Homestyle Buttermilk Pancake Syrup Recipe

Homemade buttermilk syrup is rich, buttery, and sweet — a simple way to elevate your family breakfast.

One of our favorite morning treats is German pancakes topped with buttermilk syrup. This homemade version is creamy, easy to make, and far more delicious than store-bought syrup.

What you need to make Buttermilk Syrup:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to make buttermilk syrup:

1. In a large pot, combine the buttermilk, sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly so it blends evenly.
2. Keep stirring until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and add the baking soda. The baking soda will react with the buttermilk and cause the syrup to bubble up. Stir constantly off the heat to prevent boiling over.
4. After the bubbling subsides, stir in the vanilla. Let the syrup settle and give it a final stir before serving.
5. Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast, or German pancakes.

Buttermilk Substitutes:

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, these substitutes work well for 1 cup:

• 1 cup whole milk + 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup whole milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt + 1/4 cup water or milk

This syrup is quick to prepare and makes a thoughtful homemade gift. If you buy a quart of buttermilk, you can easily quadruple the recipe and freeze portions for busy mornings — just thaw and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How long does buttermilk syrup last?

Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, homemade buttermilk syrup keeps for a few weeks—often longer depending on storage conditions. Reheat gently before using.

Can you freeze buttermilk syrup?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars. Thaw in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave when ready to use.

What is buttermilk syrup good on?

Almost anything you would top with regular syrup tastes better with this homemade buttermilk syrup. Try it on:

• German pancakes
• Buttermilk pancakes
• Crepes
• Croissant bread pudding
• Waffles
• French toast or a French toast bake

Buttermilk Syrup

Homemade buttermilk syrup is buttery, sweet and far superior to store-bought syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine buttermilk, sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a large pot and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
2. Stir continuously over medium-high heat until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and add the baking soda. Stir constantly off the heat to control the bubbling reaction with the buttermilk.
4. Stir in the vanilla, wait for the bubbling to subside, then give the syrup a final stir before serving.
5. Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or German pancakes.

Recipe Notes

Store in a wide-mouth mason jar in the refrigerator.

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