Description
This rich and smooth homemade caramel syrup is the perfect addition to hot or iced coffee. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it adds a warm, balanced caramel flavor to your drinks and keeps well in the fridge for months.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water, divided
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup (or honey as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/4 cup of the water, and corn syrup. Stir over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Cover and let the mixture boil for 2–3 minutes.
- Uncover and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a light amber color.
- Remove from heat and carefully add the remaining 1/2 cup of water gradually (it will bubble vigorously).
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Let cool completely, then transfer to a jar. Use 1–2 tablespoons per 8 oz coffee.
Notes
- Cook longer for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Swap corn syrup with honey for a subtle floral note.
- Add more salt for a salted caramel version.
- Omit vanilla if you prefer a pure caramel flavor.
- Warm briefly before using if syrup thickens in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
