This recipe reminds me of that episode of the Mindy Project where Mindy’s mother in law says “Mindy, would you like pancakes” and she replies “Yes. Always.” I’d never felt so seen and understood.
One of my fave treat breakfasts is a stack of fluffy pancakes, but have you ever thought of taking them to the next level with a rich and decadent brown sugar sauce? Not only is this sauce incredibly easy to make, but it also adds a depth of flavor that prior to this, I had no idea, could be added to pancakes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or even just looking to switch up your breakfast routine, this brown sugar sauce is the perfect addition to your pancake game. Made with simple ingredients, this easy recipe will no doubt become a welcome addition to your regular buttermilk pancakes. (Click HERE to skip to the printable recipe card)
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Why this brown sugar sauce is incredible
Listen, as someone who really enjoys brunch, I’ve had my fair share of pancakes and syrups. I’ve tried both pancake mix and homemade, pancakes with cream cheese glaze, brown sugar pancakes (like these!) and sweet potato pancakes. I’ve tried many store-bought pancake syrups and had a passed down from my husband’s family brown sugar syrup recipe. However, I have NEVER had a sauce like this on my pancakes. For shame!
This sauce is kind of akin to caramel, but lighter. It would also be incredible (thickened up first) on gooey cinnamon rolls, and a great recipe for French toast, drizzled over boba tea, served with a brown sugar pancake recipe, and especially served a top Christmas pudding or ice cream.
It makes up pretty quickly in about 10 minutes total time, and even though it’s a “sauce” it is still similar in consistency to regular pancake syrup, which makes for easy pouring.
I poured some into my coffee the next morning as a liquid sweetener and it was delicious that way too!
Where did the Brown Sugar Sauce Recipe come from?
Every now and then I l take myself out for a solo date. Just to enjoy some time alone, eat a meal that I really like, and have some space to think about whatever I would like to (sans demands for anything or needing to referee my toddler children). This last time, I went to a fancy little spot that I had been told had amazing brunches. I ordered a mixed breakfast with eggs Benedict, hash browns and pancakes with a brown sugar syrup.
The entire breakfast was really (really!) good, however the creamy, decadent, pourable brown sugar “syrup” that I was given for the pancakes was next level. Prior to that, real maple syrup (or even homemade pancake syrup) had always added “decadence” to my pancakes on special occasions, but this sauce was so creamy, buttery, perfectly sweetened…I brought home what I didn’t use from my meal so my hubby could try it.
He’s not really a “brunch” guy, but also loved it, and since I knew that I wouldn’t be bringing my young children to that fancy spot, I opted to remake it myself so that my family could also enjoy it.
Tools for making brown sugar sauce
-Medium saucepan (I have and use a set from The Rock, and they have stood the test of time for our big family!)
-large bowl (metal mixing bowls are great, these ones come with lids too!)
-a whisk for mixing
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pancake Sauce
-salt (1/4 tsp)
-all purpose flour (or corn starch) (3 tbsp)
-dark brown sugar or light brown sugar (whichever you prefer or have on hand) (1 cup)
-unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)
– vanilla extract (1 tsp) (use pure vanilla extract if you wanna go all out)
-water (1 3/4 cups)
How to store brown sugar sauce
You can store your leftover syrup (or sauce), once it has cooled, in an airtight container or glass bottle in the fridge for 4-5 days. You may find that a bit of separation has occurred, you can simply shake the container to remix the ingredients before you use the leftover sauce.
Tips for making homemade brown sugar sauce
1-If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter and just omit the salt
2- Browning the butter (on medium-high heat) until it turns a warm golden brown and smells nutty will deepen the flavour of your sauce.
3- Most homemade sauces thicken considerably when cooled. This one only thickens a tiny bit, which is really nice!
4-Add a couple drops of maple extract to this recipe to add a fun twist
Taking time out of my life to do something that I enjoy, just for myself, just because is one of the ways that I intentionally sink into the sweetness of life. That sweetness can be easy to forget when I feel overwhelmed by everything else that calls for my time and energy. What about you, what grounding, life-giving things do you do to remind yourself of the goodness of life? Let me know in the comments.
Still climbing,
XX,
-Celeste
Brown Sugar Sauce for Pancakes
A rich and decadent, quick to make sauce, for pancakes. Can also be used atop cinnamon buns, Christmas pudding, icecream, cake or any other treat. (Try it in your coffee too!)
Ingredients
- salt (1/4 tsp)
- flour or cornstarch (3 Tbsp)
- unsalted butter (1/2cup + 2 Tbsp)
- brown sugar (1 cup)
- water (1 3/4 cups)
- vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a saucepan on low- medium heat until it starts to turn golden brown and smell nutty.
- Add salt, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 cup water.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp cornstarch and 3/4 cups water. Add mixture to the pot.
- Whisk the mixture in the pot together over medium heat until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon that is dipped into it.
- Remove the sauce from heat, and pour into a serving container. Top pancakes with warm brown sugar sauce.
- Cool leftover sauce, and store in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days
Notes
If using salted butter, omit the salt from the recipe.
Add a couple drops of maple extract for a fun and delicious twist.
Aja Celeste is a mom to 6 beautiful children and a twin mom! She is also creator and writer of That Zoi Life and a professionally trained Evolutionary Astrologer who has been doing astrology for 7 years. She is also a health care assistant, has a Bachelor of Ministry Degree, and is passionate about supporting people in conscious parenting. She also does Psychosomatics using Recall Healing.
Please contact her at [info@ThatZoiLife.com] if you would like to find out more about working with her.