Quick Answer
There are a few easy ways to thicken brown sugar syrup:
- Simmer the syrup longer to evaporate more liquid
- Add a thickening agent like cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca
- Blend in butter or cream at the end of cooking
Simmering the syrup for 20-30 minutes will thicken it by reducing water content. For an even thicker result, use 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca per cup of syrup. Mix the starch with a bit of cool syrup before adding to the hot mixture. Finally, blending in 1-2 tablespoons of butter or heavy cream per cup of syrup at the end will enrich the texture.
What is brown sugar syrup and how is it used?
Brown sugar syrup is a sweet, thick syrup made by dissolving brown sugar in water and simmering until it reaches the desired consistency. It has a deep, rich caramelized flavor thanks to the molasses content in brown sugar.
Brown sugar syrup has many culinary uses:
- Pancake and waffle topping
- Dessert sauce for cakes, ice cream, bread pudding
- Cocktail sweetener and mixer
- Glaze for baked ham
- Flavoring in baked beans, barbecue sauce, chili
The syrup can be swirled into oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese for a sweet treat. It also makes a tasty addition to coffee, tea, and other beverages. The thick, clingy texture of brown sugar syrup makes it perfect for drizzling over desserts or using as a dip for fresh fruit.
Basic Recipe
Here is a basic recipe for easy homemade brown sugar syrup:
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla or maple extract (optional)
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, water, salt, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Stir to fully dissolve sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- The syrup will thicken slightly as some of the water evaporates. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
- Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
This easy stovetop method yields a pourable syrup with a rich, deep brown sugar flavor. Simmering longer will concentrate the sweetness and result in a thicker syrup.
How to Make Thicker Brown Sugar Syrup
If you want an extra thick, viscous brown sugar syrup, there are a few simple techniques to try:
Simmer Longer
Letting the syrup simmer for a longer period of time allows more water to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency. Aim for 20-30 minutes of gently bubbling simmer to start. Check consistency and continue simmering if you want it thicker.
Blend in a Starch
Starch is an easy way to thicken syrup without dramatically changing the flavor. Cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch can all be used. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of your preferred starch with a tablespoon of cool syrup or water. Pour this slurry into the hot syrup and bring back to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
| Thickener | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Cornstarch | 1-2 tsp per cup of syrup |
| Arrowroot | 1-2 tsp per cup of syrup |
| Tapioca starch | 1-2 tsp per cup of syrup |
Blend in Butter or Cream
For a syrup with a silky, glossy texture, blend in a bit of dairy at the end. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter or heavy cream per cup of syrup after removing from heat. The fat helps thicken and enrich the syrup.
Tips for Making Perfect Thick Brown Sugar Syrup
Follow these tips for foolproof brown sugar syrup every time:
- Pack the brown sugar – Dense, compact sugar will dissolve better and make a more consistent syrup.
- Whisk as sugar dissolves – This helps prevent clumping and ensures even sweetening.
- Use exact heat – Too high heat will cause syrup to boil over. Too low and it won’t thicken efficiently.
- Simmer gently – Let bubbles break slowly for even water evaporation.
- Skim off foam – For clear syrup, skim off and discard any foam that forms.
- Add thickness boosters – Cornstarch, arrowroot, tapioca starch, butter, and cream all enhance thickness.
With the proper technique, it’s easy to achieve thick, rich brown sugar syrup. Simmer to reduce water content, add starch for body, or blend in butter for silkiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my brown sugar syrup harden in the fridge?
Brown sugar syrup will thicken and take on a solid, fudgy texture when chilled due to the high sugar content. Gently reheat to return it to a pourable consistency. Store in an airtight container to help minimize hardening.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Brown sugar has a more complex, caramelized taste compared to white sugar. For a simple sugar syrup, white sugar can be substituted 1:1. Expect a thinner, lighter colored syrup.
Is brown sugar syrup healthy?
Brown sugar syrup is high in sugar and calories so it should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. However, brown sugar does contain some minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron not found in white sugar. There are also antioxidants in the molasses.
How long does homemade brown sugar syrup last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, brown sugar syrup will keep for 2-3 weeks. The high sugar content prevents microbial growth. Over time, the syrup may crystallize or harden. Reheating will restore it to a liquid state.
Can I freeze brown sugar syrup?
Yes, brown sugar syrup can be frozen for long term storage up to 3 months. Pour into a freezer-safe container, allowing headspace for expansion. Thaw in the fridge before using. The consistency may be slightly thicker after thawing.
Unique Flavor Variations
Brown sugar syrup is delicious on its own, but you can also customize the flavor. Try these fun variations:
Spices and Herbs
Simmer whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, vanilla bean, or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint in the syrup while reducing. Strain out solids before using.
Citrus Zest
Add strips of citrus zest (orange, lemon, grapefruit) to the syrup for a bright, floral note. Remove zest before use.
Extracts
Stir in extracts like almond, maple, vanilla, coconut, or peppermint for added dimension. Start with 1 teaspoon per cup of syrup.
Cocoa Powder
For chocolate brown sugar syrup, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder at the end. Reduce any other liquid.
Spirits
Splash in bourbon, rum, whiskey, or cognac for a boozy syrup. Use 2-3 tablespoons per cup of syrup.
Substitutions
If you don’t have brown sugar, try these pantry-friendly subs:
White Sugar + Molasses
Combine 1 cup white sugar with 1-2 tablespoons molasses for a brown sugar-like effect.
Honey
Replace up to half the brown sugar with mild honey. Reduce liquid slightly to account for honey.
Maple syrup
For a maple brown sugar flavor, use 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup.
Coconut sugar
Swap brown sugar 1:1 with coconut sugar. It has a similar texture when made into syrup.
Recommended Uses
Here are some of the tastiest ways to use thick brown sugar syrup:
Cakes and Cupcakes
Drizzle over cake slices or fill cupcakes with brown sugar syrup for added moisture and sweetness.
Fruit Salads
Toss chopped fruit with a splash of brown sugar syrup. The thick consistency helps it coat and cling to the fruit.
Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass. Top with brown sugar syrup for a sweet finishing touch.
Pancakes and Waffles
Upgrade standard pancake syrup with brown sugar syrup. The caramel notes pair perfectly with fluffy cakes.
Oatmeal and Porridge
Stir a spoonful of syrup into oatmeal or porridge for a hit of sweetness and rich molasses flavor.
Milkshakes and Smoothies
Blending brown sugar syrup into milkshakes or smoothies adds body and enhances the sweetness.
Cocktails
Replace simple syrup with brown sugar syrup in cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans.
Troubleshooting
Having issues making the perfect brown sugar syrup? Here are some common problems and solutions:
Syrup crystallizes or hardens
– Used too much sugar relative to liquid
– Cooled too quickly after cooking
Solution: Reheat gently to dissolve crystals. Use more liquid next time. Cool syrup gradually.
Syrup has thick foamy layer
– Sugar wasn’t fully dissolved before simmering
– Syrup boiled too vigorously
Solution: Skim off foam. Make sure sugar dissolves next time. Simmer gently.
Syrup isn’t thick enough
– Not simmered long enough to evaporate water
– Heat too low for reducing liquid
Solution: Continue simmering until desired thickness is reached. Use medium-high heat.
Syrup has burnt smell/taste
– Syrup boiled too hot
– Cooked too long and scorched
Solution: Watch heat closely to prevent burning. Cook at gentle simmer.
Syrup is too thin and runny
– Too much liquid relative to sugar
– Starch thickener not cooked sufficiently
Solution: Try less liquid or longer simmer next time. Cook starch slurry for 2-3 mins.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect thickened brown sugar syrup is easy with a few key tips. Simmer the syrup for longer to concentrate flavors and evaporate water. Thicken with cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca for body. Blend in butter or cream for richness. Customize the flavor with spices, extracts, or liqueurs. Finally, use the syrup to enhance everything from pancakes to yogurt parfaits and smoothies. With the proper techniques, you can make this sweet treat anytime.
