Buttermilk Syrup

Rich, creamy, and lightly caramelized, this buttermilk syrup is a warm, velvety topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It bubbles up as it cooks, creating a smooth, frothy texture that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of tang from the buttermilk.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups sugar
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup butter
• 2 tbsp corn syrup (optional)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Cook the Syrup

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients except baking soda and vanilla. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a steady boil.

Boil for about 3½ minutes, watching carefully — the syrup will foam up once baking soda is added, so ensure your saucepan is large enough to accommodate expansion.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and whisk in baking soda and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture becomes frothy and smooth. Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

Notes

Preparation

• Use a large saucepan (at least 3 quarts) since the syrup will triple in volume when baking soda is added.
• Thickness control: The 3½-minute boil is the baseline. For a thicker syrup, extend the boil to 4–5 minutes before adding baking soda; for a lighter/thinner syrup, boil 2½–3 minutes. It will thicken further as it cools, so rewarm gently to loosen before serving.
• Whisk continuously after adding baking soda to achieve a light, foamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm over French toast, pancakes, waffles, or crêpes.
• Top French toast made with chunky cinnamon bread and garnish with strawberries and whipped cream for a restaurant-style brunch.

Variations

• Maple Buttermilk Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup.
• Orange Buttermilk Syrup: Stir in 1 tsp orange zest after adding vanilla extract.
• Coconut Buttermilk Syrup: Reduce vanilla extract to ½ tsp and add ½ tsp coconut flavoring.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring before serving.
• Do not boil again after reheating to preserve its smooth, creamy consistency.