Make your own caramel syrup at home with just 3 simple ingredients. Take your favorite lattes, iced coffee, and cocktails to the next level with this easy recipe. Even better? It has much better flavor than the store-bought stuff.
Prep time: PT1M
Cook time: PT18M
Total time: PT19M
Rating
4.76 stars (116 reviews)
Keywords
cocktail, coffee, easy, homemade, quick, syrup
Ingredients
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup water (divided)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Categories
Beverages
Cuisine
American
Steps
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.
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.
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.
While the mixture is simmering, heat the remaining ½ cup water in the microwave or in a small saucepan. Using hot water for the next step will reduce splatters.
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 once the color changes, or it can become too thick or burn quickly. Keep your eyes on it!
Wearing oven mitts, carefully whisk in the remaining ½ cup of 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.
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!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 2 TBSP
Calories: 97 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 0.1 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Sugar: 25 g
Reviews
ScrumptiousSyrup on 2024-10-03 (5 stars): My syrup was quite a bit lighter than the video but it was actually so good. I added some salt for the salted caramel version and it is just so scrumptious. I'm going to have to make like a 3x next time!
Ousmane on 2024-10-02 (5 stars): I've been learning to make caramely things this year and I'm so thrilled to have come across your method. Made my first batch today and it came out beautifully, thanks to your wonderfully detailed instruction! Made for the loveliest latte. Thanks Becca!
Chris on 2024-08-30 (5 stars): SUCCESS!!! This recipe and directions are soo easy! Results came out perfect! Wish I could post pic lol. Wasted a bag of sugar on a 'Different' recipe that is opposite directions to this one. I'm so glad I found this one! Thanks!!!
Alexis on 2024-07-01 (5 stars): I left out the vanilla but followed the rest of the instructions to the t. For my high altitude folks, Im at 4400 ft and the color turned at about minute 12-13 and that's when you want to remove it from heat. Tastes great, will be using it in lattes 💜
Megan on 2024-07-01 (5 stars): I don't understand the negative ratings, I make this recipe about 2-3 times a month and have never had a problem. Tastes delicious!
Katherine on 2023-01-21 (5 stars): I wasn’t sure if mine would turn out because it was really hard to tell in my kitchen if it had turned an amber color - but it turned out great! I’m enjoying the best caramel latte I’ve had in a long time! I don’t like Starbucks’ hot coffees - they leave a gross aftertaste imo. So I’m glad to have a cheaper alternative!!
Elise on 2023-01-09 (5 stars): I was skeptical of this recipe but WOW!!! Blew my socks off!! I had to omit the vanilla because I don’t have any but the flavor is still very good and caramel-y. Taste almost like caramel corn when I added the sprinkle of salt. 2tbsp in my Iced Coffee and I have my iced caramel coffee. 10/10
Dana on 2022-10-23 (5 stars): Im always worried about products having “natural” flavorings being gluten free, with this recipe I am SURE it gluten and dairy free! It smelled like fresh caramel corn when it was almost done!I boiled mine on med low and it took a good 20 minutes but the plus is you really don’t have to stir but 3 or 4 times. This going in my caramel apple cider martini!!
Laura on 2022-09-23 (5 stars): This is just the yummiest ever!!!!!
