This homemade syrup is easier than you think, and great for coffee, desserts, and more.

Learn how to make vanilla syrup, and discover many delicious ways to use it.

What Is Vanilla Syrup Made Of?

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup pouring from a jar to a bowl to use

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Vanilla syrup requires just three ingredients: granulated sugar, water, and vanilla bean paste.

Water and sugar should be used in a 1:1 ratio.

Using one cup each of sugar and water will net you about 1 1/2 cups syrup.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup ingredients

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Vanilla Bean Paste Vs.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla bean pasteis a mixture made with vanilla bean powder and vanilla extract.

It’s less of a paste and more of a liquid, but it’s easy to measure.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup in a bowl ready to use

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How To Make Vanilla Syrup

Three simple ingredients, three easy steps.

You’ll be mad you never made your own homemade vanilla syrup before this.

It keeps air out of the syrup and helps prevent crystals from forming.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup whisking until sugar dissolves

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It’s also easy to open, pour, and return to the fridge.

If stored properly, vanilla syrup should last in the fridge about 2 weeks.

Don’t store vanilla syrup at room temperature for more than 1 day.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup pouring into a heatproof bowl

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It could crystalize or spoil faster.

Vanilla Syrup Vs.

Vanilla extract is an alcohol that was made by soaking vanilla beans to extract the flavor.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup whisking in the vanilla bean paste

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s more concentrated and potent.

It will need to be diluted in other foods for the best flavor.

Vanilla syrup, on the other hand, is sweetened and can go right into drinks or desserts.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup after chilling in a bowl

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(In the summer, thiswatermelon simple syrupis a favorite.)

Add vanilla bean paste:

Pour sugar mixture into a small heatproof bowl.

Whisk in vanilla bean paste until well combined.

Southern Living Vanilla Syrup in a jar to store

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.