If you’ve never tried homemade buttermilk syrup, you are missing out! This rich, creamy, buttery syrup has the most amazing caramel flavor and tastes absolutely delicious on pancakes, waffles, and French toast. It’s one of our favorite homemade breakfast recipes, and the best part is watching it bubble and foam like a science experiment! My kids love watching the magic happen, and I love how amazing it tastes!
The Best Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
There is something about homemade syrup that makes breakfast feel extra special. Don’t get me wrong, maple syrup is delicious, but this homemade buttermilk syrup is on a completely different level!
It has the perfect combination of buttery richness, caramel sweetness, and creamy goodness. It’s almost like a cross between a traditional pancake syrup and a delicious caramel sauce.
What makes my recipe a little different is that I actually make my own butter and buttermilk from heavy whipping cream. I whip the cream until it separates into fresh butter and the liquid left behind, then use both to make the syrup.
The result is an incredibly rich, buttery syrup that tastes amazing on just about everything!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Syrup
- Incredible flavor: Sweet, rich, buttery, and full of caramel goodness.
- Fun for kids: Adding the baking soda creates a bubbly kitchen science experiment.
- Simple ingredients: You only need five ingredients to make this delicious syrup.
- Perfect for breakfast: Delicious on pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more.
- Family favorite: A special homemade treat that makes ordinary mornings feel memorable.
Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy homemade syrup.
- 2 cups homemade buttermilk
- 2 cups homemade butter
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
A note about the buttermilk: I make my own butter and buttermilk by whipping heavy cream until it separates. The liquid left behind is called sweet buttermilk. It’s different from the cultured or real buttermilk commonly sold in grocery stores, which has a tangy flavor and higher acidity.
How to Make Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
Step 1: Make Your Butter and Buttermilk
Start by whipping heavy whipping cream until the butterfat separates from the liquid.
You’ll end up with fresh homemade butter and sweet buttermilk. Measure out 2 cups of each for this recipe.
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine the homemade butter, buttermilk, and granulated sugar.
Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Continue heating until the mixture comes to a boil.
The ingredients will combine into a creamy, buttery mixture that will become your delicious homemade syrup.
Step 4: Add the Baking Soda and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract.
This is where the magic happens!
The syrup will begin bubbling and foaming, expanding dramatically in the saucepan. I use a 12 quart pot.
Make sure you’re using a very large pot because the mixture can grow quite a bit!
Step 5: Serve Warm
Allow the foam to settle slightly before serving.
Pour your warm homemade buttermilk syrup over your favorite breakfast foods and enjoy!
A Fun Kitchen Science Experiment for Kids
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it doubles as a fun science experiment!
When you add baking soda to the hot syrup, the mixture starts bubbling and foaming right before your eyes.
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when it reacts with acidic ingredients. Heat can also contribute to the bubbling. Because homemade sweet buttermilk isn’t as acidic as cultured buttermilk, the reaction can be different from traditional recipes.
You can even turn this into a little science lesson by asking your kids what they think will happen before adding the baking soda.
Will it change color? Will it get bigger? Will it bubble?
It’s such a fun way to combine cooking, learning, and delicious food!
Just remember that hot sugar syrup can cause serious burns, so kids should watch from a safe distance while an adult handles the saucepan.
Delicious Ways to Serve Buttermilk Syrup
While homemade buttermilk syrup is absolutely amazing on traditional pancakes, there are so many other delicious ways to enjoy it!
Buttermilk Pancakes: Pour this rich, buttery syrup over a tall stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes for an unforgettable breakfast.
French Toast Sticks: This syrup makes an incredible dipping sauce for homemade French toast sticks. Kids especially love this combination!
Waffles: Drizzle warm syrup over crispy Belgian waffles for a special weekend breakfast.
Cinnamon Roll: Try a little warm syrup over a freshly baked cinnamon roll for an extra-indulgent treat.
Ice Cream: This syrup also makes a delicious topping for vanilla ice cream. The caramel-like flavor pairs beautifully with a cold, creamy dessert.
Fun Buttermilk Syrup Flavor Variations
I love the original vanilla flavor, but there are several fun ways you could experiment with this recipe.
Brown Sugar Buttermilk Syrup
For a deeper caramel flavor, try replacing part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
Brown sugar adds a delicious molasses flavor that complements the buttery richness of the syrup.
Coconut Buttermilk Syrup
For a tropical twist, try adding a small amount of coconut extract instead of some of the vanilla.
This would be especially delicious over coconut pancakes or waffles topped with fresh fruit.
Almond Buttermilk Syrup
A little almond extract can add a sweet, bakery-style flavor to your homemade syrup.
Because almond extract is strong, start with just a few drops and adjust to taste.
Tangy Buttermilk Syrup
Traditional buttermilk syrup recipes often use cultured buttermilk, which has a slightly tangy flavor.
If you prefer that flavor, you could experiment with a small amount of lemon juice. The additional acidity can also increase the reaction with baking soda.
Keep in mind that adding lemon juice changes the original recipe, so I recommend trying it in a smaller batch first.
How to Store Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
If you have leftover syrup, allow it to cool and transfer it into an airtight container.
Store the syrup in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before serving.
Some homemade syrup recipes suggest refrigerating leftovers for about 1-2 weeks, but because this particular recipe contains fresh homemade butter and buttermilk, I recommend using refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days for food safety.
For longer storage, freeze the syrup in smaller portions and thaw in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
The syrup may thicken or separate slightly when chilled. Stir gently as you reheat it to help restore its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
What does homemade buttermilk syrup taste like?
Homemade buttermilk syrup has a rich, sweet, buttery flavor that’s similar to caramel sauce. It’s creamy, delicious, and tastes amazing on breakfast favorites.
Is buttermilk syrup better than maple syrup?
That depends on what you love! Maple syrup has its own distinctive flavor, while buttermilk syrup is richer, creamier, and more buttery. I love how special homemade buttermilk syrup makes an ordinary breakfast feel.
Can I use real buttermilk from the grocery store?
Traditional buttermilk syrup recipes often use cultured buttermilk from the grocery store. However, my recipe uses the sweet buttermilk left over from making homemade butter. The acidity and flavor are different, so substituting cultured buttermilk may change the finished syrup.
Why do you add baking soda to buttermilk syrup?
Baking soda helps create the foamy texture that makes this recipe so much fun. It can react with acidic ingredients to release carbon dioxide bubbles, and it can also influence browning and flavor.
Can I make buttermilk syrup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and gently reheat it before serving.
Can I use this syrup as a dessert topping?
Absolutely! The buttery caramel flavor makes it delicious over ice cream, cinnamon rolls, and other sweet treats.
A Family Breakfast Recipe Worth Making Again and Again
Some of my favorite family memories happen in the kitchen, and I especially love recipes that get the kids excited about cooking.
This homemade buttermilk syrup is the perfect combination of delicious food and a fun kitchen science experiment. Watching the syrup bubble and foam is almost as exciting as eating it!
Whether you’re making fluffy buttermilk pancakes for a weekend breakfast, dipping French toast sticks, or serving a special holiday brunch, this easy homemade syrup is sure to become a family favorite.
Once you taste that rich, buttery caramel goodness, you might never want to go back to ordinary pancake syrup!
Have you ever made homemade buttermilk syrup? I’d love to hear what your family thinks!
You might also like: Peach pancake syrup recipe: Simple homemade recipe and How to make coconut syrup: Simple Homemade recipe.
Homemade Buttermilk Syrup
This homemade buttermilk syrup is rich, buttery, and full of delicious caramel flavor! Made with fresh homemade butter and buttermilk, it's the perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Plus, watching it bubble and foam is a fun kitchen science experiment kids will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups homemade butter
- 2 cups homemade buttermilk
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Whip heavy whipping cream until the butter separates from the liquid. Measure 2 cups of homemade butter and 2 cups of the leftover buttermilk.
In a very large saucepan, combine the homemade butter, buttermilk, and sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter melts, the sugar dissolves, and the mixture comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda.
Watch as the syrup bubbles and foams! Allow the foam to settle slightly before serving.
Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or your favorite breakfast treats.
Notes
IMPORTANT: Use a very large pot! The syrup will bubble and expand significantly when you add the baking soda.
Homemade Buttermilk: This recipe uses the liquid left over from making butter with heavy whipping cream, not store-bought cultured buttermilk.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I’m happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I’m an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there’s nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I’m here to enjoy every moment of it! I’m the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!
