Can I use apple sauce for the syrup?

Yes, you can replace the apples with 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce. Although there won't be any big pieces of apples, I highly recommend still straining the syrup after cooking to make it smoother and less thick.

Is the syrup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover syrup in ice molds and add 1-2 ice cubes to your drink as you need. If you're adding it to coffee, try brewing the espresso over the frozen syrup to help it melt faster. You can also defrost it in the fridge.

What are some similar store-bought versions of this syrup?

My go-to brands are Monin or Torani for any flavored syrups. I've never tried their apple or brown sugar-flavored syrups but most of them are usually great in coffee.

Apple Brown Sugar Syrup

Name: Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup water; 2 small apples, core removed, diced (2 cups diced); ½ tsp apple pie spice; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Description

This Starbucks-inspired Apple Brown Sugar Syrup is made with just 4 simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! Use it in lattes, mocktails, and cocktails, or drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
2 small apples, core removed, diced (2 cups diced)
1/2 tsp apple pie spice
2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Add brown sugar, water, diced apples, and apple pie spice to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
Take the syrup off the heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. The longer it sits, the more apple flavor the syrup will have.
Strain the syrup into a large measuring cup or a bowl through a fine mesh strainer. Use a spoon to squeeze as much syrup out of the apples as possible.
Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Wait for the syrup to cool completely before closing with a lid.

Notes

The syrup makes about 12 servings if you use 2 tbsp per serving.

If you want a stronger molasses flavor, use dark brown sugar instead.

If you don’t have apples, you can use 1 cup of apple puree instead and follow the instructions as written.

Similar store-bought syrups: Torani or Monin.