. Once opened, does maple syrup need to be refrigerated if it's the pure variety? Yes, because it's a natural product with no preservatives and can spoil or grow mold.

                    Why do you put lemon in syrup? ›

                    Lemon syrup is a lemon-infused syrup that adds tons of flavor to anything it's stirred into or drizzled over. It's super easy to make—lemon juice, sugar, and some lemon zest are all you need—and it adds both sweetness and a lemony kick to co*cktails and desserts.

                    What happens if you don't put baking soda in a recipe? ›

                    You technically can leave out baking soda in certain recipes (like chocolate chip cookies or pancakes) in a pinch, but you need to understand that your finished product will not be as light and fluffy as the recipe intended. Unless you have no other option, you really should use a leavening substitute.

                    What can I use instead of baking soda in syrup? ›

                    You can use baking powder in place of baking soda, you just need to triple the amount. You can do this because there is actually baking soda in baking powder, but just a little bit.

                    Is lemon or vinegar better for buttermilk? ›

                    This quick and easy buttermilk substitute is incredibly simple, and my hope is that you have what you need at home already. Here's what you need: Lemon juice OR vinegar. Fresh or bottled lemon juice OR distilled white vinegar will work equally well.

                    What is the difference between store-bought buttermilk and homemade buttermilk? ›

                    Store-bought buttermilk is thicker, tangier, and more acidic than traditional or homemade buttermilk. If you're preparing a recipe that calls for buttermilk, it's best to stick with store-bought, especially in baked goods that depend on precise leavening.

                    Can you freeze buttermilk? ›

                    You absolutely can freeze buttermilk. In fact, it's a great way to keep some of the fermented dairy product on hand for recipes that only need small amounts. This way, you don't need to buy another quart or half gallon and face the challenge of once again using it up before the expiration date hits.

                    Why is my homemade buttermilk watery? ›

                    A. Using too much starter can crowd the bacteria, creating a thin consistency and a bitter flavor. Overcultured buttermilk may also taste bitter. Check the culturing temperature to verify it is within the appropriate range.

                    What is a quick substitute for buttermilk? ›

                    For each cup of buttermilk needed, use 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand for 5 minutes.

                    Can I use half-and-half to make buttermilk? ›

                    Can you use any type of milk when you make your own buttermilk? Yes! Technically you can use any type, but we recommend skipping the skim milk. For the best results, use anything from 2% to half-and-half.

                    How long does buttermilk last in the fridge after opening? ›

                    Since quality fades quicker after opening, buttermilk will last a maximum of 2 weeks in the fridge. Even then, this timeline isn't a guarantee.

                    Does liquid syrup go bad? ›

                    Pancake or breakfast syrup can be stored in a closed container, unopened or opened, in the pantry. It's best to use it within a year, but it will keep indefinitely.

                    Can butter syrup go bad? ›

                    Yes, because Butter Country Syrups contains dairy ingredients it will have to be refrigerated after opening. They have a shelf life of two years (before and after opening) but our guess is that you won't make it past two months.

                    What is the shelf life of syrup once opened? ›

                    Typically, drugs in solution, such as drops or syrups, have relatively short expiry dates after opening, ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months, and must be stored in a refrigerator [20] . ...

                    Top Articles
                    Latest Posts
                    Article information

                    Author: Twana Towne Ret

                    Last Updated:

                    Views: 5521

                    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

                    Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

                    Author information

                    Name: Twana Towne Ret

                    Birthday: 1994-03-19

                    Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

                    Phone: +5958753152963

                    Job: National Specialist

                    Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

                    Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.