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Brown sugar and butter simmer together and create a caramel toffee flavored homemade syrup like nothing you’ve ever tasted.

This sauce is no substitute for maple syrup, brown sugar and butter homemade syrup is awesome all by itself.

brown sugar syrup with butter

I drizzled this syrup over some Banana Nut Oatmeal last week and my boys liked it so much, they requested it on their oatmeal again the very next morning. I couldn’t resist making a batch of our favorite waffles for the last of the syrup.

This syrup is on par with our family’s beloved Waffle Sauce; it’s an entirely different kind of deliciousness and I already love it. If you enjoy homemade sauces and syrups as much as we do, you’ll want to try this awesome Buttermilk Syrup too, for another terrific homemade syrup option.

Creamy, rich, peanut butter syrup makes a fantastic topping for your favorite stack of homemade pancakes or waffles.

When my friend Rebecca told me about her recipe for Brown Sugar Butter Pancake and Waffle Syrup, I was immediately taken back to childhood when my mom used to make a simple sugar homemade syrup for our pancakes. This version, oh Mom forgive me, this version puts that one to shame times about 1000.

This is one instance where butter not only makes it better, but it transforms the recipe into something that will take your breath away with its deliciousness.

Your kitchen will smell amazing and you might even be left without words to describe it.

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homemade syrup with brown sugar and butter

How To Make Homemade Syrup

  1. Combine the sugar and water in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Lower the heat to medium and allow the mixture to boil for 4 minutes.
  2. Add the butter and stir until the butter has dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the extract if desired.
  3. Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a pitcher or jar for storage. Serve immediately or store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a month.
homemade syrup in pan on stove - starting to bubble and boil
homemade syrup in pan on stove - thick and almost ready to serve

Homemade Syrup

This syrup will keep nicely in the fridge for at least a couple of weeks. (This is in theory though – as ours has honestly never lasted that long.) I typically make a double recipe and stash some at the back of the fridge to use next time we’re making pancakes or waffles.

To reheat, remove the lid and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until hot. Or place on a folded washcloth in a pan of water, bring to a simmer and using a hot pad, swirl the jar every so often until the syrup has warmed.

homemade syrup in white pitcher next to stack of pancakes

For over 20 years now, I’ve held fast to our family’s favorite pancake recipe. And, yes, I still think that recipe is truly the best ever classic pancake recipe, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty more awesome pancakes to enjoy.

Fluffy, slightly tangy, Buttermilk Pancakes are a great addition to your weekend brunch. This recipe reminds me of our favorite diner here in Columbus and I have been making these pancakes more often than any others this year.

Banana Pancakes filled with irresistible bits of sweet coconut and chewy pecans have been my middle son’s favorite for a while now. If your household is anything like mine, you’ll need to hide a few bananas from the rest of the family now to let them ripen for a pancake breakfast this weekend.

I know–light and fluffy aren’t two words you’d typically think of to describe Whole Wheat Pancakes, which have a reputation for being dense and chewy. Light and fluffy is, however, the perfect way to describe these Whole Wheat Pancakes.

4.83 from 189 votes

Brown Sugar Butter Syrup

Avatar photoMary Younkin
Brown sugar and butter simmer together and create a caramel toffee flavored homemade syrup like nothing you've ever tasted.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup butter
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon vanilla or maple extract

Instructions 

  • Combine the sugar and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Lower the heat to medium and allow the mixture to boil for 4 minutes.
  • Add the butter and stir until the butter has dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the extract if desired.
  • Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a pitcher or jar for storage. Serve immediately or store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Notes

To reheat, remove the lid and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until hot. Or place on a folded washcloth in a pan of water, bring to a simmer and using a hot pad, swirl the jar every so often until the syrup has warmed.

Nutrition

Calories: 207 kcal | Carbohydrates: 36 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 20 mg | Sodium: 79 mg | Potassium: 49 mg | Sugar: 36 g | Vitamin A: 236 IU | Calcium: 33 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

{originally published 1/18/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/24/22}

homemade syrup with brown sugar and butter

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Rating




514 Comments

  1. Kathy says:

    I found this recipe in a desperate situation several years ago. I’d made French toast only to realize we had not a drop of syrup in the house and we lived 45 minutes from a grocery store. Now, I always keep a bottle of store-bought syrup around, but ONLY to use in case we don’t have some of this homemade yumminess stored away in the refrigerator. I share it with anyone who will listen and they all love it and they’re impressed. Such a simple way to impress others! 🙂5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m glad the syrup was helpful in a time of need, Kathy.

  2. Misty says:

    I love this syrup and it’s so easy to make.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying the syrup!

  3. Da a says:

    Hi! This tastes great! My 5 year old was convinced it was chocolate sauce becuase how thick it was.

    Question, did I do something wrong that it’s a little grainy? And it thickened up so quickly after I put it on the pancakes! (not complaining it was tasty!)

    Thank you!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      You might have cooked it a little too long, as it typically isn’t grainy at all. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the syrup!

  4. Terry says:

    This came out so great, me and my husband loved it.
    One questions,
    Can I refrigerate after re-heating the syrup?

    Thank you.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      You’re welcome, Terry. This syrup reheats quite nicely. Happy cooking!

  5. Sandra says:

    I’ve made a homemade brown sugar syrup similar to this (except it uses no butter) for years. I was curious about adding butter and wow- you’re right. The butter is an amazing addition! It really changes the syrup. Thanks for another great recipe!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      YAY! I’m so glad you like the syrup as much as we do, Sandra.

  6. Julie Pietrzak says:

    It’s so delicious. Is it suppose to thicken up or stay runny? I followed the directions and it’s runny. I mean it’s watery.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Hi, Julie. The syrup should thicken a bit over time, but it’s supposed to be pretty runny.

  7. Paul says:

    For about 2 months now we keep forgetting to buy a syrup I think I’ve been wanting to make some of them waffles. Looked up easy homemade pancake recipes pancake syrup recipe and this is what we found and you know what not bad not too bad at all. we enjoyed the hell out of it. So thank you very much.4 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m so glad you like the syrup, Paul!

  8. HD says:

    I can’t wait to try this recipe! Question – I want to gift this as party favors for a brunch. I’m planning on packaging the syrup into mini bottles – how long would it stay out before it needs to be refrigerated? Thanks!

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      It will be fine for a few hours. There’s nothing here that will immediately spoil, but it should be refrigerated after gifting.

  9. Raeanna Torrez says:

    So yummy and so good quick. I didn’t have syrup for my pancakes but this was way better.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m thrilled you like it!

  10. Angela says:

    I’m a Amateur in the kitchen.and wanted to express my boyfriend ,made French toast realized no syrup 😩 So this recipe was Quick n Easy and Tast Great! Made it seem like I actually knew what I was doing Lol 🤫😉5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Yay! I’m glad it was a hit, Angela!

  11. Traci lynn says:

    More of a question than comment the brown sugar do you use a packed 1cup or unpacked.

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Always firmly packed for brown sugar, Traci. Enjoy!

  12. Ashley says:

    Found myself in a pickle with no syrup at home. Searched google for a quick recipe and this one popped up. My whole family loved it! We will keep make it now! So thank you!!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m thrilled to hear that the syrup is a hit!

  13. Joanne Shelley says:

    I just tried this Brown Sugar Butter Syrup recipe and we love it. My 11yr old son told me that I should make it from now on instead of buying syrup from the store. Thank you.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m thrilled that it’s a hit, Joanne!

  14. Pam says:

    found your recipe and thought I would give it a try. I mean you can’t go wrong with brown sugar and butter! I did add 1/2 cup of bourbon to it… took it up another notch. Great recipe! I’m also thinking of adding some roasted chopped pecans.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m thrilled you love it, Pam. I bet it would be delicious with pecans too!

  15. Autumn says:

    Tyank you so very much for this recipe!!

    It was very simple and easy to make. I used the exact ingredients with just a slight cooking time variation (my toddler was keeping me busy – boiled twice but no more than 5ish minutes)..

    I expected it to taste good, but I was not prepared for it to taste sooooooo rich and maple-y!! I don’t think we’ll be buying store bought anytime soon for our family 🙂

    Thank you again!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m so happy to hear that the syrup is a hit.

  16. Alicia says:

    My son made French toast the day before using all the syrup and my daughter wanted waffles. Saw this recipe right on top and decided to make it. I didn’t have brown sugar, but I had white sugar and molasses! It gave the syrup an almost caramel flavor. I definitely added the vanilla extract, which made it even more delicious. Great easy recipe, I prefer this over store bought syrup!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m glad it’s a hit!

  17. Stephanie says:

    It’s amazing! But more like a caramel. Not runny at all. More like a paste/butter?

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Without being in your kitchen with you, it’s hard to guess what might have gone wrong. I’m glad you still liked it!

  18. Pamela Strong says:

    Mine came out thin. Was it two cups of brown sugar packed? Or loose? I used a stick of butter and a cup of water. It’s the consistency of waster almost. I cooked it a little more than 4 minutes after it boiled.

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Brown sugar is always measured firmly packed. If yours was loosely scooped then it likely didn’t have enough sugar to thicken as expected. Did your syrup thicken a bit as it cooled?

  19. chester aanden says:

    it was very tasty, beats paying 7 bucks for 5 Oz store Boughton syrup

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m thrilled you like it!

  20. Allie Jones says:

    I just made this recipe, and mine never thickened up it literally looks like just melted brown sugar. really watery.1 star

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Did it thicken as it cooled? Did you by chance change any of the ingredients?