Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe

It only takes 3 ingredients to make a batch of Vanilla Simple Syrup. This vanilla syrup is easy to make and has so many different uses! Perfect if you’re looking for a homemade vanilla coffee syrup recipe or a way to add an extra punch of vanilla flavor to a variety of recipes.

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Tools Needed to Make Vanilla Syrup

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this simple vanilla syrup. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Small Saucepan — to cook the vanilla simple syrup in.
• Measuring Cups — to measure the simple syrup ingredients.
• Funnel — for mess-free pouring of the simple syrup into the jar. 
• Mason Jar or Glass Bottle — to store the simple syrup. 

What’s in this Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe?

Whether you plan on using this vanilla syrup for drinks, cocktails, or for brushing between cake layers, you only need these 3 simple ingredients:

• Vanilla Beans  
• Granulated Sugar 
• Water 

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make your own simple syrup, scroll with vanilla beans to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Vanilla Simple Syrup

It could not be easier to make your own homemade vanilla syrup recipe. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vanilla bean(s). 
2. Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. 
3. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. 
4. Turn heat off and let cool to room temperature. 
5. Remove the vanilla bean and pour the homemade vanilla syrup  into a jar or bottle using a funnel. 
6. Label, date, and store in the fridge until ready to use. 

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making Your Own Vanilla Syrup

• This recipe is a great way to use already used vanilla pods – so save your vanilla bean pods after you use the vanilla beans in other recipes. 
• Make sure the sugar dissolves completely, otherwise you’ll end up with granules of sugar in your syrup. They’ll eventually dissolve on their own, but its easier to make sure the sugar dissolves all the way in the first place.
• The basic recipe for simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar. If you need a sweeter syrup, you can increase the water and sugar ratio to 1:1.5 or 1:2.
• Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat. Vanilla bean syrup requires simmering and steeping time so the flavor of the vanilla pods can infuse the sugar water, attempting to speed up the process won’t yield good results.
• Let cool before handling. The simple syrup will be HOT once it’s finished simmering. Do not pour the boiling hot syrup into a glass jar as that could cause it to crack. Instead, let the syrup cool to room temperature, then seal in a jar and store. 
• The best way to strengthen the vanilla flavor is to allow the simple syrup to steep with the vanilla bean pod – allow the mixture to cool completely in the saucepan. Vanilla flavors will continue to infuse while the mixture is warm.

Vanilla Simple Syrup FAQs

Got questions about how to make this vanilla syrup recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Do I need to use a whole vanilla bean?

Using a whole vanilla bean will add extra vanilla flavor and vanilla bean specks (if you slice down the center of the bean pod), but you can use empty vanilla bean pods that you’ve saved from previous recipes

What type of sugar should I use?

For a regular simple syrup, you will want to use granulated sugar or whole cane sugar. If you want a deep, rich simple syrup flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Can I make sugar free vanilla syrup?

I haven’t personally tested a sugar-free vanilla syrup recipe, but if I were to experiment with it, I would try using Monkfruit 1:1 Sugar Replacement in place of the sugar.

Can I make vanilla syrup using vanilla bean paste?

Yes. I recommend substituting in the amount of 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste for every whole vanilla bean.

Would it work to make this using vanilla extract?

It isn’t my first choice, but you could in a pinch if needed. Start with 2 teaspoons per vanilla bean pod and increase a 1/2 teaspoon at a time until desired flavor is achieved.

Can I add extra ingredients with the vanilla?

There are tons of different ways you can enhance your homemade vanilla syrup. Try adding spices or fruits to the water as it simmers for different variations:

Vanilla Syrup Variations to Try

• Vanilla lemon simple syrup: Add the zest of one lemon to the simmering liquid.
• Vanilla cinnamon simple syrup: add 1 – 2 cinnamon sticks to the pot white the mixture simmers and steeps.
• Vanilla maple simple syrup: add some maple syrup to the vanilla syrup ingredients.
• Vanilla chai simple syrup: add your favorite chai tea bag to the liquid while it steeps.
• Vanilla almond simple syrup: add 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
• Vanilla Espresso simple syrup: add a few espresso beans or instant espresso powder to the sugar water while it simmers.
• Vanilla Lavender simple syrup: add dried culinary lavender flower to the steeping simple syrup.

Experimenting with different flavor combinations provides so many ways to use this delicious liquid sweetener! If you experiment with the flavor, please leave me a comment below! 

How should I store vanilla simple syrup?

You need to refrigerate the vanilla simple syrup for long term storage so it doesn’t go bad. Let the syrup cool to room temperature in the saucepan before storing in the fridge. 

I recommend using an airtight container, such as a glass bottle or glass jar. A funnel is helpful for pouring the vanilla sweetener into the container if it has a small opening.

A glass bottle will make pouring easier, while a jar will allow you to fit measuring spoons inside. I prefer a bottle so that I am not potentially contaminating the inside of the container.

How long does vanilla simple syrup last?

This simple syrup infused with vanilla beans will last up to 1 month in the fridge, and up to 1 year in the freezer.

Gift this During the Holiday Season!

Homemade simple syrups make great homemade gifts during the holiday season!

Ways to Use Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla simple syrup is an easy way to add sweet vanilla flavor to a variety of recipes. You can use this vanilla syrup for anything else you want to add a little sweetness and vanilla flavoring to, but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Create a sweet vanilla citrus simmer pot: add dried orange slices and 1 tablespoon of vanilla simple syrup to a pot of water to simmer and scent your house. 
• DIY coffee shop drinks: add this vanilla syrup: use it as a homemade vanilla coffee syrup to sweeten any of your favorite coffee drinks (cold brew, iced coffee, iced vanilla latte, hot drinks etc.)
• Sweeten a mug of tea: this vanilla bean syrup would be especially tasty added to a mug of chai tea or a chai tea latte.
• Fancy hot chocolate drinks: add a pop of vanilla flavor to pumpkin white hot chocolate or salted caramel hot chocolate.
• Sweeten a delicious cocktail: substitute vanilla simple syrup in place of plain simple syrup. Try it in a pumpkin martini.
• Rim cocktail glasses: instead using water to wet a cocktail glass rim before adding sugar, salt, or other spices, wet it using this vanilla syrup.
• In cakes or cupcakes: Brush the tops of the cupcakes or brushed between cake layers with the syrup to keep them moist and give an extra boost of vanilla flavor before frosting and serving! Try it with these Vanilla Bean Cupcakes.

Try This Homemade Vanilla Simple Syrup

Next time you’re looking for a way to elevate the basic simple syrup recipe, give this Vanilla Syrup a try!

Did you love the way it transformed your morning coffee? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this easy recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of your homemade syrup!

More Homemade Simple Syrup Recipes

Blackberry Simple Syrup is as easy as adding fresh or frozen blackberries when making simple syrup. We love it in fruity summer cocktails, like a Blackberry Mint Julep.

Made with just three ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup can be added to your favorite cocktails, drinks, and more!

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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