Dutch Honey (Vanilla Butter Syrup) Recipe

Dreamy Dutch Honey: The Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe You Need

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up this Dutch honey that carries whispers of traditional Netherlands comfort.

Grandmothers across Holland perfected this magical vanilla butter syrup generations ago.

Smooth golden streams cascade over warm pastries, creating instant culinary magic.

Careful whisking transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinarily luxurious.

European baking traditions shine through each glistening spoonful of this liquid gold.

Kitchen adventures await when you embrace this classic Dutch treat.

Each drizzle promises pure indulgence that connects generations through remarkable flavor.

Dutch Honey Syrup Everyone Enjoys On Pancakes And More

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Create this dreamy Dutch honey syrup with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Speedy Preparation: Whips up in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Versatile Deliciousness: Transforms ordinary pancakes, waffles, and desserts into gourmet treats with rich, buttery sweetness.
  • Beginner-Friendly Recipe: Requires only basic cooking skills and five simple ingredients, making it foolproof for home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients Found in Dutch Honey (Vanilla Butter Syrup)

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for the syrup, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create syrup's signature color.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor, pure vanilla offers the best taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
Serving and Usage:
  • Pancakes, Waffles, Desserts: Perfect drizzling companion for breakfast and sweet treats, versatile syrup that works with multiple dishes.

How to Make Dutch Honey Vanilla Syrup at Home

How to Make Dutch Honey Vanilla Syrup at Home

Step 1: Melt Butter

Place a medium saucepan on the stovetop and set the heat to medium.

Gently melt the butter, watching it transform into a golden liquid.

Step 2: Combine Sugar

Add brown sugar to the melted butter.

Whisk the ingredients together with smooth, consistent movements.

Continue cooking and stirring for about two minutes until the sugar completely dissolves and creates a rich, smooth mixture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Slowly stream the heavy cream into the butter-sugar mixture.

Whisk continuously to prevent any separation or curdling.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble softly.

Cook for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally, which helps the syrup develop a luxurious, thickened consistency.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

These ingredients will elevate the syrup’s depth and complexity, creating a more sophisticated taste profile.

Step 5: Rest and Cool

Let the syrup rest for a few minutes.

As it cools, the liquid will naturally become more viscous and develop a beautiful, silky texture perfect for drizzling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the warm Dutch honey over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or your favorite breakfast treats.

The syrup will add a decadent, rich flavor that transforms simple dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Vanilla Syrup Tips for Smooth Dutch Honey Flavor

  • Choose unsalted, fresh butter for the richest, cleanest flavor that enhances the syrup's overall taste.
  • Stir continuously while cooking brown sugar to avoid scorching and create a smooth, even caramelization.
  • Add heavy cream slowly and whisk vigorously to prevent curdling and ensure a silky, consistent texture.
  • Adjust vanilla extract amount to make the syrup more or less aromatic, matching your personal preference.
  • Refrigerate leftover syrup in an airtight container for up to one week, gently reheating before serving to restore original consistency.

Keep Dutch Honey (Vanilla Butter Syrup) Fresh

  • Store leftover Dutch honey syrup in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The syrup will solidify when chilled.
  • Warm gently in the microwave using 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and pourable. Alternatively, place the container in a hot water bath and stir until heated through.
  • If the syrup becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a teaspoon of cream or milk while reheating to restore its original silky texture.
  • Always let the syrup cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation and maintain its rich flavor.

Best Ways to Use Dutch Honey Syrup

  • Pair with Warm, Fluffy Breakfast Delights: Drizzle this luxurious Dutch honey syrup over golden buttermilk pancakes, crispy Belgian waffles, or French toast for an indulgent morning treat that elevates breakfast from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Create Decadent Dessert Companions: Spoon this rich vanilla butter syrup over vanilla ice cream, bread pudding, or warm apple crumble to add a silky, caramel-like depth that transforms simple desserts into gourmet experiences.
  • Complement with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside a steaming mug of French press coffee with a touch of cream or a smooth cappuccino to balance the syrup's sweetness and enhance its buttery vanilla notes.
  • Upgrade Baked Good Experiences: Brush this syrup over freshly baked cinnamon rolls, pound cake, or as a glaze for morning muffins to infuse an extra layer of rich, velvety sweetness that will make every bite memorable.

Syrup Flavor Options to Sweeten Things Up

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter for a plant-based version that keeps the rich, smooth texture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
  • Spiced Dutch Honey: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom during cooking to create a warm, aromatic syrup with complex flavor notes.
  • Maple Bourbon Infusion: Swap some brown sugar for maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for an elevated, grown-up version of the classic syrup.

FAQs

  • What exactly is Dutch honey?

It’s a rich, creamy vanilla butter syrup made with brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. It’s not traditional honey but a sweet, indulgent sauce.

  • Is this syrup only for pancakes?

No, you can drizzle this versatile syrup over waffles, French toast, ice cream, baked goods, and even use it as a dessert topping.

  • Can I make this syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just gently reheat before serving.

  • How can I prevent the mixture from curdling?

Whisk constantly when adding heavy cream and cook at a gentle simmer. Keep the heat moderate and stir consistently to maintain a smooth texture.

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Dutch Honey (Vanilla Butter Syrup) Recipe

Dutch Honey (Vanilla Butter Syrup) Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet Dutch traditions melt together in this luscious honey vanilla butter syrup, creating liquid gold that whispers stories of Netherlands’ culinary heritage. Drizzled over pancakes or stirred into warm drinks, this silky condiment will transport you to cozy Dutch kitchens with one delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it becomes fully liquefied and starts to shimmer.
  2. Incorporate brown sugar into the melted butter, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, unified mixture. Continue cooking and stirring for approximately two minutes until the sugar granules completely dissolve.
  3. Gradually stream the heavy cream into the butter-sugar base, maintaining constant whisking to prevent any potential separation or curdling. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling point and continue simmering for 3-5 minutes, enabling the syrup to develop a slightly more viscous consistency.
  4. Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat source and introduce vanilla extract and salt, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the syrup.
  5. Let the syrup rest and cool for several minutes, during which it will naturally thicken and develop a more luxurious texture.
  6. Generously cascade the warm Dutch honey over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or your preferred dessert, transforming an ordinary dish into a decadent culinary experience.

Notes

  • Maintain medium heat and stir continuously to avoid burning the butter and sugar mixture, which can create a bitter taste.
  • Add heavy cream slowly while whisking to create a smooth, silky texture and prevent the mixture from separating.
  • Refrigerate leftover syrup in an airtight container for up to a week, gently reheating before serving to restore its original consistency.
  • Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to create a dairy-free version that’s equally rich and indulgent.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 42 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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