Madagascar Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is exactly as it sounds, simple. However, if you’re wanting a more delicious and rich simple syrup, create this Madagascar vanilla bean simple syrup. The infusion of vanilla flavor is definitely a kind of magic.

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Using real vanilla beans to make vanilla bean syrup has been on my list. If you’ve ever smelled the aromatic sweet vintage vanilla flavor of the finest quality whole vanilla beans, you’d never go back. It has an unsurpassed flavor and offers an added richness with every piece of bean.

If you purchase them from a store you’d be looking at a fairly sizable investment, but I have all the secrets to getting around that in my post How to Make Vanilla Extract with Everclear. I go into great detail about how I make my own vanilla extract. And pretty much everything you’d want to know about a vanilla bean pod.

Although you could easily purchase a ready-made product in grocery stores, it is a labor of love. Another great reason for making vanilla simple syrup, and other homemade syrups, is that even in small batches it’s really the only way to ensure there are zero artificial flavors.

A Few Simple Ingredients – Homemade Vanilla Syrup Recipe

A basic simple syrup takes literal minutes to make in your own kitchen and the best part is the ingredient list is rather simple as well!

• 1 Cup Organic Pure Cane Sugar
• 1 Cup Water
• 1 or 2 Vanilla Pods – Madagascar Vanilla Beans

This recipe reflects a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. For better shelf stability you can make a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. This would mean 2 Cups of Sugar to 1 Cup of Water.

Vanilla Syrup Recipe Instructions

Let’s make some delicious homemade Madagascar vanilla bean simple syrup!

Hint: You can use a pairing knife, or another sharp knife if you don’t have a seam ripper. But a seam ripper is the easiest way to cut it open it.

How Can You Use Madagascar Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup?

Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you, this recipe will pack a punch and it can be used in so many creative ways to make other recipes better.

• Drizzle it on fresh fruit, simply because this makes perfect sense.
• Add it to cold beverages of every kind, because adding vanilla to drinks is pure pleasure.
• Also, use it to create a delicious cocktail or two, or three.
• Add it to your vanilla latte, because it makes the best vanilla bean lattes, iced coffee, or other fancy coffee drinks.
• But maybe the most common option would be to put it in cold brew coffee, or your morning coffee.
• Create Homemade cream soda with it, because this naturally creates an ultimate homemade soda.
• Add it to your morning greek yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie.
• Pour it over your ice cream or use it to make vanilla ice cream.

Simple Vanilla Syrup Substitutions

While I’m not sure you can actually substitute the magic of the flavor of the vanilla bean seeds, there are definitely a few things you can switch out if you don’t have or can’t get vanilla beans themselves.

• Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract – Instead of a Madagascar Vanilla Bean, you can substitute 2 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract for a classic vanilla flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – If you want to go a step above extract, but can’t do vanilla beans. Then definitely go for vanilla bean paste. You won’t be sorry.
• Pure Cane Sugar – It would be really fun to experiment with an alternate sugar like brown sugar, maple syrup, agave syrup, or honey. However, you could also try going sugar-free with your favorite sugar substitute.
• Sea Salt – Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt for a little bit more bite! It can help balance out the sweetness if you’re into that sort of thing.

Variations

This Madagascar Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup is like a fine wine in more than one way. However, here are a few things you can definitely do to have even more delicious fun.

• Tahitian Vanilla Extract – Yes. There is more than one kind! Tahitian Vanilla Beans boast floral taste notes, dare I say, cherry? Therefore, it is an excellent choice as one of the strongest of the botanical vanilla bean varietals.
• Cinnamon Sticks – Add even more rich flavor with a few cinnamon sticks into the simmering simple syrup.
• Homemade Vanilla Extract – Add a few tablespoons of your own Homemade vanilla extract. So, your homemade vanilla coffee syrup will have an extended shelf life of up to 3 months. The alcohol in it will make it shelf stable vs the alternate 2-3 week lifespan.

Equipment

There is really nothing fancy going on here. But simple in every way possible!

• Small Saucepan
• Measuring Cup
• Seam Ripper
• Butter Knife or Spoon
• Funnel

Storage

Store your Madagascar Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup for 2-3 weeks either refrigerated or at room temperature in an airtight container, like a glass jar, out of direct light.

However, adding a couple of tablespoons of your own Homemade vanilla extract will actually help extend the life of this homemade vanilla coffee syrup. So, the alcohol in it will make it shelf stable.

You can also use citric acid, (vitamin c or ascorbic acid) to make homemade syrups shelf stable.

FAQ

Food safety

We sometimes take for granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.