Simple Syrup Recipe | King Arthur Baking

Skip to main content

1. Recipes
2. Glazes & Toppings

Simple Syrup Recipe by PJ Hamel 3 Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars

Simple syrup is a great all-purpose glaze for cakes and fruitcakes, adding moisture and a bit of sweetness. It's also a key element in certain mixed drinks. Looking for a simple recipe for simple syrup? You've found it. Note: Don't expect this syrup to be thick and syrup-like; it's not. It's a bit thicker than water, though not much — which is exactly how it should be.

Prep 4 mins Total 4 mins Yield 1 1/3 cups Print Share

• Share on Facebook
• Share by Email
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Linkedin
• Share on Threads

Share Share

• Share on Facebook
• Share by Email
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Linkedin
• Share on Threads

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) water
• 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar

Instructions

Bake Mode Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.

1. Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

3. Simmer for 3 minutes, without stirring. Remove from the heat, and cool to room temperature.

4. Store airtight in the refrigerator indefinitely.

Tips from our Bakers

• Want to make a flavored version of simple syrup? Try one of these variations, which each makes about 1/2 cup (113g) of syrup:

  • Vanilla simple syrup: Combine 1/3 cup (67g) sugar, 5 tablespoons water, and a pinch of salt. Heat briefly, just to dissolve the sugar, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  • Lemon simple syrup: Mix the juice of 1 lemon (about 50g) with 1/2 cup (99g) sugar, and heat until the sugar dissolves.
  • Rum simple syrup: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (26g) water, 1/2 cup (99g) sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup (57g) rum. Bring to a rapid boil, reduce to simmer, and cook (without stirring) for about 5 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • Coffee simple syrup: Mix together 2 tablespoons (28g) coffee liqueur, 1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder, 2 tablespoons (23g) sugar, and 1/2 cup (113g) hot water.

Baker’s Resources

• Recipe success guide
• Tips & techniques
• High-altitude baking
• Baker’s yeast
• Ingredient weight chart
• Tools & pans
• How to measure flour
• Safe handling instructions

Chat with a baker Shop

Recommended for you

4.9 out of 5 stars out of 5 stars 3475 Reviews Reviews All-Purpose Flour $6.95 4.9 out of 5 stars out of 5 stars 6214 Reviews Reviews Half-Sheet Baking Parchment Paper - 50 pack $19.95 4.8 out of 5 stars out of 5 stars 632 Reviews Reviews Bench Knife $28.95 4.8 out of 5 stars out of 5 stars 1592 Reviews Reviews Espresso Powder $9.95

For more recipes like this subscribe to our newsletter

View our privacy policy Recipes

Recommended Recipes

Frosting & icing Berry Mirror Glaze Frosting & icing Chocolate Ganache Doughnuts Three Easy Doughnut Glazes Frosting & icing Coffee Frosting

Download Our App

Receive Recipes & Special Offers

View our privacy policy

Our Social Communities

Facebook TikTok Instagram Threads Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube

Get in Touch

Chat | Email

All All Recipes Products Blog Classes Other Submit

Popular in recipes

• Orange Cranberry Bread
• Amish Dinner Rolls
• Gingerbread Biscotti

Popular in products

• Bread Flour
• Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home
• Baking Parchment Paper

Popular in blog

• Beginner's guide to sourdough baking
• 50 holiday cookies to bake this year
• 5 tips for winter bread baking

close

My Account

Close

Welcome!

Sign In Sign Up Account Overview Easy access to your account details. Order History View your previous orders. Recipe Box View or print your saved recipes. Wishlist View or share your favorite products. Baker's Rewards View and redeem your loyalty points. My Classes Easy access to your On-Demand classes. Sign Out

• Baking School Login
• Gift Card Balance Lookup