Make Butterscotch Simple Syrup: A Delicious Golden Caramel Treat
Butterscotch syrup brings the rich, buttery flavors of traditional butterscotch candy into liquid form, making it a perfect addition to your drinks, desserts, and more. This syrup captures the essence of caramelized sugar and butter, with a smooth, sweet taste that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or stirring into coffee. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy the warm, comforting taste of homemade butterscotch syrup anytime you want a little indulgence.
Ingredients for Butterscotch Syrup
To make this delicious butterscotch syrup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The first set of ingredients involves sugar and water, which will form the base of the syrup. The next set of ingredients focuses on creating the rich butterscotch flavor, which is achieved with brown sugar, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. The final touch is vanilla extract, which will add a warm, sweet undertone to the syrup.
- White sugar: Used as the main sweetener, providing the foundation for the syrup.
- Filtered water: A necessary liquid for dissolving the sugar and making the syrup smooth.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a rich caramel-like flavor to the syrup.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes a creamy, buttery texture and flavor, essential for authentic butterscotch.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma and a rounded flavor to the syrup.
Directions for Making Butterscotch Syrup
This recipe for homemade butterscotch syrup is a two-step process that results in a silky, rich syrup with an irresistible flavor. While it may seem complex, it’s quite easy to make and only requires a few simple steps. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar
Begin by combining white sugar and filtered water in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. You want to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to ensure that the sugar dissolves evenly, resulting in a smooth syrup base. Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has become clear, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. This is the first part of your simple syrup, which will later be combined with the butterscotch mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Butterscotch Mixture
In a medium saucepan, add dark brown sugar, filtered water, unsalted butter, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure that all the ingredients combine smoothly. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This stage is essential for creating the signature butterscotch flavor. The mixture will bubble and thicken as it cooks, turning into a rich caramelized syrup.
Step 3: Combine the Syrups
Once the butterscotch mixture has reached 300°F, carefully and slowly pour in the simple syrup from step one. Be cautious, as the syrup may bubble up and harden momentarily when the two liquids meet. Continue to whisk the mixture together, and keep stirring until the butterscotch syrup has completely melted and the two components are fully combined. The syrup should now be smooth and velvety, with the familiar golden color of traditional butterscotch.
Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract
Once the syrup is fully combined and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add an extra layer of flavor to the syrup. This step helps round out the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma to the syrup. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth.
Step 5: Store the Syrup
After the syrup has cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container. You can use a glass jar or a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to one month. The syrup will stay fresh and ready to use in all your favorite recipes.
How to Use Butterscotch Syrup
Homemade butterscotch syrup is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of ways. Whether you’re looking to sweeten your morning coffee, drizzle it over a dessert, or make a festive holiday drink, butterscotch syrup is the perfect addition to your kitchen. Here are just a few ideas for how to use this rich and indulgent syrup:
In Coffee and Lattes
Butterscotch syrup makes an excellent addition to your morning coffee or afternoon latte. Simply add a tablespoon or two to your coffee or espresso for a creamy, sweet twist on your usual brew. You can even create your own homemade butterscotch latte by combining espresso, steamed milk, and a drizzle of this syrup. It’s a comforting and satisfying drink for any time of day.
On Ice Cream or Pancakes
Drizzle this syrup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pancakes for an indulgent treat. The syrup’s rich, buttery flavor perfectly complements ice cream, and it pairs wonderfully with the fluffiness of pancakes or waffles. You can even use it as a topping for cheesecake or brownies for an extra touch of sweetness.
In Cocktails
Butterscotch syrup can also be used to enhance cocktails. It pairs beautifully with whiskey, rum, or bourbon, making it a great addition to cocktails like the Butterscotch Old Fashioned or a Butterscotch Martini. Just add a splash of syrup to your favorite drink for a warm, comforting flavor that adds depth and sweetness.
In Baking
Incorporate butterscotch syrup into your baking by using it as an ingredient in cakes, muffins, or cookies. You can replace some of the liquid in a recipe with the syrup to infuse your baked goods with a rich, buttery flavor. It also works well in frostings or glazes for cakes and cupcakes.
Why Make Butterscotch Syrup at Home?
Making butterscotch syrup at home is a great way to enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of traditional butterscotch candy without any of the artificial ingredients or preservatives found in store-bought versions. Homemade syrup is fresher, customizable, and free from the additives that are often found in mass-produced syrups. By making it yourself, you also have control over the sweetness and flavor, allowing you to tailor the syrup to your taste.
Additionally, homemade butterscotch syrup is easy to prepare and only takes a few simple ingredients. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can enjoy this syrup in a variety of recipes, from drinks to desserts to baked goods.
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.
Butterscotch Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 tbsp filtered water
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water over medium heat. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- In a medium saucepan, add brown sugar, 2 tbsp filtered water, unsalted butter and salt over medium heat. Stir until combined and cook for 10-15 minutes until the butterscotch mixture reaches 300F.
- Carefully and slowly pour simple syrup from step one, into the pan from step two. It may bubble up and harden, but whisk until the butterscotch has completely melted.
- Once combined fully, remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean container.
- Store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
