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4.9 from 84 votes

Buttermilk Caramel Syrup

Perfect for any time of day, this recipe delivers great flavor effortlessly.

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup salted butter, cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a 2- or 3-quart saucepan, add the sugar, buttermilk and butter (see note). This syrup will foam and expand, so don't use a smaller pan.
  2. Over medium-low heat, stir until the butter is fully melted. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. You want the heat on the lowest setting that still maintains a simmer. The longer the syrup simmers the thicker and darker it will be. If it cooks too long or at too high of heat, it is more likely to crystallize as it cools (and be too thick to use as syrup).
  4. Off the heat, add the vanilla and baking soda. The syrup will foam and expand. Mix until the ingredients are well-combined. Serve warm.
  5. The leftover syrup can be refrigerated and warmed up before serving. Sometimes a layer of foam develops on the syrup. It doesn't affect the taste; however, you can stir to recombine the syrup or skim off the foam, if you prefer.

Notes

  • Baking Soda: adding the baking soda at the beginning to simmer with the buttermilk, sugar and butter produces a darker, more caramelly syrup. I don't always make it this way because I also like the lighter, less intense syrup, but it's a delicious option for deeper caramel flavor and color. 
  • Larger Batches: add 1-2 minutes to the simmering time for double or triple batches (also don't forget to use a large pot - I use a 6-quart pot for large batches). 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 serving Calories 161kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 244mg (10%) Sugar 13g (26%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6-8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 serving
Calories 161kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 244mg 10%
Sugar 13g 26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.