My Kitchen Secret
Let me tell you about my best pancake syrup. It is not from a bottle. It is made right on the stove. This homemade pancake syrup is magic in a pan. It turns simple pancakes into a special treat.
My grandkids call it “Grandma’s Gold.” The secret is the buttermilk. It makes the syrup rich and a little tangy. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it starts to simmer? I think making food from scratch shows love. That is why this matters. What is your favorite breakfast smell?
Why Buttermilk is the Star
This easy pancake syrup needs buttermilk. Do not be scared if you do not have any. You can make your own! Just add a spoon of lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for five minutes. Now you have a buttermilk syrup recipe starter.
Buttermilk does two big jobs. It adds a wonderful flavor you cannot get anywhere else. It also helps create the syrup’s perfect, silky texture. This is my second “why this matters.” Good ingredients make good food. For more sweet ideas, see this homemade syrup recipe guide.
The Fun Part: Making the Magic
Making pancake syrup from scratch is like a tiny science show. You melt the butter and sugar with the buttermilk. Then you add the baking soda. This is the fun part! It will bubble up like a happy little volcano.
I still laugh at that. My grandson jumped back the first time he saw it. *Fun fact: the baking soda reacts with the buttermilk. That is what makes all those wonderful bubbles.* It is a quick pancake syrup, ready in minutes. Have you ever had a funny moment while cooking?
A Dash of Spice
This is a cinnamon pancake syrup. I add just a pinch of ground cinnamon. It is not enough to taste like a cookie. It just adds a warm, cozy feeling in the background. It makes the whole kitchen smell like a hug.
You can change this. That is the joy of a breakfast syrup recipe you make yourself. Try a drop of maple extract instead of vanilla. Or leave the cinnamon out if you want. What is one spice you love to smell in the morning?
Butter Makes it Better
This butter syrup recipe is rich and creamy. It pours like a dream. It soaks into your pancakes just right. I always use real butter. It gives the syrup its lovely, golden color and its comforting taste.
Once it is done, serve it warm. It is perfect on fluffy pancakes. But do not stop there. Try it on waffles or ice cream too. A good syrup is for more than just breakfast. Do you have another food you love to put syrup on?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup | |
| Sugar | 1 cup | |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | |
| Corn syrup | 1 tablespoon | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Whisk in last, cook for 10 seconds. |

Instructions
Step 1: Grab your biggest saucepan. Put your butter, sugar, buttermilk, vanilla, corn syrup, and cinnamon in it. This is the start of your best pancake syrup. Turn the heat to medium-high. Wait for it to bubble gently. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? I love making this homemade pancake syrup.
Step 2: Once it’s simmering, grab your whisk. Carefully whisk in the baking soda. It will foam up like magic! This is the secret to a quick pancake syrup with perfect texture. (Always use a big pot for this step!) Cook for just ten seconds. Then take it right off the heat. Your easy pancake syrup is almost done.
Step 3: Let your cinnamon pancake syrup sit for a minute. It will thicken as it cools. Pour it warm over a stack of fluffy pancakes. This buttermilk syrup recipe is so rich. What’s your favorite thing to pour syrup on? Share below! Making pancake syrup from scratch is a wonderful little kitchen trick. I still laugh at my first foamy mess!
Creative Twists
Apple Pie: Add a spoon of apple butter while it simmers. It tastes like autumn. Citrus Zing: Stir in a bit of orange zest with the cinnamon. So bright and sunny. Nutty Delight: Mix in a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla. A cozy change. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This homemade syrup recipe isn’t just for pancakes. Drizzle it over warm gingerbread waffles for a holiday treat. Try it on a bowl of vanilla ice cream too. You can even swirl it into plain yogurt. A breakfast syrup recipe this good deserves to be used everywhere. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Syrup Happy
Let’s talk about storing your best pancake syrup. This homemade pancake syrup is best kept in the fridge. Pour it into a clean jar once it cools. It will stay good for about two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just leave a little space in the jar.
Reheating is simple. Warm a small amount in a pan. You can also microwave it for a few seconds. I remember my first batch. I left it on the counter overnight. It spoiled! Now I always use the fridge. Storing it right means no waste. You get sweet syrup all week long. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Batch cooking this easy pancake syrup is a smart idea. Make a double batch on Sunday. Your busy mornings will be smoother. A ready jar means a special breakfast fast. This small act makes your home feel cozy. It is a gift to your future, tired self.
Syrup Troubles? Easy Fixes!
Even grandmas have kitchen troubles. Here are three common ones. First, the syrup might foam up when you add the baking soda. Do not worry! This is normal. Just keep whisking. The foam will settle down as it cools. I once thought I ruined the whole pot.
Second, your syrup could turn out too thin. This often means it did not simmer long enough. Cook it a minute or two more next time. Third, the sugar might crystallize later. Storing it in the fridge prevents this. Fixing these issues builds your confidence. You learn how ingredients work together. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Understanding these little fixes matters. It leads to perfect cinnamon pancake syrup every time. Your pancakes will always have a delicious friend. Good flavor starts with knowing your recipe. It turns cooking from a chore into a joy.
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make DIY pancake syrup?
Our buttermilk syrup recipe is the perfect DIY project. You simply simmer butter, sugar, buttermilk, and flavorings. Then whisk in baking soda. It creates a rich, homemade syrup recipe that beats the store-bought kind. The whole process takes about ten minutes. You end up with a delicious pancake syrup from scratch that will impress everyone at the table.
What is the main ingredient in pancake syrup?
For store-bought syrup, the main ingredient is usually corn syrup. In our breakfast syrup recipe, the main ingredients are sugar and buttermilk. The buttermilk gives it a wonderful tangy sweetness. This combo makes a quick pancake syrup with incredible depth of flavor. It is far more special than anything from a bottle.
What is IHOP old fashioned syrup made of?
Their classic table syrup is not pure maple. It is a blend of corn syrup and maple flavoring. Our butter syrup recipe uses real ingredients like butter and buttermilk. This creates a richer, more comforting taste. *Fun fact: Real maple syrup comes only from maple tree sap!*
What kind of syrup does the original pancake house use?
They are famous for using pure, warm maple syrup. It is a delicious treat. Our homemade pancake syrup offers a different, creamy sweetness. It is a wonderful change from pure maple. Both are excellent choices for topping your fluffy pancakes on a slow weekend morning.
How to make syrup for pancakes?
This easy pancake syrup is made in one saucepan. Combine everything but the baking soda. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Then whisk in the baking soda. It will bubble up magically. Cook for just ten more seconds. Then remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before serving your best pancake syrup warm.
What can I use if I don’t have syrup for pancakes?
No syrup? No problem! You have sweet options right in your kitchen. Try honey, jam warmed with a little water, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. A fruit compote, like peach syrup, is also fantastic. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this syrup as much as I do. The smell fills your kitchen with love. It is a simple way to make breakfast special. I would love to hear all about your cooking adventure. Did your family gobble it up? Have you tried this recipe? Tell me your story in the comments below. I read every single one.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.

Homemade Classic Pancake Syrup
Description
Absolute Best Pancake Syrup
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring butter, sugar, buttermilk, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and cinnamon to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in baking soda; cook for 10 seconds before removing from heat. Serve warm.