Name: Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups water; ½ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup coconut sugar; 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

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Short description

This homemade gingerbread syrup captures the warm and cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, making it the perfect sweetener for coffee, lattes, pancakes, or holiday desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Infuses drinks and desserts with festive gingerbread flavor.
Made with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar.
Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Stores well for up to a month, making it great for gifting.
Customizable spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups water
½ cup maple syrup
¼ cup coconut sugar
2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, leave out for less spiciness)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine water, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and molasses. Bring to a simmer.
Add ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, sea salt, and optional black pepper. Stir well.
Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 15–20 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Allow to cool slightly, then pour into a clean glass bottle or jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 2 cups of syrup.
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Cooking time: 20 minutes.
Cooling time: 10 minutes.
Total time: 35 minutes.

Variations

For extra sweetness, add an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Replace coconut sugar with brown sugar for a more traditional taste.
Add orange zest during cooking for a citrus twist.
Reduce the spices slightly for a milder version.
Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store gingerbread syrup in a tightly sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat or briefly microwave before using. Do not boil when reheating, as this can alter the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use this syrup in coffee?

Yes, it’s perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, or brewed coffee to add a festive gingerbread flavor.

2. Is there a substitute for coconut sugar?

Yes, brown sugar, cane sugar, or even additional maple syrup can be used.

3. Can I make this syrup thicker?

Cook it a little longer until it reduces further, but keep in mind it will thicken slightly as it cools.

4. Does this syrup taste very spicy with the black pepper?

The black pepper adds a subtle kick. Omit it if you prefer a smoother, less spicy syrup.

5. Can I freeze gingerbread syrup?

Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

6. How should I use this syrup besides in drinks?

It’s delicious drizzled over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, ice cream, or baked goods.

7. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can replace coconut sugar and maple syrup with a sugar-free substitute like monk fruit syrup, but the flavor will differ.

8. What’s the difference between molasses types?

Use unsulfured molasses for a rich, sweet flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is more bitter.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger saucepan, but allow extra cooking time for thickening.

10. Why didn’t my syrup thicken?

It may need to simmer longer. Also, remember that it thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook.

Conclusion

Homemade gingerbread syrup is a versatile, festive sweetener that brings cozy holiday flavor to drinks and desserts alike. With warming spices, rich molasses, and natural sweeteners, it’s simple to prepare and store for weeks. Whether stirred into coffee, drizzled over pancakes, or gifted in a pretty jar, this syrup is a holiday staple worth making.

Ezabella