Dutch Honey Vanilla Syrup

This homemade Dutch Honey Syrup transforms simple ingredients into liquid gold that makes pancakes, waffles, and French toast absolutely irresistible. Despite its name, this classic syrup contains no actual honey—instead, it gets its amber color and rich flavor from the caramelization of sugar and cream.

I discovered this recipe during a weekend when we ran out of maple syrup, and my disappointed children were eyeing their plain pancakes. This happy accident became our Sunday morning tradition, with my kids now requesting "the special syrup" every weekend.

Ingredients

• Sugar: Provides the sweetness base and helps create that golden color when cooked
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create the perfect consistency
• Salted butter: Balances sweetness with a subtle savory note for depth of flavor
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Infuses aromatic warmth look for pure extract for best results
• Baking soda: Seems unusual but creates a chemical reaction that gives the syrup its signature smoothness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients:

Add sugar, heavy cream, butter and vanilla to a heavy bottomed saucepan. Use a pan with tall sides as the mixture will bubble up during cooking. Make sure to measure precisely as the ratio affects the final consistency.

Create The Initial Boil:

Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a low boil. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching on the bottom. The sugar will dissolve completely and the mixture will begin to change color slightly. This typically takes about 3 minutes.

Simmer To Thicken:

Reduce heat to medium low and maintain a gentle simmer. Continue stirring regularly as the mixture thickens. Watch for the syrup to coat the back of your wooden spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. This step requires patience about 5 to 10 minutes depending on your desired thickness.

Add The Secret Ingredient:

Just before removing from heat, stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly this is normal. Stir continuously until completely dissolved, about 30 seconds. The syrup will take on a more golden hue and develop a silky smooth texture.

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The vanilla component makes this syrup truly special. I prefer using vanilla bean paste which provides beautiful flecks throughout the golden syrup and a more intense flavor. My grandmother always told me that the vanilla is what separates an ordinary syrup from something memorable.

What Makes It Dutch Honey

Despite its name, traditional Dutch Honey contains no actual honey. This classic recipe originates from Pennsylvania Dutch cooking traditions, where creative home cooks developed this alternative when honey and maple syrup were scarce or expensive. The name likely comes from its honey like color and consistency. What makes it special is the unique balance of dairy richness with caramelized sweetness something pure maple syrup cannot replicate.

Storing Your Liquid Gold

Pour leftover syrup into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid after it has cooled slightly. Refrigerate for up to two weeks the syrup will become quite firm when cold. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a microwave safe container and warm in 20 second intervals, stirring between each until pourable. You can also reheat in a small saucepan over low heat. If the syrup seems too thick after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of cream while reheating.

Creative Serving Ideas

While perfect for breakfast classics like pancakes and waffles, this versatile syrup deserves exploration beyond the morning meal. Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a simple but impressive dessert. Use as a dipping sauce for fresh fruit or pound cake. Mix into coffee for a decadent homemade flavor boost. My personal favorite is spooning it warm over bread pudding where it seeps into all the nooks and crannies.

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This simple recipe turns a regular breakfast into a memorable treat you'll look forward to making week after week.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called Dutch honey syrup if it doesn't contain honey?

Despite its name, Dutch honey syrup contains no actual honey. The name comes from its honey-like appearance, texture, and amber color. The combination of caramelized sugar, cream, and butter creates a rich sweetness reminiscent of honey.

→ How long does Dutch honey syrup last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Dutch honey syrup typically lasts 2-3 weeks. The high sugar content acts as a natural preservative. You may notice it thickens when cold, so gently warm before serving.

→ What's the purpose of adding baking soda to the syrup?

The baking soda serves two important functions: it prevents crystallization, ensuring a smooth texture, and it helps create the characteristic amber color through a mild chemical reaction with the acidic components. It also adds a subtle depth to the flavor profile.

→ What can I serve Dutch honey syrup with?

This versatile syrup pairs beautifully with breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes. It's also delicious drizzled over ice cream, pound cake, bread pudding, or fresh berries. Some even enjoy it stirred into coffee or hot chocolate.

→ Can I make this syrup with alternative sweeteners?

While traditional Dutch honey syrup uses granulated sugar, you can experiment with alternatives like brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. However, artificial sweeteners generally don't work well as they won't caramelize properly.

→ Is there a dairy-free version of Dutch honey syrup?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version using full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and plant-based butter alternatives. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor profile will be similar with the same vanilla notes.