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Vanilla bean latte lover? Make your own vanilla bean syrup at home with just 3 simple ingredients. Use it in your morning latte, or even over some pancakes!
So, I’ve been trying my hardest to talk myself out of wanting a super ridiculously expensive automated espresso machine. This desire kind of came out of no where….I read about another blogger’s automated espresso machine and how she enjoys her lattes and cappuccinos at home and now I realllllly want to do it too. I don’t even order these things at the coffee shop on a regular basis – but I think that’s mostly due to the cost.
ANYWAY – I’m trying to forget about this sudden need for another countertop appliance (check in with me around Christmas time….we’ll see where I landed). BUT if you DO have one of these fancy machines or you make your own lattes by hand at home, this vanilla bean syrup is a must-have!
There’s something so delicious about vanilla beans. Vanilla extract is great, but that intense vanilla bean flavor is something else! And it’s so easy!
How do you make homemade vanilla bean syrup?
All you need for this super simple recipe is 3 INGREDIENTS (technically 2)!
- vanilla beans
- sugar
- water
Vanilla bean syrup is essentially just simple syrup, with the addition of vanilla beans. I make a lot of simple syrups; mostly for cocktails, however they are great for other things too (like coffees)!
Slice a vanilla bean open lengthwise with a sharp paring knife, and gently scrape the seeds out.
Add the seeds to the sugar and water mixture, and simmer everything together for a few minutes.
Allow everything to cool completely before pouring the vanilla bean syrup into an airtight container.
How long does homemade vanilla bean syrup last?
The syrup will last, in an airtight container, for 2-3 weeks in the fridge (or perhaps longer). You could probably store the syrup at room temperature too, but I prefer to err on the side of caution and I keep it in the fridge!
What can you use vanilla bean syrup for?
Other than in your coffees and lattes at home, you can add vanilla bean syrup to whipped cream, or drizzle it over crepes or pancakes. The possibilities are endless! I actually plan to use some of mine in a no-churn vanilla ice cream recipe.
You could also use this syrup in a cocktail. Try some vodka, vanilla bean syrup, lemon juice and soda water. It’s so nice!
FYI I bought my vanilla beans from Amazon, but you can get them at a lot of specialty cooking shops, and sometimes even just a regular grocery store.
Take a few minutes this week and try some homemade vanilla bean syrup! Put some cozy slippers on, settle in and make yourself a vanilla bean latte. I won’t judge you if you top it off with some vanilla bean whipped cream, either!
Some other super easy recipes for you to try:
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Vanilla Bean Syrup
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
Vanilla bean latte lover? Make your own vanilla bean syrup at home with just 3 simple ingredients. Use it in your morning latte, or even over some pancakes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, stir together the sugar and water. Use a sharp paring knife to slice open a vanilla bean lengthwise, then gently scrape out the vanilla bean seeds from the pod using the side of the knife. Add the seeds to the sugar water and give it a stir. Heat the mixture up over medium-high heat until it beings to boil, but lower the temperature to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before pouring it into an airtight container and storing it in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: syrups
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
You really need to tell Santa about giving you a Nespresso. I’ve had mine for years. I discovered Nespresso in London, when my daughter moved there. It was a while before they showed up in the US. Mine has the attachment to make the other kinds of drinks, but I just drink espresso. Such good coffee, and such an easy way to get it!
That’s a very good tip. I have heard good things about Nespresso but haven’t actually looked into it! Thanks Mimi!!
We do have one of those single serve coffee machines, but stopped using it a little while back because we were going through so much coffee so a big pot worked better. They’re super convenient though, and maybe I should break it out again soon. This syrup would be lovely added to a cuppa joe. Love those flecks of vanilla bean in there 😉 Happy Monday!
We used to have one of those machines too but then it broke!! It was nice though to make a fancy little latte every now and then. Thanks Dawn!!
Skip the Starbucks… this would make such a fabulous syrup for a homemade vanilla latte!
Thanks Heidi!! It’s perfect in a homemade latte!
It doesn’t get much easier than this – so delicious, my friend!
Thank you Alex! Definitely super easy!
Love a good vanilla bean syrup! These photos are so beautiful too, Katherine!
Thank you Michelle!! XO
So easy!! And I love all things vanilla. What a yummy addition to my cup of coffee!
It adds so much yumminess to a coffee!!
Well, we didn’t get a super ridiculously expensive automated espresso machine, but we bought a pretty expensive one (Well it was the cheapest one lol) 5 years ago or so. Certainly it was cool to enjoy nicely brewed-coffee, especially cappuccino and lattes for a while…but it ended up being in our garage, for 3 years or so now. It turned out we’re happy just with a simple coffee maker anyway. Still, if your really want this appliance and you have plenty of space on your counter, why not? We should indulge ourselves every now and then. So just send a letter (email, phone message etc.) to Santa 🙂 Also, with or without an espresso machine, you can find so much use for this vanilla syrup. I almost can feel how aromatic it is!
Haha, I have a feeling I would be the same way too Ben! I do drink quite a bit of coffee so the pot would probably be the easiest option anyway. But I agree, it’s nice to indulge sometimes. Hopefully Santa will be taking requests soon. Thank you!!
What a dreamy syrup! I’d use it in my chai lattes! Yum!
Ooh it would be perfect in there! Thanks Kelly!
Love how versatile this simple vanilla bean syrup is, Katherine!! I need to make a batch to drizzle over my morning oatmeal!
Ooh yes, it is excellent in oatmeal!! Thanks Marissa!
I love anything vanilla! I always look for vanilla beans on sale, and then stock up. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I’m all over it! Can’t wait to make some of this syrup!
It doesn’t happen often that’s for sure. But I definitely would stock up on them too if I found them! They’re so great!