Homemade Buttermilk Syrup is a thick and creamy topping that’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes or ice cream!
Homemade Buttermilk Syrup is a recipe that’s been around for ages. I think I was first introduced to this deliciousness through my sister in law, Rebecca.
She would always make homemade treats for everyone for Christmas, and one year she gifted us a jar of this liquid gold. It’s life changing guys.
The trick with this super easy homemade buttermilk syrup is to not over cook it.
You can go from sweet and delicious to bitter and gross if you burn the sugar. Just make sure you keep stirring and keep an eye on the mixture while it boils.
I’ve learned a few things over the years about being a Mother:
- Bed time stories never end in your child falling peacefully to sleep. They always want “just one more book.”
- We’re the only milk bar open at 2:30am.
- Laundry and dishes never end. Never.
- No matter how hard you try, at least one child will always have a booger face.
- Just because you graduated school, doesn’t mean you wont have to do homework again.
- Your children look to you for comfort, and love you endlessly.
So when your kids want to surprise you with a breakfast in bed (play along with me here), make sure you have a jar of this delicious syrup handy.
We love to serve the buttermilk syrup over hot pancakes, like these Strawberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes. One of our favorite ways to use the syrup though is on top of vanilla ice cream.
The syrup thickens over the cold ice cream and it’s almost like a chewy caramel. Try adding a few chopped pecans on top for an extra special sundae!
We reserve this deliciousness for special occasions, but it’s really good any time of the year. It lasts for weeks in the fridge, so it’s great to make a batch to have on hand when the craving hits.
You’re going to love this creamy and sweet syrup!
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Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Light Karo Syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the butter, sugar, buttermilk, and Karo syrup in a pot and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the baking soda and vanilla and stir till combined. The color of the syrup will turn to a light golden brown. Remove from the heat and continue to stir till the syrup thickens. Let it cool and serve immediately, or store in fridge in an air tight container. (you can warm it up in the microwave)
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on 5/10/2012. Updated with new photos on 7/18/2017.
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Crunchy Thai Cucumber Salad
Janet
We make our own maple syrup from our maple trees and use it on anything we can. We even use it in our coffee and I like it better than the bees honey I used. After reading some of the comments here, I am considering trying this recipe. Sometimes all it takes to change a person’s mind are a few positive comments.
Sharon
Hi! Could this be made with reconstituted dry buttermilk mix? Sounds so dreamy & delicious!
Shawn
I haven’t tried the recipe with reconstituted buttermilk so I’m not too sure how the outcome would taste.
bjw
How long can you store this in the fridge please ? Sounds like an awesome Christmas gift. Thank you.
Kayla
How long is this good for in the freezer?
Nancy Bachman
Hi, this looks like a wonderful addition to the Breakfast pancakes.
I was wondering if it could be put in jars and processed so it will keep longer?
It would make ideal Christmas gifts.
Darlene Ross
Despite what is found on the internet, there are no science-based methods for home canning of cheeses, milk, butter or other dairy products. Clemson Extension and the National Center for Home Food Preservation do not recommend any process for canning these products. However, it can safely be frozen
Nancy Bachman
Thanks for the information!
Darlene Ross
You are welcome. I am happy I could be of some help. 🙂 Enjoy the syrup, it is divine
Shawn
Thanks for your tips Darlene!
Debra Douglass
I just made 1 batch to try in case it wasn’t as good as you said. I just made 5 more batches!!! AMAZING is all I can say!
Shawn
HA! So glad you enjoyed it Debra!
Darlene Ross
This is the BEST syrup EVER. Perfect amount of sweetness and did I mention it only takes a few minutes to make? This syrup is liquid gold. 🙂
Shawn
Yes!!! I too have referred to it as liquid gold a time or two. 😉
Carlos
Sounds great!
How much does it make?
And can it be put in a hot-water bath canner, so it will be able to be stored on a shelf, instead of fridge?
Angie T
This is the best syrup ever. But I’m also wondering if anyone has figured out a way to can and store in the pantry?
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Angie!
Mihaela
It sounds and looks delicious, I can’t wait to try it but what is Karo syrup and can it be substitute by something else?
Angela
This looks amazing but one quick question before I run off to the kitchen, could this be sealed in jars and given as gifts it looks amazing
Deb
Do you suppose you could can this safely?
Laura
Wow, thanks for sharing this home-made syrup. This recipe looks simple enough.
Amy
Sounds delish but is there a substitute for the karo syrup?
Bill Lewis
Kari is 100% glucose syrup made from corn which is different from high fructose corn syrup. When called for in recipes except candy making, you can substitute agave nectar in a 1:1 ratio and get the same result. Great recipe no matter which one you use. Thanks Shawn!
Jen @ JFC
I've made a really similar syrup, and it is seriously DIVINE. The best. Amazing. It's a diet-killer in a pot!! And I loved your thoughts about motherhood! I don't think I ever had a bedtime story end in the child falling asleep!!
iwashyoudry
That's what I'm planning on! Fingers crossed!! Happy mothers day to you too!
iwashyoudry
I have a quart sized mason jar full in my fridge! It's great on ice cream too!
iwashyoudry
Oh yes… this is right there with caramel. It's delish!
iwashyoudry
Please do!
bakingserendipity
Happy Mother's Day! I love pancakes…and could definitely go for a stack smothered in this syrup tomorrow morning 🙂 Yum
Krista
Your list made me laugh out loud! It's so true, every word! Buttermilk syrup is one of my favorites. Maybe I should make a batch before Sunday. 😉
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Averie
gorgeous! You are really close to making caramel sauce and that is a beautiful thing…this looks so good!
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Wendy
Oh my goodness….that sounds amazing! I'm going to have to try this.
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Cookin' Canuck
Ah yes, there is always some sort of surprise ingredient to be found in kid-made pancakes, which makes them even more special on Mother's Day. Cute post, Shawn and Happy Mother's Day to you!
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Bake Your Day
This is so great…I have never even thought about making my own syrup. IT looks so caramely and amazing!
iwashyoudry
Thanks Dara! Right back at ya!
iwashyoudry
Yes! This waaaay better than maple or blueberry…bring a straw!
Pam
SO TRUE!
The syrup looks and sounds fantastic. Bookmarked!
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foodstoriesblog
These pancakes look amazing. I hope you're looking the other way because I'm salivating all over the computer screen 🙂
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Mary
What a treat. Iam a bit tired of maple and blueberry syrups. Now I have a new one I can try. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Ali
I just LOVE you blog, Shawn!! Unfortunately, I'm always hungry when I read it 😉 So excited you got to go away for a few days for the blog camp 🙂 what a treat!! 😉
My recent post back on the bandwagon…
iwashyoudry
It's a staple in our fridge…just sayin!
iwashyoudry
Thanks Gerry!
Foodness Gracious
Fantastic looking pancakes and syrup!! Your right, I can just hear the words.."Oh pancakes, they're…..umm lovely ,mmm" LOL.
Happy Mothers Day when it rolls around!
iwashyoudry
Feel free to come back and drool anytime! It's natural!
iwashyoudry
Thanks diane! Hope you have a great mothers day too!!
iwashyoudry
Oh thanks Ali! Your blog is so great too! It initially inspired me to do my own! Your great!
Diane
looks delicious! Hope you have a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!
raquel@eRecipe.com
Yeah the laundry and dishes never ends. I could have a pancake with this syrup to brighten up.