Rich and creamy buttermilk syrup recipe is an easy homemade syrup that’s perfect on pancakes, waffles, or French toast!

Buttermilk syrup is a very easy topping to whip up as you’re making your pancake or waffle batter. This homemade syrup is a delicious alternative to maple syrup.
It’s made without corn syrup and is made from simple pantry staples.
The buttermilk gives this it a nice richness, but you can’t taste it in the syrup. It just has a buttery-caramel-y flavor that is really delicious with pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
How to make homemade buttermilk syrup

Step 1: Add the buttermilk, sugars, and butter to a large, heavy saucepan.
Top tip >> Be sure that you use a larger saucepan to give yourself room because the syrup will foam and bubble up after the baking soda is added.
Step 2: Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and the baking soda.
Step 4: Let the syrup cool until it’s warm. Stir as needed.

Tips
- Buttermilk – Whole milk or reduced-fat buttermilk will work.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar will give you richer syrup.
- Salted butter – If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the syrup.
- Storage – Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. The syrup will keep for up to 5 days when properly stored.
- Variations – Feel free to add more vanilla extract, a little maple extract, or a bit of cinnamon to change up the flavor.
Recipes that go well with this syrup
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Buttermilk Syrup
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large, heavy saucepan with high sides, bring buttermilk, sugars, and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and whisk in baking soda and vanilla. It will bubble up a lot, which is why you want to use a large saucepan with high sides.
- To serve, let cool to the point that it’s warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally published 1/28/12. Republished with updated tips and information on 4/18/22.
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