Homemade Blackberry Syrup Recipe for Pancakes and Drinks

Stretch your summer harvest by making a simple, jammy blackberry syrup that’s perfect for pancakes, ice cream, lemonade and more.

Ingredients you’ll need

Only a few pantry staples are needed to make this versatile blackberry syrup. Fresh blackberries are best, but frozen work fine too.

• Blackberries – 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen.
• Granulated sugar – ½ cup. Plain granulated sugar keeps the flavor balanced; a touch of honey can be used but will add its own flavor.
• Lemon juice – Juice of ½ lemon. The acidity brightens and lifts the blackberry flavor.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional). A small amount softens and rounds the taste.
• Water – ¼ cup to add a little volume and help extract the juices.

How to make blackberry syrup

Making berry syrup is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps for a glossy, flavorful syrup.

1. Add the blackberries, sugar, water and lemon juice to a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat and gently mash the berries as they warm.
3. Simmer until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent burning.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing or squeezing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard or save the solids for another use.
5. Let the syrup cool, then stir in vanilla if using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to thicken

The syrup will seem thinner while hot but thickens as it cools. If you want a thicker final syrup, try one of these methods:

• Add 1–2 tablespoons more sugar and simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in ½ teaspoon pectin and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes to help set the syrup.
• Continue cooking a little longer, stirring and scraping the pan so it reduces and concentrates.

Syrup uses

This blackberry syrup is extremely versatile. A few favorite uses:

• Stir into lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
• Drizzle over waffles, pancakes or French toast.
• Pour over ice cream or swirl into milkshakes and cocktails.

Related recipes

Use this syrup to brighten drinks and desserts or to add a fruity touch to recipes that benefit from a jammy berry flavor.

Recipe Card

Blackberry Syrup

Enjoy summer any time with this delicious jammy blackberry syrup.

Prep Time
4 mins

Cook Time
10 mins

Total Time
14 mins

Course Basics

Cuisine American

Servings
1  (.5 cups syrup)

Calories 28 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups blackberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the blackberries, sugar, water and lemon juice to a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium.
3. Gently mash the blackberries as they cook so the juices release.
4. Stir occasionally and scrape the sides and bottom to prevent burning.
5. Cook until the liquid thickens slightly.
6. Strain the liquid from the solids, pressing to extract the syrup. Discard or save the solids for another use.
7. Stir in vanilla, if using.
8. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 g

Calories: 28 kcal

Carbohydrates: 7 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 6 g

Keyword blackberry, syrup

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