Dutch Honey Syrup (Vanilla Butter Syrup)

Introduction

If you’ve never tried Dutch Honey Syrup, sometimes called Vanilla Butter Syrup, you’re in for a treat. Unlike traditional maple syrup, this golden homemade syrup is thick, buttery, and flavored with vanilla. It has a rich caramel-like sweetness balanced by creamy butter, making it a favorite topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, and even ice cream.

This recipe is quick, uses simple pantry staples, and is often passed down as a family favorite in Dutch and American kitchens. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought syrup again.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar (white or brown sugar works)
½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, keeps it silky)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes:

Buttermilk gives the syrup its signature tang and creaminess.
Baking soda causes foaming, making the syrup light and fluffy.
Corn syrup is optional but helps prevent crystallization.

Timing

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, buttermilk, butter, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil

Continue cooking, stirring often, for 7–8 minutes until slightly thickened and golden.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda & Vanilla

Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda — the syrup will foam up (this is normal and creates a light texture). Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Cool Slightly & Serve

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. The syrup will thicken as it stands.

Tips for Success

Use a larger saucepan since the baking soda makes the syrup foam up.
Don’t overcook — the syrup thickens as it cools, so take it off the heat while still pourable.
For a deeper flavor, use brown sugar instead of white.
Keep warm in a glass jar placed in a bowl of hot water for serving.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 2 Tbsp)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Carbs	16g
Sugar	15g
Fat	6g
Protein	0.5g
Sodium	35mg

Variations

Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup – add ½ teaspoon cinnamon with the vanilla.
Maple-Butter Twist – swap part of the sugar with maple syrup.
Salted Caramel Version – add a pinch of sea salt at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This Dutch Honey Syrup is perfect with:

Fluffy pancakes or buttermilk waffles
Dutch pancakes (pannekoeken)
French toast or crepes
Ice cream, bread pudding, or even drizzled over popcorn

Storage

Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk while reheating.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Butter Syrup is a rich, creamy, and golden sweet topping that’s quick to make and elevates any breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re serving it over a tall stack of pancakes or drizzling it on ice cream, it’s a homemade syrup you’ll come back to again and again.