Simple Apple Syrup With Brown Sugar
This delicious homemade apple syrup recipe is infused with the warmth of brown sugar, the essence of fresh apples, and a touch of fragrant spices, is the perfect complement to the comforting recipes that define autumn. Whether you’re indulging in a steaming bowl of oatmeal, topped french toast or raising a glass for a festive cocktail, this delectable syrup will transport you to the enchanting moments of crisp apple harvests.
As the leaves transform into vibrant hues and a chill settles in the air, it’s time to embrace the alluring flavors of fall. And what better way to accompany the season’s bounty than with a homemade apple syrup that adds an unexpected twist to your favorite dishes?
Since it is apple season and we have apples coming from our ears, (we are basically apple farmers at this point) I’m trying to incorporate crisp autumn apples and that fresh apple flavor into just about anything.
Some of the best ways to use apples are in scones, muffins, bread and this handcrafted simple syrup..
My kids were begging for pancakes and we were lacking maple syrup, and my son just cannot handle pancakes without real maple syrup or honey. This recipe works great in place of syrup and he kept asking for more.
It ended up being super delicious and we were trying to find excuses to use it.
The Versatility of Homemade Apple Syrup
Its rich, caramelized flavor lends itself to a myriad of dishes, adding depth and complexity to both sweet and savory creations.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple stack of pancakes, drizzle a spoonful over a warm slice of apple pie, or even whisk it into a tangy vinaigrette, the possibilities are endless with this delicious recipe.
When crafting your own batch of simple apple syrup recipe, you have the power to control its flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness by tinkering with the amount of brown sugar or syrup you use, or experiment with different apple varieties to achieve varying levels of tartness.
Add more cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg for a warm, spiced note, or infuse it with a touch of lemon zest for a zesty twist.
It can also be used as a base for creative cocktail concoctions.
Glaze for roasted meats, pancake topping, or even a sweetener in homemade ice cream. Its sticky, syrupy consistency allows it to bind ingredients together and infuse them with its decadent essence.
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Tips For Making Apple Syrup
- Select the right crisp apples. Opt for varieties that are naturally sweet and flavorful, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. These type of apples will infuse your syrup with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The sweetest apples work best in my opinion.
- While some recipes call for peeling the apples, leaving the skins on can add a delightful hint of color and texture to your syrup. Plus, the skin contains essential nutrients and fiber that you won’t want to miss out on.
- Once your apples are prepped, it’s time to decide how you want to cut them. While some prefer chunkier pieces for a rustic feel, others may opt for thinner slices for a smoother syrup consistency. Experiment with different sizes and shapes to find the texture that suits your taste best.
- As you begin cooking the apples, it’s important to keep a close eye on the heat. Too high of a temperature can cause the syrup to scorch and develop a bitter taste. Instead, choose a low to medium heat and let the apples gently simmer, allowing their natural flavors to slowly infuse into the syrup.
- Lastly, don’t rush the cooking process. While it may be tempting to speed things up, allowing the apples to simmer for an extended period will ensure that the flavors fully develop and the syrup reaches the desired thickness. Patience is key.
Simple Ingredients you will need:
Apples: Opt for a variety that suits your taste preference, whether it’s tart Granny Smith apples or the sweet, crisp Honeycrisp. Aim for around 1-2 medium-sized apples, as this will yield approximately 1 cup of chopped apples.
Spices: Cinnamon or apple pie spice. You could even use pumpkin spice. You could even add some cinnamon sticks as well.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work. The dark brown sugar will give you a deeper flavor. You could also substitute with cane sugar (or white sugar) but that wont give you as much of a caramel flavor..
Water: I like to use filtered water.
Tools you may need:
Medium saucepan or medium skillet: Either will work. The skillet will evaporate the water faster making cook time less.
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula – I like using a silicone spatula
Mason jar, glass bottle, or airtight container
How to Make Homemade Apple Syrup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Create The Brown Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and spices.
Wash the apples. Peel if desired. Remove the core and seeds, then chop them into small pieces.
Add the apples to the mixture.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, reduce to a lower heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the syrup has thickened to desired consistency and the apples are Stir occasionally to prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
As the mixture simmers, the apples will soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant, syrupy consistency.
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let the hot syrup cool slightly.
Now you can strain the sweet apples if desired, or just leave them in the syrup.
Move to a storage container or enjoy.
Storage:
First and foremost, make sure to seal your jars or bottles tightly with airtight lids. This will help to keep out any unwanted air or moisture that could potentially spoil the syrup. A good seal is the key to preserving the quality and taste of your syrup.
Store in the fridge or freezer
How To Use Apple Syrup
- Homemade pancake syrup Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles: Transform a simple breakfast into a gourmet delight by drizzling apple syrup over your pancakes or waffles. The rich, velvety texture and sweet, tangy taste will take your morning meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal: It will infuse your breakfast with a natural sweetness and a hint of fall flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying way to start your day.
- Glaze roasted meats: Give your roasted meats, such as pork or chicken, a delightful twist by brushing them with a glaze made from apple syrup. The syrup’s natural sweetness will caramelize beautifully on the meat, creating a sticky and flavorful coating that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- Whip up some apple syrup ice cream: Take your homemade ice cream to the next level by swirling in some apple syrup. Or just top vanilla ice cream. The combination of creamy ice cream and the sweet, tangy apple syrup is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Add it to coffee: Make a delicious, fall inspired coffee by drizzling in this homemade syrup recipe with some fresh cream. Yum.
- Drizzle in a hot cup of tea. Or add it to ice tea by adding it to the tea while it is steeping.
Find More Fall Inspired Recipe:
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe
- Sourdough Apple Scones With Cinnamon Glaze
- Healthy Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
- Sourdough Apple Muffins With Cinnamon Streusel
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back, comment on the post, and give it 5 stars! Please and thank you.
Apple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 cups water or apple juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon or other spices like clove or nutmeg
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and spices.
- Wash the apples. Peel if desired. Remove the core and seeds, then chop them into small pieces.
- Add the apples to the mixture.
- Place the pot over low to medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce to a lower heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the syrup has thickened to desired consistency and the apples are Stir occasionally to prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let the hot syrup cool slightly.
- Now you can strain the sweet apples if desired, or just leave them in the syrup.
- Move to a storage container or enjoy.
Notes
- While some recipes call for peeling the apples, leaving the skins on can add a delightful hint of color and texture to your syrup. Plus, the skin contains essential nutrients and fiber that you won’t want to miss out on.
- Once your apples are prepped, it’s time to decide how you want to cut them. While some prefer chunkier pieces for a rustic feel, others may opt for thinner slices for a smoother syrup consistency.
- As you begin cooking the apples, it’s important to keep a close eye on the heat. Too high of a temperature can cause the syrup to scorch and develop a bitter taste.