How to Make Banana Syrup for Smooth and Tropical Flavors
If you love the tropical taste of bananas and want to incorporate that delicious, smooth sweetness into your drinks and desserts, then homemade Banana Syrup is the perfect ingredient to have on hand. This velvety syrup is rich with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you drizzle it over pancakes, stir it into your morning oatmeal, or add it to your cocktails, banana syrup brings a unique flavor that elevates every dish it touches.
Making banana syrup at home is incredibly simple and requires only a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The process is quick, and the result is a syrup that is smooth, tropical, and perfect for a variety of culinary creations. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make your own Banana Syrup, along with some creative ways to use it.
Ingredients
Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star of this syrup, providing the natural sweetness and smooth texture that make this syrup so delicious.
White Sugar
The sugar helps balance out the banana’s natural sugars, thickening the syrup and adding the sweetness you crave.
Filtered Water
Water helps dissolve the sugar and ensures the syrup has the right consistency.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a rich, aromatic sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the syrup.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the bananas.
Directions
- Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into small pieces. Add these slices to a medium-sized saucepan. The ripe bananas will break down easily, allowing them to infuse their flavor into the syrup.
- To the saucepan, add the white sugar and filtered water. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened. The bananas will soften and break down further, creating a smooth texture. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla adds a comforting sweetness while the salt helps balance the flavors and intensify the banana’s natural taste.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove any banana solids. Transfer the liquid to a clean, airtight container.
- Store your homemade banana syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The syrup will remain fresh and ready to use for a variety of recipes.
Creative Ways to Use Banana Syrup
Banana syrup is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle the syrup over your morning stack of pancakes or waffles for a sweet, tropical breakfast.
- Cocktails and Mocktails: Add a splash of banana syrup to tropical cocktails like piña coladas, daiquiris, or even non-alcoholic beverages for a fun twist.
- Smoothies: Stir a little syrup into your smoothies for extra sweetness and a creamy, banana flavor.
- Desserts: Banana syrup can be used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or baked goods like banana bread or muffins.
- Oatmeal and Cereal: Add a spoonful to your morning oatmeal or drizzle it over cereal for a naturally sweet flavor boost.
- Milkshakes: For a decadent treat, stir some banana syrup into a milkshake or blend it into a smoothie bowl for a thick and satisfying breakfast.
Why Homemade Banana Syrup?
There are plenty of pre-made syrups available in stores, but making your own banana syrup offers several advantages. First and foremost, it’s free from preservatives and artificial additives. When you make the syrup yourself, you know exactly what’s going into it, and you can adjust the sweetness or flavor to suit your taste.
Homemade banana syrup also tends to be fresher and more flavorful than its store-bought counterparts. The natural taste of ripe bananas shines through, creating a more authentic banana flavor that can’t be matched by mass-produced syrups. Plus, with this recipe, you can control the consistency and sweetness, ensuring that your syrup is exactly the way you like it.
Additionally, making your own syrup is a great way to reduce waste. Store-bought syrups often come in plastic bottles or packaging that ends up in the trash, but with homemade banana syrup, you can reuse glass containers and other sustainable options.
Banana Syrup Variations
While this banana syrup recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with adding different flavors to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Cinnamon Banana Syrup: Add a stick of cinnamon to the simmering syrup for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
- Coconut Banana Syrup: Stir in a bit of coconut milk to create a tropical, coconut-banana syrup. This variation is perfect for adding to tropical drinks or desserts.
- Chocolate Banana Syrup: For an indulgent treat, mix in a small amount of cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a chocolate-banana syrup combination.
- Spiced Banana Syrup: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for a seasonal twist, perfect for fall and winter beverages.
Storing Your Banana Syrup
Once you’ve made your banana syrup, it’s essential to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. An airtight container is the best way to store the syrup, as it helps preserve its flavor and texture. Keep the syrup in the refrigerator, where it will last up to two weeks. If you plan on using it less frequently, you can freeze the syrup in small batches for longer storage.
Your turn!
Homemade Banana Syrup is a sweet, tropical treat that’s incredibly easy to make and versatile in use. Whether you’re adding it to your morning routine or incorporating it into drinks and desserts, this syrup brings a smooth, velvety banana flavor to any recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a syrup that will make your dishes taste like a tropical getaway. So, why not try making this easy, homemade syrup today and enjoy the sweet taste of bananas all year round?
I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!
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Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.
The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!
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Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Banana Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup filtered water
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into small pieces. Add these slices to a medium-sized saucepan. The ripe bananas will break down easily, allowing them to infuse their flavor into the syrup.
- To the saucepan, add the white sugar and filtered water. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened. The bananas will soften and break down further, creating a smooth texture. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla adds a comforting sweetness while the salt helps balance the flavors and intensify the banana’s natural taste.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove any banana solids. Transfer the liquid to a clean, airtight container.
- Store your homemade banana syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The syrup will remain fresh and ready to use for a variety of recipes.
