Julie Clark
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If you’ve ever wondered how to make simple syrup, here is an easy tutorial! Simple Syrup keeps cakes moist through the decorating process…and can add flavor, too!
Table of Contents
- What is simple syrup?
- Simple Syrup Ratio
- How to Make Simple Syrup
- Can I flavor the syrup?
- How long can I keep simple syrup?
- Do I need to refrigerate simple syrup?
- Simple Syrup for Cakes
- How much simple syrup to I use for cake?
- Do I have to wait before I decorate the cake?
- How to Make Simple Syrup Recipe Recipe
Simple sugar syrup is called what it is for one reason. It’s simple. And today we’re talking all about how to make simple syrup!
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a water & sugar combination, cooked together into a syrup. It is often used in co*cktails, or iced beverages such as lemonade or iced coffee. But it is also delicious used on layer cakes to add moisture.
Simple syrup is also popular for fruitcakes since they tend to be on the drier side.
Simple Syrup Ratio
The trick is this. No matter what size batch of syrup you want to make, always use a 1:1 liquid to sugar ratio. However much water you put into the saucepan, that is how much sugar you’ll use too. So you can use as little as ½ cup of each….or on up from there! I generally use 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar.
How to Make Simple Syrup
Remember…use equal amounts of water and granulated white sugar. Simply heat the water to a low boil in a small saucepan on the stovetop, then add the sugar. Whisk the sugar into the water until all of the sugar is dissolved. This won’t take long…ours took about 5 minutes from heating to when the sugar was completely dissolved.
Can I flavor the syrup?
Yes! We don’t usually flavor our syrup so we can use it for any type of cake or as an all purpose glaze. But you can add your favorite extract if you’d like. Think mint, vanilla, coffee, butter, almond…you name it, it would work!
How long can I keep simple syrup?
The way we make simple syrup as described in this recipe, it will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 month. The general rule is to only make an amount that you will use in a reasonable amount of time, such as within a month. That will keep you from having to constantly make it, but also keep it as fresh as possible.
Do I need to refrigerate simple syrup?
Yes, you should refrigerate simple syrup. I’m not a scientist or a food safety expert, so I’ll not try to go into details. Syrup would be ok at room temperature for a day or two, but unless you have a small amount that you will be using up quickly, store it in the fridge.
Simple Syrup for Cakes
What does simple syrup do for cakes? In short, it keeps cake moist. Most often, pastry chefs who do intricate designs use simple syrup to keep cakes moist during all steps of the decorating process because it can sometimes take days to build a cake. Simple syrup can be used for homemade cakes which can sometimes seem drier and denser than box mix cakes.
You can use a sprinkle bottle or a pastry brush to apply the simple syrup to the cake or cupcakes.
How much simple syrup to I use for cake?
This is a hard question to answer with much preciseness, but in short I’d say a few tablespoons, depending on the size of the cake. You don’t want to soak the cake so that it is soggy, but most cakes can handle a generous sprinkling of syrup.
Do I have to wait before I decorate the cake?
Yes, after you sprinkle the cake with syrup, allow it to totally soak into the cake before you start adding buttercream or fondant. You want to be sure the frosting sticks!
You’ll LOVE this syrup sprinkler bottle that we use here. Buy it on Amazon!
How to Make Simple Syrup Recipe
4.66 from 50 votes
If you’ve ever wondered how to make simple syrup, here is an easy tutorial! Simple Syrup keeps cakes moist through the decorating process.
Servings 8
Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 7 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
- 1 cup water 8 ounces
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- Your favorite flavor extract (optional)
Instructions
Heat the water in a small pot over medium-high heat.
Add the sugar and bring the water to a low boil.
Stir and cook until all of the sugar granules are dissolved into the water.
Allow the syrup to cool. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or another extract if you desire.
Store in a sprinkle bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator.This will make about 2 cups of syrup.
Video
Notes
The flavor possibilities are endless! Choose anything from mint to rum to lemon.
The calories shown are based on ¼ cup of simple syrup. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate.
Nutrition
Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 24g
Author Julie Clark
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 96
Keyword sugar, syrup
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Try this on our favorite chocolate cake recipe.
As an enthusiast and expert in culinary arts with a focus on baking and confectionery, I have a comprehensive understanding of various techniques, ingredients, and their applications in recipes. My expertise extends to the creation of syrups, including the versatile and essential simple syrup discussed in the provided article.
Simple syrup, a basic mixture of sugar and water, serves multiple purposes in baking, particularly in maintaining moisture in cakes during the decorating process. Its role as a moisture-retaining agent is crucial, especially for intricate cake designs that may take several days to complete. With a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar, this syrup acts as a reliable ingredient not only in cakes but also in beverages like co*cktails, lemonades, and iced coffees.
The process of making simple syrup involves heating water to a low boil and gradually dissolving an equal amount of granulated sugar in it. The syrup can be flavored by incorporating extracts such as vanilla, mint, or almond, adding depth and variety to its use in different recipes.
Regarding storage, it's recommended to refrigerate the syrup, ensuring its freshness for about a month. This precautionary measure prevents spoilage and maintains its quality over time. When applying simple syrup to cakes, a few tablespoons are generally sufficient, avoiding excessive soaking that could lead to sogginess. After application, it's crucial to allow the syrup to fully absorb into the cake before decorating to ensure proper adhesion of frosting or fondant.
The recipe provided in the article showcases the simplicity of creating this indispensable syrup:
Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water (8 ounces)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- Your favorite flavor extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat water in a small pot over medium-high heat.
- Add sugar and bring the water to a low boil.
- Stir and cook until all sugar granules dissolve into the water.
- Allow the syrup to cool. Add 1 teaspoon of desired extract, if desired.
- Store in a sprinkle bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator.
This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of syrup, and its flavor variations are virtually limitless, ranging from classic vanilla to intriguing choices like mint or rum.
Understanding the significance of moisture retention in cakes and the proper application of simple syrup allows for enhanced baking experiences, ensuring both taste and texture perfection in the final product.
