Easy Homemade Butter Pecan Syrup

This easy homemade butter pecan syrup is perfect over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If there's one thing we Southerners know, it's that pecans make everything better. And this Butter Pecan Syrup is the kind of recipe that'll have you looking forward to mornings, even if you're not typically an early bird.

Now, I know we all love our classic maple syrup, but sometimes you need to shake things up a bit. This syrup does just that, taking those beloved pecans we grow right here in the South and turning them into liquid gold. It's perfect for dressing up your usual pancakes or waffles, but let me tell you, it's downright dangerous drizzled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

What I really love about this recipe is how it takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. The butter adds richness, the maple brings sweetness, and those toasted pecans add a touch of Southern charm and nutty flavor.

If you're looking for more ways to use up those pecans from your backyard tree (or your neighbor's, if you're lucky), you've got to try our Homemade Chocolate Covered Pecans, Classic Pecan Pie, or Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bites!

So next time you're hankering for a taste of the South, whip up a batch of this Butter Pecan Syrup. It's a little jar of Southern comfort that'll make any breakfast feel like a special occasion!

Ingredient Notes

• Pecans - The star of the show! These add a delicious nuttiness and crunch to your syrup.
• Pure maple syrup - The base of our syrup. Make sure to use the real deal for the best flavor.
• Water - Just a bit to help thin out the syrup and make it easier to work with.
• Unsalted butter - Adds richness and that classic buttery flavor. We use unsalted to control the saltiness.
• Vanilla extract - A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
• Sea salt - Just a pinch to balance the sweetness. You can adjust to taste.

How to make Butter Pecan Syrup

1. Toast the pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
2. Chop and cool: Let the toasted pecans cool for a few minutes, then roughly chop them. Set aside.
3. Start the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup and water. Heat over medium heat until gently simmering, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the butter: Add the cubed butter to the simmering syrup mixture. Stir continuously until the butter has completely melted and incorporated.
5. Toss in the pecans: Add the chopped toasted pecans to the saucepan. Stir to distribute them evenly throughout the syrup.
6. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken slightly. For a thicker syrup check the Expert Tips below.
7. Flavor boost: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Season to taste: Add a small pinch of sea salt and taste. If desired, add more salt in tiny increments until you reach your preferred balance of sweet and salty.
9. Cool and serve: Let the syrup cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Expert Tips

• Toast extra pecans while you're at it. They're great for snacking or topping other dishes.
• For a thicker syrup, try adding cornstarch. Use about 4 teaspoons for this recipe. Dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water, then whisk it into the hot syrup.
• For a bourbon twist, try adding a tablespoon of your favorite bourbon along with the vanilla extract.
• Make a double batch and gift some to friends. It's a great homemade treat that keeps well in the fridge.
  

Storage Information

Keep any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The syrup will thicken up quite a bit when chilled, but don't worry – that's normal!

When you're ready to use it again, gently reheat the syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little warm water or an extra splash of maple syrup.

While you can microwave it in a pinch, be careful not to overheat as this can cause the butter to separate. Short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between, work best if you're using the microwave.

Unlike some other syrups, this one isn't great for freezing. The butter and pecans won't do well in the freezer and you might end up with a grainy texture when thawed. But with how tasty it is, we doubt you'll have leftovers for that long anyway!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy butter pecan syrup:

1. Pancakes, Waffles, and French Toast: Drizzle generously over a stack of waffles, French toast, or pancakes like Banana Buttermilk Pancakes with Pecans for a classic Southern breakfast.
2. Ice cream: Warm slightly and pour over vanilla ice cream for a quick and easy dessert. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel-like experience.
3. Oatmeal: Stir into your morning oatmeal for a flavor boost that'll make you look forward to breakfast.
4. Yogurt parfait: Layer with Greek yogurt and granola for a delicious and easy breakfast parfait.
5. Sweet potatoes: That's right - you can even use this in savory dishes! Drizzle it over baked sweet potatoes for a tasty twist.
6. Bread pudding: Use as a sauce for warm bread pudding instead of the usual vanilla sauce.

Looking for more pecan recipes?

• 21 of the Best Pecan Recipes for Fall
• Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
• Homemade Chocolate Covered Pecans
• Baked Camembert with Honey, Pears & Pecans
• Banana Buttermilk Pancakes with Pecans
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake Small Bites
• Grilled Peaches with Toasted Pecans and Ice Cream

Recipe FAQs

📖 Recipe

Butter Pecan Syrup

Sara

This easy homemade butter pecan syrup is perfect over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 14 servings

Calories 157 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup pecans
• 1 ½ cups pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup water
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter cut into small cubes
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch sea salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Begin by toasting the pecans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the whole pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The pecans are done when they're fragrant and slightly darkened in color.
• Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once they're cool enough to handle, roughly chop them into smaller pieces. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Add the cubed butter to the simmering syrup mixture. Stir continuously until the butter has completely melted and incorporated into the syrup.
• Once the butter has melted, add the chopped toasted pecans to the saucepan. Stir to distribute them evenly throughout the syrup.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken slightly.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Add a small pinch of sea salt and taste the syrup. If desired, add more salt in tiny increments until you reach your preferred balance of sweet and salty.
• Let the syrup cool for a few minutes before serving. As it cools, it will thicken slightly.

Notes

Serve this rich, buttery syrup warm over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Gently reheat before serving again.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 2TablespoonCalories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 0.4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 137IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword butter pecan syrup

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