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Ditch the store-bought syrup and whip up a batch of smooth and buttery Homemade Buttermilk Syrup! Pour it over pancakes, waffles, and crepes. It only takes 5 ingredients, and 5 minutes to make!

Every once in a while, there are special breakfast recipes that need a special syrup to go on top. This buttermilk syrup was made especially to go with our swedish pancakes, but it’s wonderful over all pancakes, waffles, and french toast!

Buttermilk syrup in a syrup dispenser

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup

I’m not going to lie… Swedish Pancakes can’t be made without some Homemade Buttermilk Syrup.

It’s our absolute favorite, and if you’ve had it before you know why. It’s DELICIOUS!!

We even like to add some cinnamon at times, especially when we’re making Pumpkin Pancakes. This syrup is easy to make and only takes a few minutes. Here is what you’ll need for it…

Homemade buttermilk syrup in a saucepan

How to make buttermilk syrup

5 Ingredients, 5 Minutes – You’ll need these 5 ingredients (yep, only 5!) to make your homemade buttermilk syrup:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or for a substitute we do 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp. lemon juice)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

To make it: Melt butter in a pan on low-medium heat. Add sugar, buttermilk and vanilla and mix well. Bring to a boil then add baking soda and stir until all combined. It only takes about 5-10 minutes from start to finish! Easy!

(NOTE: Don’t have buttermilk on hand? Just fill your measuring cup mostly with milk, and add a teaspoon of lemon juice. 😉 )

Pouring buttermilk syrup over swedish pancakes

buttermilk pancake syrup Tips + Variations

Tips:

  • Use a medium to large saucepan to accommodate for all the foaming.
  • The longer you simmer it the more it with froth and thicken. It will also darken in color and produce a hint of caramel.
  • Be sure to stir frequently to avoid scorching the bottom.

Variations:

This buttermilk syrup is delicious as is, but you can easily change up the flavor by adding ¼ tsp almond or coconut extract or a spice such as ¼ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.

Not only can you change up the flavor you can be creative on what to pour this syrup over. Besides the traditional breakfast food you can also drizzle over Funnel Cake , use as a topping for Apple Crisp, or pour in a bowl to dip Churro Bites in.

Homemade buttermilk syrup in a dispenser

how to Store/reheat buttermilk syrup

You can store buttermilk syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 weeks. You can even store it in the freezer! So go ahead and make a double batch and you’ll always have some on hand when you want it. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To make reheating super easy I like to store the syrup in mason jars. Simply remove the lid and microwave for 30-60 seconds. For larger portions you can reheat in a saucepan on the stove.

serve buttermilk Syrup over:

5 from 40 votes

Buttermilk Syrup Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Pour this delicious homemade buttermilk syrup over pancakes, waffles, and crepes. It only takes 5 ingredients, and 5 minutes to make!
Servings: 15 container
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Melt butter in a medium-large saucepan on low-medium heat.
  • Add sugar, buttermilk, vanilla and mix well and cook for a few minutes.
  • Add baking soda and stir until all combined. Mixture will get foamy and bubble up when done.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 32mg, Sodium: 150mg, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 380IU, Calcium: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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37 Comments

    1. You could use equal measures of plain yogurt as a substitute. I haven’t tried with the almond milk, but usually its 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with as much milk added to make a cup. So, almond milk should work.

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious!! So easy to make and we LOVED it! If you have time, make the SWedish Pancakes from this site. Together They are an amazing combo!

  2. 5 stars
    This is fast, easy and delicious! As a variation, i added the juice of two meyer lemons to make “lemon buttermilk syrup.” so good on swedish pancakes and dutch babies. Thanks for the recipe!

  3. HI… I HAVEN’T HAD TIME TO TRY THIS RECIPE YET, BUT I’M ANXIOUS TO. GROWING UP WITH A SWEDISH DAD AND A FINNISH MOM, I’VE HAD QUITE A FEW SCANDINAVIAN/NORDIC RECIPES, BUT HAVE NEVER HAD BUTTERMILK SYRUP. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? :))

    QUESTION: IN THE PHOTO, THE SYRUP LOOKS SEPARATED. IS IT SERVED LIKE THAT, OR SHOULD YOU GIVE IT A GOOD SHAKE BEFORE SERVING?

    (NOT SURE WHY I’M TYPING IN CAPS THIS MORNING)

    1. Lol..I’m not sure how you haven’t, but it’s my favorite!! Yes, you could give it a little shake or stir. Really hope you like it!!

      1. Hi excited to try this! Im looking to possibly cut back on the butter and sugar, do you think I could use less of either and it would still turn out ok?