This easy Blueberry Maple Syrup recipe is the perfect way to add sweetness to your favorite pancakes or waffles. It is made with just a few ingredients; this syrup comes together in just minutes and is sure to become a family favorite. Try Blueberry Maple Syrup with these Homemade Pancakes or these Blueberry Pancakes. Besides using it to sweeten breakfast foods, you can also use it for desserts and even beverages.
Jump to:
What is Blueberry Maple Syrup?
Blueberry Maple Syrup is a sweet and flavorful syrup that combines blueberries and maple syrup. It is a delicious topping that adds fruity to your favorite breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes. The syrup has a rich blueberry flavor with the natural sweetness of maple syrup, creating a delightful combination of sweet and tangy notes. It can also be used to enhance desserts or as a beverage sweetener. Blueberry Maple Syrup is easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it can be enjoyed any time of the year with fresh or frozen blueberries.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Berries: Blueberry syrup can also be made with fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and activates the fruit's natural pectin (a thickening agent) in the fruit.
- Pure maple syrup: I recommend using grade A 100% maple syrup.
- Clear Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract can be used instead of clear vanilla. I love using this Clear Vanilla; the scent is nostalgic and comforting.
Tools You'll Need
How to Make Blueberry Maple Syrup
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Combine blueberries and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until berries are slightly softened, about 10 minutes, then mash using the back of a spoon. Simmer until mixture foams up, about 5 minutes more. At this point, you can add clear vanilla or pure vanilla extract if you choose. Remove the pan from the heat, and let the syrup cool at room temperature for 10 minutes. Refrigerate or freeze the syrup in its airtight storage container.
Substitutions
- Blueberries: If fresh blueberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones. You can substitute with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy brightness to the syrup, but if you don't have lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Alternatively, you can omit the lemon juice if you prefer a pure blueberry flavor.
- Maple Syrup: The recipe calls for pure maple syrup, but if you don't have it, you can use a combination of honey and corn syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly.
- Clear Vanilla: Clear vanilla extract is used to enhance the flavor of the syrup, but if you don't have it, you can use regular pure vanilla extract instead. The syrup will still be delicious with the vanilla flavor.
Variations
- Spiced Blueberry Maple Syrup: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the syrup while cooking to infuse it with a cozy and aromatic flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
- Lemon Zest: Along with lemon juice, add some finely grated lemon zest to the syrup for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This will add a bright and refreshing element to the syrup.
- Berry Medley Syrup: Mix different berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, along with blueberries to create a mixed berry syrup. This variation will add complexity and different levels of sweetness to the syrup.
- Maple Bourbon Blueberry Syrup: For an adult twist, you can add a splash of bourbon to the syrup while it's cooking. The bourbon will enhance the richness and depth of flavor, creating a sophisticated syrup.
- Vanilla Bean Infused Syrup: Instead of using vanilla extract, scrape the seeds of a vanilla bean and add them to the syrup while cooking. This will infuse the syrup with intense vanilla flavor and beautiful specks of vanilla bean.
How to Serve
- Pancakes and Waffles: The classic way to enjoy Blueberry Maple Syrup is drizzled over a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles. The sweet and fruity flavors of the syrup pair perfectly with the breakfast staple. Add a pat of butter on top for extra richness.
- French Toast: Upgrade your French toast by pouring Blueberry Maple Syrup. The syrup will soak into the bread, infusing it with delicious blueberry and maple flavors. Serve with powdered sugar dusting and fresh berries for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- Ice Cream: Blueberry Maple Syrup can be used as a topping for vanilla ice cream or any other favorite flavor. The warm syrup over cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and textures. You can also add some whipped cream and chopped nuts for extra indulgence.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Blueberry Maple Syrup with Greek yogurt and granola to create a delicious and nutritious parfait. The syrup adds flavor to the creamy yogurt and complements the crunchy granola. Top it off with fresh blueberries for an extra pop of freshness.
- Dessert Topping: Use Blueberry Maple Syrup topping for desserts like cheesecakes, pound cakes, or even oatmeal cookies. Its fruity and sweet taste adds a delightful twist to various desserts, elevating their flavors and presentation.
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air from entering and causing the syrup to spoil. Place the container of syrup in the refrigerator for storage. It can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
To reheat: You can use several methods when reheating Blueberry Maple Syrup. One option is to heat the syrup on the stovetop. Pour the desired syrup into a small saucepan and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until the syrup is warmed through. Be careful not to overheat or boil the syrup, as it may thicken or change in consistency. Another option is to reheat the syrup in the microwave. Transfer a portion of the syrup into a microwave-safe bowl or container and heat it quickly, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.
Make Ahead
Blueberry Maple Syrup can be made and stored in the refrigerator until needed. Prepare the syrup according to the recipe instructions, allow it to cool, and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Making the syrup ahead of time allows you to have a delicious homemade topping ready whenever you want to enjoy it with pancakes, waffles, or other dishes.
Just reheat the syrup when ready to use it, and it will be good to go. This make-ahead option is convenient for meal planning, brunches, or whenever you crave sweet and fruity syrup to elevate your breakfast or dessert.
How to Freeze
To freeze Blueberry Maple Syrup, allow it to cool completely after preparing it. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a freezer-safe container or divide it into smaller portions if desired. Leave some headspace in the container, as the syrup will expand when frozen. Seal the container tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. Place the container in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the syrup in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of warm water. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure the consistency is smooth and the flavors are well combined.
Tips for Making The Best Blueberry Maple Syrup
- Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: While fresh blueberries are ideal, frozen blueberries can also be used to make blueberry maple syrup. Just make sure to thaw frozen blueberries before cooking them.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your blueberries and personal preference, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup used in the recipe. Taste the syrup as you cook it, and add more maple syrup if desired.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: To enhance the flavor of the blueberry maple syrup, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest. These citrus notes can brighten up the syrup and complement the sweetness of the blueberries.
- Mash the Blueberries: Once softened, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to mash them gently. This will release more blueberry juices and create a thicker syrup with bits of blueberry throughout.
- Strain or Keep it Chunky: If you prefer a smooth syrup, strain the cooked blueberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds. However, if you enjoy the texture of the blueberries, you can leave them in the syrup for a chunkier consistency.
- Store Properly: To maintain the quality of the blueberry maple syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to cool the syrup completely before refrigerating it.
- Reheat Gently: Using short intervals, reheat the syrup gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid overheating, as it can change the texture and taste of the syrup.
- Serve with Various Foods: Blueberry maple syrup is not only delicious on pancakes and waffles but can also be enjoyed on French toast, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, and even as a topping for cakes or desserts.
FAQ
Can you use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Fresh or frozen blueberries will work in this recipe. If using frozen, you do not need to thaw the blueberries.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Honey can be substituted for maple syrup, but remember that honey has a stronger flavor than maple syrup, so make a test batch first to see if you like it before making a larger batch.
My syrup is too thick. What should I do?
If your syrup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water or lemon juice to the mixture. Start with a tablespoon and gradually add until you reach your desired consistency.
My syrup is too thin. How can I thicken it?
To thicken the syrup, you can return it to the heat and simmer it for a few more minutes until it reduces and thickens to your liking.
The syrup is too sweet. What can I do to balance the sweetness?
If the syrup is too sweet for your taste, add a bit more lemon juice to provide some acidity and balance the sweetness. Alternatively, you can dilute it with a bit of water.
Related Recipes:
Recipe
Easy Blueberry Maple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries
- Juice from lemon
- ⅓ to ½ cup pure maple syrup Preferably grade A
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or clear vanilla
Instructions
- Combine blueberries and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until berries are slightly softened, about 10 minutes, then mash using the back of a spoon. Simmer until mixture foams up, about 5 minutes more. At this point, you can also add clear vanilla or pure vanilla extract if you choose. Remove the pan from the heat, and let the syrup cool at room temperature for 10 minutes. Refrigerate or freeze the syrup in its airtight storage container.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.