Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe) Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love warm, luscious syrups that elevate pancakes, waffles, and so much more, you are going to adore this Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe). It’s a perfect blend of rich butter, smooth cream, mellow sugar, and fragrant vanilla, finishing with a touch of baking soda that gives it a silky, caramel-like texture you’ll want to drizzle on everything. This syrup feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, transforming everyday breakfasts into a cozy, comforting treat you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the velvety texture and deep flavor of the Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe). From the richness of the butter to the sweetness of the sugar, every component harmonizes perfectly.
- Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and caramelizes to create that beautiful amber color.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the sugar’s intensity.
- Salted butter: Contributes a rich, buttery flavor and smooth mouthfeel; the salt enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Infuses the syrup with warm, fragrant notes that make it truly irresistible.
- Baking soda: A small but magical addition that aerates the syrup, giving it a luscious texture reminiscent of soft caramel.
How to Make Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe)
Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Begin by placing sugar, heavy cream, salted butter, and vanilla extract into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. This mix forms the sweet, creamy base for your syrup. Using a heavy pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the sugar from burning as it melts.
Step 2: Heat to a Low Boil and Stir
Warm the mixture over medium-low heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to help the sugar dissolve smoothly and to keep the butter emulsified, ensuring the syrup doesn’t separate.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to a simmer and keep stirring for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step lets the syrup thicken beautifully and develop those rich caramel undertones. Watch closely — you want a luxurious, slightly thickened syrup that flows easily but coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Finish
Right before taking the pan off the heat, stir in the baking soda thoroughly. You’ll notice the syrup bubble a bit as the baking soda reacts, lightening the texture and creating a delectable velvety finish characteristic of this Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe).
Step 5: Serve or Cool for Later
You can serve the syrup warm immediately, drizzling it on pancakes or ice cream, or let it cool to store in the fridge. It thickens a bit more as it cools but remains pourable and delicious.
How to Serve Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe)

Garnishes
Enhance your syrup experience with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream make beautiful, tasty accents that complement the syrup’s richness.
Side Dishes
This syrup is heavenly over breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or buttery French toast. It also pairs surprisingly well as a topping for warm oatmeal or drizzled over vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe) as a drizzle on roasted fruits, like pears or apples, or even as a glaze for baked goods such as cinnamon rolls or sticky buns. It adds a touch of warm indulgence that takes these dishes to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks, maintaining its flavor and texture beautifully as long as it’s sealed properly.
Freezing
While you can freeze Dutch Honey Syrup, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because freezing may slightly alter the smooth texture. If you do freeze it, thaw in the refrigerator and stir gently to restore consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the syrup gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to bring back that silky flow without overheating or burning it.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, consider adding just a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and maintain that perfect balance in the syrup.
What does the baking soda do in this recipe?
The baking soda reacts with the acidity of the ingredients, causing the syrup to bubble and become lighter and silkier. It’s key to achieving the signature texture of Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe).
Can I substitute vanilla extract with something else?
Yes! Vanilla bean paste or even a small piece of a vanilla bean adds an even richer flavor, but vanilla extract works beautifully and is the most convenient choice.
Is this syrup suitable for vegan diets?
This Dutch Honey Syrup includes butter and cream, so it’s not vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based cream and vegan butter alternatives to create a similar taste and texture.
How thick should the syrup be when it’s done?
The syrup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pour smoothly. It will thicken a bit more once cooled, so aim for a slightly looser consistency while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe) is genuinely one of those magical homemade treats that elevates simple breakfasts or desserts into moments of joy. It’s rich, comforting, and so easy to whip up with pantry staples. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy this warm, buttery sweetness!
PrintDutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe) Recipe
Dutch Honey Syrup, also known as Vanilla Butter Syrup, is a rich, creamy, and sweet sauce made from sugar, heavy cream, butter, vanilla, and a touch of baking soda. This syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, offering a luscious vanilla flavor with a smooth buttery texture. Simple to prepare on the stovetop, it makes an indulgent addition to your breakfast or dessert table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 3/4 cups of syrup 1x
- Category: Sauce/Syrup
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Dutch
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the sugar, heavy cream, salted butter, and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Ensure the pan is large enough to prevent overflowing when the mixture heats.
- Heat to a low boil: Place the pan over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. This melting process helps the sugar dissolve and combines all ingredients smoothly.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the syrup to simmer. Continue to stir frequently for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Be patient to avoid scorching.
- Add baking soda: Just before removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in the 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda until completely dissolved. This step creates a slight foaming reaction that lightens the syrup’s texture.
- Serve or store: Serve the syrup immediately warm by drizzling it over your favorite pancakes, waffles, or desserts. Alternatively, allow the syrup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Use salted butter for a balanced flavor; if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
- Vanilla bean paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and speckled appearance, but extract works equally well.
- Stir continuously to prevent burning and to promote smooth texture.
- The baking soda causes the syrup to foam briefly; this is normal and helps create a lighter mouthfeel.
- Store refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two weeks; reheat gently over low heat before serving.
- This syrup is best enjoyed warm, but can be served at room temperature as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Dutch honey syrup, vanilla butter syrup, pancake syrup, homemade syrup, easy syrup recipe, breakfast syrup