Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe (Dutch Honey) (2024)

Dutch Honey Syrup is a family tradition on my maternal side. An easy homemade syrup recipe, that we’ve always referred to as Dutch Honey, but is more commonly called Vanilla Butter Syrup, blonde butter syrup, vanilla butter syrup, buttermilk syrup, cream syrup and sometimes just vanilla syrup.

Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe (Dutch Honey) (1)

It’s funny because it doesn’t contain honey or buttermilk… it also almost the same as maple cream, but no maple.

The only thing I can tell you with 100% certainty is that you and your family will soon start to crave it. It is that good. It is an an easy sweet syrup for fluffy pancakes, waffles, French toast, German pancakes, biscuits or even vanilla ice cream! I also use it as a simple syrup between cake layers or for poke cakes.

While I generally reserve it for special occassions, it is a great option when real maple syrup isn’t available (or you just ran out!) for your favorite pancakes.

Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe (Dutch Honey) (2)

What You’ll Need

Basic ingredients combine to make the ultimate of sweet sauces.

  • White sugar– We use white in our version, but another fun variation is to use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar and get molasses undertones.
  • Heavy cream- On the actual handwritten recipe card, it states to use table cream. Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (there is a slight difference in fat content) can be used.
  • Salted butter – Salt in this case helps brighten the other flavors. If using unsalted butter, add just a dash of coarse Kosher salt.
  • Vanilla extract– Provides flavor. The higher quality the extract, the more robust flavor. If you want a really intense, next level vanilla flavor, try using vanilla bean paste.
  • Baking Soda– This is something I’ve started to add over the years, but isn’t in the original recipe. The reaction between the acid and the baking soda creates tiny air pockets resulting in asoft velvety syrup that won’t get too dense when cooled. A small quality won’t impact the flavor.

Some recipes use light corn syrup, but ours just melts white sugar.

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How to Make Vanilla Butter Syrup

Making this sauce is super easy! You can make it ahead of time and it is also freezer friendly.

  1. Use a heavy bottom saucepan for best consistent and controlled heat. Combine the sugar, cream, butter and vanilla extract.
  2. Heat to medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. Using a wooden spoon prevents sticking. Keep an eye on it- dairy and sugar based sauces have the tendency to boil over fast if not kept at a low, steady heat. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Reduce a simmer and continue to stir until it thickens, 5-10 minutes. The mixture will thicken further when cool, so just make sure it coats the back of your wooden spoon.
  4. Right before removing from the heat, stir in the baking soda, making sure it incorporates well.
  5. Pour hot syrup over your favorite sweet breakfast foods.
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Storage

Vanilla butter syrup can be served warm right off the stove or made ahead. Store any syrup you intend to eat that week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature to serve.

It can also be frozen in an airtight container, jarred or canned. Although I am not an expert canning, so I will not pretend to give you those instructions. Here is a great tutorial.

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Variations

Combine with fresh fruits or use any extract in place of vanilla to give it your own edge. Almond extract, lemon or even maple extract make for fun customizations.

A couple of my other favorite homemade syrup recipes are Homemade Blueberry Syrup, Apple Cider and also Cranberry Syrup.

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What to Serve with Vanilla Butter Syrup

  • Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
  • English Scones
  • Classic Waffles with 13 Variations
  • Raspberry White Chocolate Pancakes
  • Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes

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Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe (Dutch Honey) (10)

Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe)

4.27 from 110 votes

Dutch Honey Syrup Recipe is an easy homemade syrup for pancakes, waffles, French toast, biscuits or even vanilla ice cream!

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, butter and vanilla extract.

  • Heat to a low boil, stirring with a wooden spoon.

  • Reduce to simmer and continue to stir until it thickens (about 5-10 minutes). Right before removing from the heat, stir in the baking soda until dissolved.

  • Serve immediately or allow to cool and refrigerate.

  • Did you try it? Let us know how it went in the comments section or star ratings!

Video

Notes

It will stay refrigerated for about a week. It also freezes well.

Nutrition

Calories: 201 kcal, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 47 mg, Sodium: 8 mg, Potassium: 14 mg, Sugar: 16 g, Vitamin A: 530 IU, Vitamin C: 0.1 mg, Calcium: 15 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 201

Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cream syrup, dutch honey, homemade syrup, vanilla syrup

Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe (Dutch Honey) (2024)

FAQs

How do you store Dutch honey? ›

Store honey at room temperature to deter crystallization. Crystallization occurs most rapidly at cool temperatures (40º – 57ºF) therefore honey should never be stored in the refrigerator. 2. Prevent absorption of moisture in the air by tightly closing containers during storage.

How long does homemade honey syrup last? ›

Add the honey and water into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container. Syrup will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

What is a substitute for vanilla syrup? ›

If vanilla flavor is a definite requirement, you'll want to add a tiny bit of vanilla extract. If your recipe is more flexible, you can use other sweeteners like plain simple syrup, other flavored syrups, or even natural liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Can I use maple syrup instead of vanilla syrup? ›

5. Maple syrup. Many people like to use maple syrup as a replacement for vanilla, using 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of syrup for each 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extract. To some, the scent and the hint of sweetness from maple syrup are reminiscent of vanilla.

Does honey go bad if not refrigerated? ›

Honey can be stored pretty much anywhere, at any temperature. It's one of the few products in the world that never goes bad, due to its unique chemical composition.

Why honey should not be refrigerated? ›

You should also refrain from putting it in the fridge, as this can cause it to thicken and change its texture. Keep it away from sunlight, which causes the particles in raw honey to degrade, negatively impacting the nutritional benefits. Try to remember to wipe down the honey jar each time before replacing the lid.

Why does honey syrup go bad? ›

This is the same reason why honey never expires; bacteria have a hard time growing in these high-sugar, low-moisture environments. But one difference between honey and syrup is that syrup can get moldy after the container's been opened. This is because it has been exposed to mold spores in the air.

What's the difference between honey and honey syrup? ›

Honey syrup can be used in co*cktails, coffee beverages, and as a substitution for classic simple syrup. Honey syrup is made from honey and water, resulting in a thinner syrup that is easier to pour than honey alone. If you love the taste of honey, this is a great syrup to keep on hand in your fridge!

Should honey syrup be refrigerated? ›

Due to the above, you should only mix enough syrup to last a few days and ideally, you should store your syrup in a refrigerator.

Which is better French vanilla or vanilla syrup? ›

If you're looking to add a rich and creamy vanilla flavor to your desserts or beverages, French vanilla may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking a convenient and versatile sweetener for your drinks, vanilla syrup is a great option.

What's the difference between French vanilla syrup and vanilla syrup? ›

Here's how it's defined by Mauricio Poulsen, director of creation and application flavors for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.: “Today, in sensory terms, when we refer to French vanilla, it is when the vanilla flavor is caramelized, custard-like, cooked, egg yolk-like, slightly floral.”

Can honey replace vanilla? ›

Honey. Honey adds a bright, floral sweetness to desserts. Like maple syrup, it can also enhance the texture of baked goods. Use 1 tablespoon of honey to replace 1 teaspoon (tsp) of vanilla extract.

How much honey to substitute for vanilla extract? ›

To start, try swapping 1 tablespoon honey for 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. If you really want to taste the honey in your recipe, try replacing some of the sugar in your recipe with honey as well.

Does vanilla extract go bad? ›

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.

Can I use vanilla creamer instead of vanilla extract? ›

Vanilla coffee syrup – Use as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla extract. Vanilla coffee creamer – Use as a 1:1 substitute or double the amount of coffee creamer as extract. Spices, espresso powder – Feel free to think outside of the box and go with a completely different flavor than vanilla.

What is the best way to store honey long term? ›

Keep your honey away from extreme temperatures - store it at a moderate room temperature. Plus, more exposure to light can impair honey quality. It is recommended that you store it in a dark place or use opaque jars to protect it from light. Mix honey gently if you observe early signs of crystallization.

How do you store honey so it doesn't go bad? ›

The best way to preserve honey is to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can cause honey to ferment or spoil, so it's important to avoid exposing it to these conditions. It's also important to keep your honey in an airtight container.

Does real honey need to be refrigerated? ›

Do not refrigerate honey. Keeping your honey in the refrigerator preserves it but the cool temperatures will cause your honey to form a semi-solid mass, so this method of storage is not recommended.

What's the best way to store honey? ›

Raw honey is best stored in a dark area that ranges from 65 to 75 degrees, such as in a cupboard near a stove or oven. If you're trying to avoid crystallization of raw honey, try duplicating the hive environment—warm and dark—as much as possible.

References

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