This 2-ingredient sugar syrup recipe is made with sugar and water. It is perfect for cakes, coffee, cocktails, and more. It takes around 10 minutes to make!
Published: March 28, 2025 by Pamela
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What Is Simple Syrup and Why Use It?
Simple syrup is just sugar and water boiled together, but it makes a big difference when it comes to baking. I used to run a home bakery, and one thing I always had in the fridge was a bottle of simple syrup. I used it on every single cake layer I made.
Layered cakes can take a few days to be fully ready, from baking to allowing to cool, to making the frosting, filling, etc… and even when you make everything the same day, simple syrup helps the cake stay moist. It’s a small extra step, but it keeps your cake from drying out and makes the texture even better.
The base recipe is super easy and only requires 2 ingredients you already have at home, and the best part is you use the same amount of each so no matter the quantity you want to make, the math is easy.
Where to Use Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup isn’t just for cakes! You can also use it in coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and homemade cocktails; well, basically any drink where you need the sugar to dissolve easily.
Ingredients to make sugar syrup recipe:
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
Measurements are posted in the recipe card below the instructions.
Instructions to make simple syrup recipe:
- Start by adding equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan.
- Place over low to medium heat. Stir every now and then to make sure the sugar isn’t sticking to the bottom.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, take it off the heat and let it cool at room temperature. You can keep it in the pan at this point.
- When the syrup is completely cool, pour it into a clean bottle or jar.
- Store it in the fridge, it will keep for 2 to 3 weeks.
So, we’ve covered that the base recipe for simple syrup uses only water and granulated sugar, but you can totally get creative with it depending on the cake or drink you’re making:
- For example, when I’m making my Lemon cake recipe, I replace around 2 Tbsp of water with lemon juice. You can add lemon zest as well to the syrup but don’t transfer it to a bottle because the lemon zest will clog the nozzle, use a jar instead.
- You can also make a coffee simple syrup by replacing half the amount of water with coffee (or just add instant coffee to your recipe if you prefer). When I was younger, my aunt used to make a basic vanilla cake and she would pour coffee simple syrup while the cake was still hot; it was my favorite cake!
- You can also infuse it with vanilla, mint, strawberry (of course in extract forms); honestly, anything you like. It only takes a few minutes to make, and you’ll taste the difference every time.
If you tried this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Simple Syrup – 2 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water into a small pan.
- Place the pan on low to medium heat. Stir every now and then so the sugar doesn’t stick. When the sugar is all melted and the mix looks clear, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool completely at room temperature.
- Once it’s cool, pour the syrup into a clean jar or bottle. You can keep it in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition info is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. For the most accurate details, consider using a nutrition tool or checking our full Nutrition Information Disclaimer.
- Recipe should yield about 1¾ cups.
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