I love finding new ways to use Homemade Apple Cider, and this Apple Cider Syrup is one of my favorites! It is sweet, buttery, and full of warm apple cider flavor.
Pour it over Buttermilk Pancakes for an extra-special breakfast, or use it to make my Apple Cider Pancakes. The syrup is the key to those pancakes, adding even more apple cider flavor to every bite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple cider: Use good-quality apple cider for the best apple flavor. Apple juice can work in a pinch, but cider will give the syrup a richer flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a deeper molasses flavor. Light brown sugar can be used if that is what you have.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the syrup. I would not skip it, since it gives the syrup its nice consistency.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the apple cider.
- Ground nutmeg: A little nutmeg adds another layer of warm spice. You can leave it out if needed.
- Kosher salt: Helps balance the sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness and brighten the apple flavor. I recommend keeping it in the recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Makes the syrup rich and smooth. Salted butter can be used; just reduce or omit the kosher salt.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a little extra flavor and rounds out the syrup.
FAQs
Why is my apple cider syrup thin?
Don’t worry if the syrup looks a little thin while it is hot. It will continue to thicken as it sits and cools.*
Can I make apple cider syrup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. Reheat it gently before serving.
Why do I need cornstarch in apple cider syrup?
Cornstarch helps thicken the cider into a syrup consistency. It also helps the syrup thicken as it cools.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple cider gives the syrup the best flavor, but apple juice can be used if needed. The flavor will be lighter and less rich.
Can I make this syrup without the butter?
Yes. You can leave out the butter, although the syrup will not be quite as rich or silky.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Absolutely! Light brown sugar will work just fine, although dark brown sugar gives the syrup a deeper molasses flavor.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Syrup
Apple Cider Syrup is delicious over more than just pancakes! Try it with:
- Waffles: It makes a sweet, buttery topping for waffles like my Waffles of Insane Greatness.
- French toast: Drizzle it over my Best French Toast with a little butter for an extra-special breakfast.
- Biscuits: Warm Buttermilk Biscuits or my Butter Swim Biscuits are such a good match for apple cider syrup!
- Oatmeal: Add a spoonful to oatmeal for a little sweetness and warm apple flavor.
- Ice cream: For dessert, drizzle warm syrup over no-churn vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Apple Cider Syrup
Refrigerator: Let the syrup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. The syrup may thicken more as it chills, but it should loosen again when warmed.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this syrup. The texture can change when thawed, especially because of the cornstarch and butter.
Apple Cider Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- ¾ cup (150 g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Whisk in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Once bubbling, cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the syrup looks glossy and coats the back of a spoon. It will still look slightly thin at this point.*
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter until melted, then stir in the vanilla.
- Serve warm over apple cider pancakes or your favorite breakfast treats.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
