Vanilla Butter Syrup Recipe (Dutch Honey) (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade honey syrup last? ›

Add the honey and water into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container. Syrup will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

Honey keeps best in a dry place at a cool temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it in a tightly covered container so it does not absorb moisture or odors from the air.

If vanilla flavor is a definite requirement, you'll want to add a tiny bit of vanilla extract. If your recipe is more flexible, you can use other sweeteners like plain simple syrup, other flavored syrups, or even natural liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Maple syrup

Many people like to use maple syrup as a replacement for vanilla, using 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of syrup for each 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extract.

This is the same reason why honey never expires; bacteria have a hard time growing in these high-sugar, low-moisture environments. But one difference between honey and syrup is that syrup can get moldy after the container's been opened. This is because it has been exposed to mold spores in the air.

Unflavored syrup can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. However, flavored syrups (especially fruit-flavored) should be used within 2 weeks of when they're made. I usually keep mine in a mason jar but any airtight container with a good lid will work great.

If bacteria cannot grow in honey, then it cannot spoil. This basically gives it an indefinite shelf life. Liquid honey however should be stored in your cupboard at room temperature as if it is kept in the refrigerator; the cooler temperature will promote and speed up the crystallization of liquid honey.

To keep honey from crystallizing prematurely, store it at room temperature. Storing honey in the refrigerator will cause it to crystallize rapidly, and isn't necessary since it doesn't go bad. Of course, if you prefer crystallized honey, which can be a chewy sweet snack, refrigeration is the way to go.

“Honey lasts forever as long as it's stored in an airtight container, such as a jar with a cap,” explains Shriver. The problems arise when the honey is exposed to air and humidity. “Honey will absorb moisture from the air if left open, which can cause it to ferment.”

If you're looking to add a rich and creamy vanilla flavor to your desserts or beverages, French vanilla may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking a convenient and versatile sweetener for your drinks, vanilla syrup is a great option.

Can honey replace vanilla extract? ›

Honey. Honey adds a bright, floral sweetness to desserts. Like maple syrup, it can also enhance the texture of baked goods. Use 1 tablespoon of honey to replace 1 teaspoon (tsp) of vanilla extract.

Here's how it's defined by Mauricio Poulsen, director of creation and application flavors for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.: “Today, in sensory terms, when we refer to French vanilla, it is when the vanilla flavor is caramelized, custard-like, cooked, egg yolk-like, slightly floral.”

Vanilla coffee syrup – Use as a 1:1 substitute for vanilla extract. Vanilla coffee creamer – Use as a 1:1 substitute or double the amount of coffee creamer as extract. Spices, espresso powder – Feel free to think outside of the box and go with a completely different flavor than vanilla.

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.

Warming Spices

Another flavor-changing option would be to simply trade the vanilla for a warming spice like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Of course, you will not typically want to swap one-for-one. If your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon vanilla, consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of spice in it's place.

It will go bad eventually. You can prolong the shelf life by keeping it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. How long does honey syrup last? It will keep in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for about a month.

Due to the above, you should only mix enough syrup to last a few days and ideally, you should store your syrup in a refrigerator.

There's two ways they can go bad: not as tasty and moldy/gross. I usually only start to inspect it for mold after a month in the fridge. A 2:1 simple syrup will probably never get moldy and honey syrup will last a while too - unless there was a contaminant in the storage container.

The shelf life of your simple syrup will depend upon the cleanliness of the airtight container and the amount of sugar in your mixture. The standard one-to-one sugar-to-water ratio will produce a simple syrup that lasts about one month in the fridge.