Low Carb Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe
Recreate the same rich flavor of Starbucks’ brown sugar syrup at home with my Low Carb Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe.
The unique flavors you can create with this cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup are endless! I will walk you through step-by-step on how to create this sugar free version of a brown sugar cinnamon syrup, go over tips and substitutions and answer frequently asked questions.
Not only will you save on the cost of frequent coffee shop visits, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of crafting a homemade brown sugar syrup that you can tailor to your taste.
What is the Allure of Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup?
The Starbucks version of a brown sugar syrup with caramel-like flavor and a hint of cinnamon is used in drinks from cold brew to hot chocolate. The basic simple syrup that uses dark brown sugar instead of white sugar, plus cinnamon and vanilla gives a warm and comforting taste. Coffee enthusiasts have fallen for the caramel flavor, which brings out their creative side to recreate their favorite coffee drinks at home.
When I re-created this simple brown sugar syrup I used my own Keto Brown Sugar as the base. This is the key ingredient in the syrup so make sure you choose one you love. You can of course use purchased sugar free brown sugar like from Swerve or Truvia and it will work the same.
Simple Ingredients You Will Need to make this Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe
One of the best parts about this homemade brown sugar syrup recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here are the main ingredients you will need for this easy recipe:
Keto Brown Sugar Substitute: Instead of regular dark brown sugar, you will use a low-carb brown sugar substitute like Swerve Brown or Lakanto Golden. These substitutes mimic the taste and texture of brown sugar without the carbs. I chose to use my own creation of Keto Brown Sugar.
Water: Just like in any simple syrup recipe, water is essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the syrupy consistency. The water ratio is in equal parts to the amount of the sweetener, so it is easy to halve or double the recipe with good results.
Ground Cinnamon: Adding cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick to the mixture infuses the syrup with a warm, spicy note that’s like the Starbucks version. Since I always have the ground cinnamon on hand that is what I used. If you want to avoid the powder settling and needing to shake each time, use a cinnamon stick then remove after simmering.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweet flavor to the syrup. Cinnamon and vanilla complement each other well.
How to Create this Delicious Brown Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan, add the cup of brown sugar and cup of water.
Mix them well with a whisk then place over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Continue stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved mostly.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. It will take a bit of slow whisking to incorporate the ground cinnamon at first, but it will blend.
Return the pot to the burner over medium heat. Let it start to simmer then turn the heat down to medium-low heat.
Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring there are no granules left. Do not let it boil as this will reduce the water and make it very crystallized.
Even with proper dissolving you still may have a little bit of sugar and cinnamon at the bottom of the pot. If you are using cinnamon sticks, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes for a rich flavor, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Using tongs, remove the cinnamon sticks and discard.
Let it cool 10 minutes before pouring into a heat proof airtight container glass jar or mason jar. I poured mine into a swing top glass bottle with a small funnel.
How to Store Your Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup
Store the syrup in the refrigerator, where it will have a shelf life up to two weeks. Before using, give it a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time, especially if you used ground cinnamon instead of the cinnamon sticks.
If you used an erythritol based sugar free sweetener it may crystallize. To avoid this, choose allulose sweetener since it does not harden in recipes once cooled.
Here are some Ideas for you to get started Using Your Brown Sugar Syrup
Now that you’ve made your homemade brown sugar syrup, it’s time to explore the many ways you can use it. This brown sugar syrup is as versatile as a classic simple syrup and can be added to a variety of drinks and even some desserts.
Iced Coffee and Cold Brew: Add a few tablespoons of brown sugar syrup to your iced coffee or cold brew for a sweet and flavorful twist.
Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso: Recreate this particular recipe by adding a small amount of your homemade syrup to a few shots of espresso and shaking it with oat milk and ice.
Hot Coffee: Stir a tablespoonful of syrup into your hot coffee for a cozy, caramel-flavored cup. It’s the perfect addition to your morning brew, especially during the colder months.
Hot Tea and Iced Tea: Brown sugar syrup isn’t just for coffee lovers! Add it to your favorite hot tea or iced tea for a unique flavor experience. The hint of cinnamon pairs with black and herbal teas.
Hot Chocolate: When you mix the syrup into hot chocolate it creates a caramel like flavor that pairs well with the cocoa. Try this with my Low Carb Dairy Free Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate recipe.
Bubble Tea: If you’re a fan of bubble tea or milk tea, try using this brown sugar liquid sweetener for your homemade version. It adds a delicious caramel-like flavor that pairs well with tapioca pearls and milk.
Cocktails: Get creative with your cocktail recipes by incorporating this brown sugar syrup into your favorite drinks needing a little sweetener. It works well in drinks like whiskey sours, old fashioneds, and even in a spiced rum cocktail.
Baking: Incorporate the syrup into your baking as a liquid sweetener instead of using honey or maple syrup. It will add moisture and a rich flavor to your baked goods.
Tips, Substitutions and FAQS
- Substitute the ground cinnamon in the recipe with some pumpkin spice for an easy pumpkin spice syrup.
- If you want to make it with a natural sugar like demerara sugar, raw sugar, or coconut sugar it will work. You will just need to simmer until the sweetener is dissolved enough before removing from the heat.
- Think outside of the box with how to use the syrup and use it as a drizzle over a scoop of low carb ice cream.
- Turn this recipe into one of the more popular syrups that is used to make an Apple Crisp Drink. Simply switch out the water used in the recipe with some apple juice or apple cider and proceed as stated.
Can I use regular brown sugar instead of a low-carb substitute? Yes, you can use regular dark brown sugar if you’re not concerned about the carb content. It will work just the same.
How long will this syrup last in the fridge? If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your brown sugar syrup should last up to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before shaking and using.
Can I use this syrup in baking recipes? Yes, this syrup can be used in place of liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey in many baking recipes. It adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor to cookies, cakes, and more. Try it in my recipe for Easy Gluten Free Muffins instead of maple syrup called for.
Is there a difference between dark brown sugar and light brown sugar? Yes, dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content than light brown sugar, giving it a richer flavor. For this recipe, either one will work. If you want to increase the richness you can add in 1 teaspoon of molasses when you add in the brown sugar.
Can I make this syrup without cinnamon? Yes, if you prefer a plain brown sugar syrup without the hint of cinnamon, you can simply omit it from the recipe. You can also try other spices instead of cinnamon like cardamom, allspice or a combination.
What’s the best way to reheat the syrup? If the syrup thickens too much in the fridge, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop. I usually fill a small pot with hot water from the tap, never boiling, then let the bottle sit for 10 minutes.
Can I freeze the syrup for longer storage? Yes, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to three months. You can place a cube in your very hot coffee to flavor it and cool it down at the same time.
Can I use this syrup to sweeten cold drinks? This syrup is great for cold drinks like iced coffee, iced tea, and even cocktails. Just be sure to stir well as the syrup may settle at the bottom.
How do I prevent the syrup from crystallizing? To prevent crystallization, make sure the sugar substitute is fully dissolved during the cooking process. Stirring the syrup occasionally as it cools can also help too. You may find better results using allulose and molasses versus the pre-made brown sugar as allulose does not harden when cooled.
Now that you have this simple recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of your favorite Starbucks drinks without sugar from the comfort of your home.
Grab your mason jar and whip up a batch of this delicious syrup! Your coffee will never be the same once you discover all of the favorite ways to re-create popular Starbucks recipes.
Don’t forget to check the bottom of this post where you will find more Starbucks Copycat Recipes for more drink creations!
Low Carb Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Airtight jar or bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup Keto Brown Sugar homemade or store bought
- 1 cup water
- 4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the cup of brown sugar and cup of water.
- Mix them well with a whisk then place over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Continue stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved mostly.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. It will take a bit of slow whisking to incorporate the ground cinnamon at first, but it will blend.
- Return the pot to the burner over medium heat. Let it start to simmer then turn the heat down to medium-low heat.
- Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring there are no granules left. Do not let it boil as this will reduce the water and make it very crystallized.
- If you are using cinnamon sticks, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes for a rich flavor, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Using tongs, remove the cinnamon sticks and discard.
- Let it cool 10 minutes before pouring into a heat proof airtight container glass jar or mason jar. I poured mine into a swing top glass bottle with a small funnel.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator, where it will have a shelf life up to two weeks. Before using, give it a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time, especially if you used ground cinnamon instead of the cinnamon sticks.
- If you used an erythritol based sugar free sweetener it may crystallize. To avoid this, choose allulose sweetener since it does not harden in recipes once cooled.
Notes
Nutrition
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Check out these other Copycat Starbucks Drinks Recipes!
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