Vanilla Simple Syrup: Easy, 3-Ingredient Recipe - Chelsweets

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This vanilla simple syrup is made using just 3 ingredients and is amazing in everything from cocktails to cake!!

Heck, I even add a couple of teaspoons to my matcha lattes in the morning!!

What is Vanilla Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is usually made with equal parts water and sugar. The mixture is heated to help the sugar dissolve, which yields a sweet syrup that can be used to sweeten and flavor just about anything!

This recipe makes a vanilla simple syrup by adding vanilla bean paste. This packs this syrup with delicious, warm flavor.

image of vanilla bean simple syrup in a mason jar

Vanilla Simple Syrup Ingredients & Substitutions

Like I mentioned above, this recipe is pretty straight forward! However, there are some substitutions and swaps you can make if needed.

Water – Room temperature tap water works great in this recipe.
Granulated Sugar – I like using granulated sugar because it’s what I usually have on hand, but you can also use extra fine sugar or caster sugar.
Vanilla Bean Paste – I like to use pure vanilla bean paste. It speckles the syrup with little vanilla seeds that give it such a gorgeous look! However, you can also use regular vanilla extract! Just be sure you’re using good quality stuff because it has a huge impact of the flavor of this syrup.

image of ingredients laid out to make vanilla simple syrup

How Do You Make Vanilla Simple Syrup?

I love this recipe because it seriously takes about 5 minutes to make!

Start by pouring the water and granulated sugar into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture just starts to boil. It usually takes about 3 minutes for my simple syrup to reach a boil.

image of simple syrup being brought to a boil to dissolve the sugar

At this point the sugar should have fully dissolved and the mixture should look clear.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract. Pour into a separate container to cool to room temperature, then cover and set aside.

If you’re making this in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How Can You Use this Vanilla Simple Syrup?

I’m sure it’s no surprise, but my favorite way to use vanilla bean simple syrup is to brush it on cake layers!! It adds both moisture and flavor and truly makes any cake irresistible.

I highly recommend leveling each cake layer before adding the syrup, so they can easily absorb the liquid.

You can use a silicone pastry brush or a plastic squirt bottle to generously soak each cake layer with syrup. The entire top of the cake layer should look moist once you’ve added it.

image of a silicon brush being dipped into vanilla simple syrup to soak cake layers and make them moist

I usually brush my cake layers with simple syrup right before I assemble a cake. If you want to make and freeze cake layer in advance, I recommend thawing them and then adding the simple syrup just before you frost the cake.

I use this technique with my raspberry lemon cake recipe and it really takes the cake to the next level.

image of a slice of lemon rapsberry cake on a plate, showing it's raspberry filling and lemon cream cheese frosting

This vanilla simple syrup also tastes amazing in cocktails and coffee. The sky is really the limit!

How Do You Store Vanilla Simple Syrup?

This recipe can be made in advance or leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

I usually keep mine in a mason jar but any container with a good lid should work just fine.

image of vanilla bean simple syrup being poured into a mason jar to be used to make cocktails and coffee later

Let Me Know What You Think

If you try this recipe, please let me know what you think by sharing a rating below!

Print Recipe 5 from 7 rating