If you’re ready to turn your breakfast into a celebration, this Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe is a game-changer! With its warm, buttery sweetness and irresistible creamy texture, it transforms every drizzle into pure comfort. It’s far richer and more flavorful than anything you’ll ever pour from a store-bought bottle, whether you’re topping classic pancakes, golden waffles, or pillowy French toast. Once you taste this syrup, you’ll want to make it a staple at every breakfast or brunch gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is that it only calls for a handful of absolutely essential ingredients. Each one brings silky texture, personal flair, or a burst of rich flavor to the final syrup, so it’s worth seeking out the best you can find.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds that signature richness and helps create a silky, decadent finish.
- Granulated Sugar: The backbone of sweetness, balancing the tanginess of buttermilk and caramelizing for deep flavor.
- Buttermilk: Gives the syrup its signature tang and creamy body—don’t skip this!
- Light Corn Syrup: Provides glossy smoothness and keeps the syrup from crystallizing.
- Baking Soda: Creates the magical bubbling reaction for an airy, luscious texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a comforting, aromatic undertone.
How to Make Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by grabbing a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan—trust me, you’ll want the extra space for the bubbling magic that’s coming later. Place the butter in the pan and melt it gently over medium heat. You’re building the rich, creamy base for the entire syrup here, so let that butter melt until luscious and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Buttermilk, and Corn Syrup
Once the butter is melted, add in the sugar, buttermilk, and light corn syrup. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the sugar begins to dissolve and melds into the buttermilk and butter. This is the secret trio that gives this Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe its dreamy texture and flavor.
Step 3: Bring to a Gentle Boil
Increase the heat just slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. This step is important because it ensures that everything combines perfectly, activating the syrup’s creamy sweetness and setting the stage for the most important transformation.
Step 4: Add the Baking Soda
Here’s where the magic happens! Sprinkle in the baking soda and get ready—the syrup will foam up impressively, so keep stirring. The baking soda reacts with the acidity of the buttermilk to create soft, bubbly foam and that signature lightness. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Vanilla Extract
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This not only stops the cooking but infuses your syrup with a warm, irresistible aroma. Let the syrup cool for a few minutes to thicken up a bit more before serving over your favorite breakfast treats.
How to Serve Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe

Garnishes
A classic drizzle of this golden, creamy syrup is unbeatable on its own, but why stop there? Top your pancakes with a pat of butter, a scattering of berries, or even a dusting of cinnamon. The warmth of the syrup will soften everything into pure breakfast bliss.
Side Dishes
This syrup takes simple sides to new heights. Serve it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a colorful fruit salad for a brunch spread that feels both indulgent and balanced. It also pairs beautifully with vanilla yogurt or a stack of buttermilk biscuits.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe in a fun serving pitcher or a vintage mason jar for rustic charm. Let everyone pour their own syrup and watch the delight! Try serving it as a sweet dip for churros or cinnamon toast sticks at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any syrup left after breakfast (which is pretty rare!), simply pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to a week without losing any of its silky, rich texture.
Freezing
Need to make it ahead? You can freeze your Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe in a freezer-safe jar or container. Just make sure to leave a little headspace, as the syrup may expand as it freezes. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To rewarm, scoop your syrup into a small saucepan and heat over low, stirring gently until it returns to its smooth, pourable state. Avoid boiling, as this can change the texture—gentle heat is all you need to bring back that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by combining half a cup of milk with 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes until slightly thickened, then proceed with the Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe as written.
Why does the syrup foam up so much?
The combination of baking soda and buttermilk creates a chemical reaction that produces all those tiny, fluffy bubbles—giving the syrup its irresistible light texture. Always use a larger saucepan than you think you need to prevent any spills.
Can I flavor the syrup with spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg stirred in after you add the vanilla is a wonderful way to add warmth and depth to your Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe, especially during the holidays.
Is there a way to make this syrup less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet result. Just know that the texture will be a little thinner, but the syrup will still be delicious and pourable.
What can I use this syrup for besides pancakes and waffles?
Use it as a topping for ice cream, as a glaze for sweet breads, or even drizzled over roasted sweet potatoes for a decadent side. The Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe is incredibly versatile and adds a hit of sweet richness anywhere you want a special touch.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s quick to whip up, dazzlingly delicious, and guaranteed to make every breakfast just a little more magical. Give it a try—your mornings will thank you!
Print
Homemade Buttermilk Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavor of homemade buttermilk syrup with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, this syrup will elevate your breakfast to a whole new level.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup, and stir well to combine.
- Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the baking soda.
- Cook Syrup: The syrup will foam up—keep stirring and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool and Serve: Let the syrup cool for a few minutes before serving over your favorite breakfast dishes.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before using.
Notes
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Use a large pan to accommodate foaming when adding baking soda.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg