This classic, homemade, Vanilla Simple Syrup is easy to make, only 3 ingredients, and so versatile! Find out how to make vanilla syrup with vanilla beans, bean paste, extract, and even sugar free sweeteners. Stir it in coffee, mocktails, milk tea, and more!

Browse more syrup recipes here.

Here’s Why You’ll LOVE This Vanilla Syrup:

• It is 3 easy pantry ingredients- sugar or sugar free allulose sweetener, water, and vanilla.
• It keeps in the refrigerator for a month- this means delicious vanilla sweetened drinks and coffee all month long.
• You can use multiple types of vanilla- vanilla beans, extract, vanilla bean paste, and imitation extract.
• It is easy to make sugar free and still tastes just as great- I recommend allulose sweetener.
• Has SO MANY different uses- in beverages, tossed in fruit salads, to sweeten cream and whipped cream, to moisten cake layers, the list goes on and on!

Ingredients in Vanilla Simple Syrup

This recipe has 3 simple and inexpensive ingredients. Below has more information and substitutes for each ingredient.

• Water
• Sugar: Granulated works best for this recipe but you can use cane sugar in it’s place. If you use another type of sugar just keep in mind, you don’t want to choose a sugar with a strong flavor or it will overpower the vanilla.
  • For sugar free vanilla syrup I recommend allulose but stevia works as well (directions below).
• Vanilla: I love the flavor from vanilla beans (Madagascar from African Spices is my favorite). It is also possible to use a high quality vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or imitation vanilla in it’s place.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Syrup

This is a quick snapshot of the steps, the recipe card will have more details. There is instructions for making vanilla syrup with whole vanilla bean pods, vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract, and imitation vanilla extract.

This recipes makes 1.5 cups (354ml) of vanilla simple syrup which is good for 18 to 24 drinks.

Instructions For Using Vanilla Beans

1. CUT open the vanilla bean pod and scrape out the vanilla beans.
2. ADD the sugar or sugar free allulose sweetener, water, vanilla beans, and vanilla bean pods to a small saucepan.
3. HEAT until the sugar has dissolved and then bring to a boil.
4. REDUCE heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. REMOVE from heat and cover the saucepan with it’s lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature (this allows it to build even more flavor as it steeps, don’t skip this step).
6. STRAIN the pods and any large bits from the Vanilla Simple Syrup using a fine mesh strainer
7. STORE in an airtight container or glass bottle and refrigerate.

A Quick Video Tutorial:

Instructions For Using Vanilla Bean Paste

1. ADD the sugar and water to a small saucepan.
2. HEAT until the sugar or sugar free allulose sweetener has dissolved and the mixture just begins to come to a boil.
3. REMOVE from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste.
4. STORE in an airtight container or glass bottle and refrigerate once it is at room temperature.

Instructions For Using Pure Extract or Imitation Extract

1. ADD the water and sugar to a small saucepan.
2. HEAT until the sugar or sugar free allulose sweetener has dissolved and it just begins to come to a boil.
3. REMOVE from heat and stir in the pure or imitation vanilla extract.
4. STORE in an airtight glass bottle or container and once it is at room temperature refrigerate it.

Storing Information

Always, always, always store homemade simple syrup in the refrigerator and in an airtight container or jar. Homemade simple syrup can mold because it does not have the preservatives in it like store-bought syrups. In the refrigerate this Vanilla Simple Syrup will keep for up to one month. I like to give it a good shake before pouring because the vanilla beans do settle to the bottom.

You can even freeze simple syrup into an ice cube tray and then place them in a gallon bag. They will last this way for up to six months. This method works best with warm drinks, coffee, and tea. They melt and cool down your drink just enough and sweetens it at the same time!

Ways to Use Vanilla Simple Syrup

The best part about this syrup is it is a classic flavor. It goes great in a lot of different things and with a lot of different flavors. Here are a few ideas for you:

• to sweeten coffees and teas
• in cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, and other beverages
• make your own flavored whipped cream or sweet cream topping
• pour it over yogurt or ice cream
• tossed in fruit salads
• glaze fruits on pies & tarts
• brush on quick breads or cake layers to moisten them
• make it part of a holiday gift basket (just add a cute label and bow)

Use it in these recipes:

• Espresso Martini Mocktail (substitute the simple syrup)
• Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail (substitute the simple syrup)
• Caramel Milk Tea with Black Tea (substitute the caramel simple syrup)
• Earl Grey Milk Tea (substitute the simple syrup)
• Apple Crumble Tart (brush it over the apples after the tart has baked)
• Apple Cider Mule Mocktail (add a splash for another level of flavor)

Extra Vanilla Syrup Tips:

• If you use vanilla paste or extract, you do not want to boil it with the sugar syrup or it will weaken the vanilla flavor and color. Vanilla paste and extract should be stirred into the simple syrup after it is removed from the stove top.
• If you use or need a lot of syrup, double or triple the recipe. For the holidays I like to make a double batch for not just coffee, but eggnog and mulled wine too!
• Store the syrup in an airtight container you can easily dispense from. I like to use leftover maple syrup bottles for simple syrup. You can also use squeeze bottles, jars, syrup dispensers, dispensers with pump tops, etc.
• If you want a thick and rich vanilla simple syrup use half the amount of sugar or sugar free allulose sweetener in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

More Simple Syrup Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Peppermint Simple Syrup
• Cinnamon Simple Syrup
• Caramel Simple Syrup
• Simple Syrup
• Cardamom Syrup
• Strawberry Simple Syrup
• Jalapeno Simple Syrup
• Grenadine (Pomegranate Simple Syrup)

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