Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe
Introduction
Homemade Buttermilk Syrup is a rich and tangy topping perfect for pancakes, waffles, or biscuits. Its creamy texture and balanced sweetness make it a delightful alternative to traditional syrup. This simple recipe comes together quickly and adds a homemade touch to your breakfast table.

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
- Step 1: Combine the butter, sugar, buttermilk, and Light Karo Syrup in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir frequently and let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract until well combined. The syrup will lighten to a golden brown color. Continue stirring until the syrup thickens slightly. Let it cool before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use full-fat buttermilk for a creamier texture and richer flavor in your syrup.
- Light corn syrup can be substituted if you don’t have Light Karo Syrup on hand.
- For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the vanilla.
Storage
Store the buttermilk syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To serve, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk won’t provide the same tang and thickness. You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why does the syrup foam when I add baking soda?
The baking soda reacts with the acidic buttermilk, creating bubbles that cause the syrup to foam and lighten in color. This reaction helps give the syrup its signature texture and flavor.
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Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
Description
This Homemade Buttermilk Syrup is a rich and flavorful topping perfect for pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and buttermilk, this syrup features a unique tangy sweetness balanced by the smooth creaminess of butter. It’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, resulting in a warm syrup with a beautiful golden color and a subtle vanilla finish.
Ingredients
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 and boil: In a pot, combine the butter, sugar, buttermilk, and Light Karo Syrup. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to ensure the sugar dissolves and ingredients blend well. Maintain a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes, being careful to stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Add baking soda and vanilla: Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and quickly add the baking soda and vanilla extract. Stir immediately. The syrup will react with the baking soda, causing it to bubble and turn a light golden brown color. Continue stirring until fully combined.
- Thicken and cool: Keep stirring the syrup off the heat until it thickens to a desired consistency. Allow the syrup to cool before serving. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave when needed.
Notes
- Stir constantly during boiling to avoid burning the syrup.
- The baking soda causes the syrup to foam and lighten in color—this is normal.
- Store leftover syrup in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Light Karo syrup adds the perfect texture and sweetness; however, you can substitute with corn syrup if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Syrup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade buttermilk syrup, buttermilk syrup recipe, pancake syrup, breakfast syrup, easy syrup recipe

