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Homemade Caramel Simple Syrup
4.8 from 303 votes

Homemade Caramel Simple Syrup

Homemade Caramel Simple Syrup is made by slowly boiling granulated sugar with water until a golden amber color develops, then adding hot water and vanilla extract to create a smooth, sweet syrup. It’s suitable for sweetening beverages or desserts, offering a rich caramel flavor without crystallization.

Prep Time
1 min
Cook Time
18 mins
Total Time
19 mins
Servings: 6 servings (2 TBSP)
Calories: 97 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water divided
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and ½ cup water (optional to whisk together). Heat over medium-high heat until it begins to boil.
  2. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, reduce the heat slightly, to around medium or medium-low on a gas stove, and medium or still medium-high on electric. Continue to adjust the temperature as needed to keep the mixture at a low boil with bubbles continuously rising to the surface. Please see the video for additional visual guidance if necessary.
  3. Continue to low boil for approximately 15-18 minutes until a light golden amber color appears. If around the 10-minute mark the boiling slows down, increase the heat. You do not need to stir it, but the pot can be swirled occasionally by gently lifting and turning it in a circular motion.
  4. While the mixture is simmering, heat the remaining 1/2 cup of water in the microwave or in a small saucepan. Using hot water for the next step will reduce splatters.
  5. Once the light golden color appears just around the edges of the liquid, remove the saucepan from the heat. It may be hard to see depending on the pan you use and the lighting. Note: do not allow the mixture to continue to boil or it can become too thick or burn quickly - keep your eyes on it!
  6. Wearing oven mitts, carefully whisk in the remaining (hot) water into the caramel syrup; it will splatter, so be careful. If any syrup hardens, continue whisking and return to heat until it's dissolved again. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container. You can use it immediately if needed, but it will heat up iced beverages so mix it with milk or espresso first, before the ice. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and use in your favorite beverages or recipes as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe yields just over ¾ cup of caramel simple syrup.
  • To make salted caramel syrup, stir in fine sea salt starting with ¼ teaspoon after the syrup cools to warm.
  • Adjust heat carefully during cooking to maintain a steady low boil, especially noting differences between gas and electric stovetops.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2TBSP Calories 97kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Sodium 2mg (0%) Potassium 1mg (0%) Sugar 25g (50%) Calcium 1mg (0%) Iron 0.01mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings (2 TBSP)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 97

% Daily Value*

Serving 2TBSP
Calories 97kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
Sugar 25g 50%
Calcium 1mg 0%
Iron 0.01mg 0%

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