Coconut Syrup
A luscious, tropically sweet syrup that brings island vibes to your breakfast table. Made with creamy coconut milk and a touch of vanilla, it pours like silk over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Ready in just 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan.
Pour the coconut milk, sugar, water, and salt into a small saucepan. Whisk together until the sugar begins to dissolve into the liquid.
- simmer · ~10 min
Simmer until slightly thickened.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally. Let it bubble softly for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the syrup coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil vigorously.
TIPKeep the heat gentle. High heat can cause the coconut milk to separate or scorch. - mix · ~5 min
Stir in the vanilla and cool.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool in the pan for 5 minutes; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- serve
Transfer and serve or store.
Pour the warm syrup into a heatproof jar or bottle. Drizzle generously over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to one week.
TIPReheat gently before serving if the syrup thickens too much in the fridge.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest, creamiest syrup.
- 2Simmer gently; a vigorous boil can cause the coconut milk to separate and curdle.
- 3Syrup thickens significantly as it cools, so remove it from heat when it still looks slightly loose.
- 4For a thinner syrup, add an extra tablespoon of water before simmering.
- 5Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week; reheat gently before serving.
- 6Toasted coconut flakes make a beautiful garnish on pancakes drizzled with this syrup.
- 7Use a whisk to smooth out any lumps that form from the coconut cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan; ensure your sugar is certified vegan to avoid bone-char processing.
Keto / Low CarbKeto / Low-Carb
Replace the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of powdered erythritol or allulose and simmer for 2 fewer minutes to avoid over-thickening.
Spiced CoconutSpiced Coconut
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon with the sugar for a warming, chai-like twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Dairy-Free Alternative
This syrup uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it a creamy option for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy-free diet.
Source of Healthy Fats
Coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a quick source of energy and may support metabolism.
Minimal Additives
Made with four simple ingredients, this homemade syrup contains no preservatives, artificial flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup.
Frequently asked questions
Coconut milk naturally separates when chilled; just stir or gently reheat the syrup and it will come back together.
