Apple Simple Syrup

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This festive Apple Simple Syrup is made with 4 simple ingredients, including real apples and warm fall spices. You can use it in cocktails, on top of pancakes and so much more. Taking under 20 minutes to make, this is a great seasonal treat!

Apple simple syrup in a mason jar on a wood table with an apple and plant in background

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Use on anything. This apple simple syrup can be used for so many different things. In fact, I pour it over my oat milk pancakes in the fall to make them extra special. Be sure to visit my section below on where you can use it!
Easy to make. With only 4 simple steps and only 4 ingredients, this simple syrup could not be any easier to make and keep in your fridge for a pick me up during the week.
Customizable. Whether you enjoy a stronger fall spice flavor, or one that is more muted, you can make this simple syrup exactly how you want.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for apple simple syrup with text labels on a wood surface

Sugar. This recipe uses cane sugar. If you are vegan, make sure to use organic sugar. Conventional sugars can be bleached with non-vegetarian ingredients. You may use a granulated sugar substitute, such as monk fruit.

Apples. My favorite apples to use when making this apple spice simple syrup are gala apples. They are soft enough to break down easily when making the apple simple syrup. If you can't find gala apples, I also recommend using fuji apples. If you have any leftover apples, use them to make my homemade apple fritters.

Cinnamon Sticks. Cinnamon sticks work best for this recipe because they infuse the simple syrup without breaking down into it. Powdered cinnamon will change the color and taste of the simple syrup, so if you do need to substitute start with a small amount (1 tsp) and build in the flavor.

Step by Step Instructions

Cut the apples. In order to infuse the simple syrup with apple taste, core and chop up the gala apples into small chunks, approximately the size of a large olive. The skin may be left on.
Begin by making the simple syrup. Add the water, sugar, apple and cinnamon into a medium size sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often. Watch the mixture closely so it does not come to a boil. Boiling this syrup can result in it being too thick. Once the granulated sugar dissolves, the simple syrup can be removed from heat.
Steep. Allow the simple syrup to steep by letting it sit for 15 minutes. This enables the apple and cinnamon to infuse with the sugar water, resulting in a tastier apple pie filled margarita.
Strain. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the simple syrup into a heat resistant container. I like to use a mason jar. Using a fine mesh strainer will ensure no debris is left over in the syrup.

sauce pan showing apples water sugar and cinnamon sticks before being simmered — Step 2

sauce pan showing simmered apples with water — Step 3

Apple simple syrup being strained into a mason jar — Step 4

Storing Instructions

This simple syrup will stay fresh in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing the syrup.

Time Saving Hacks

Buying pre-chopped apples will cut down on the prep time.

Make this simple syrup ahead of time, perhaps during meal prep, and keep in the fridge for on the go flavor!

FAQ

Can I use apple simple syrup in place of sugar?

Yes! This works well in place of any sweetener for coffee, tea and so much more. I like to use it anytime a liquid sweetener, such as liquid sugar, maple syrup or date syrup is used. I do not recommend replacing cane sugar in baked good recipes with it, however.

Why wasn't my simple syrup thick?

It could be one of two things - you possibly did not let it steep long enough or there was too much water within your apples that mixed with the added water. Good news, the syrup is still delicious!

Can I use powdered cinnamon in place of cinnamon sticks?

Yes, but start slowly with it. I recommend adding 1 tsp. Too much cinnamon will overpower the syrup.

Uses for this Simple Syrup

Coffee, Iced Teas + Lattes. Skip the drive to Starbucks or your local coffee shop and enjoy an apple spice flavored coffee at home. This syrup works well in lattes and coffee - all you have to do is add ½ tbsp up to 2 tbsps. I personally love using it in my oat milk iced latte in the fall for a little pick me up. You can also add it to my dairy free cold foam.
Cocktails. Use this delicious apple spice simple syrup in your favorite classic cocktails! I I love using it in my fall margarita, caramel apple moscow mule, or swap out the pumpkin spice for apple spice in my espresso martini.
Apple Creamer. Mix 1 tbsp of simple syrup with 3 tbsp of oat milk to make your own apple spice dairy free creamer.
Pancakes + Waffles. If you are a fan of adding maple syrup to your pancakes or waffles, swap this syrup for it! It will immediately heighten the experience and make the dish scream "fall."
Chia Pudding + Overnight Oats - Make your breakfast on-the-go breakfast taste just like fall by mixing 1 tbsp of this syrup into the mixture before placing it in the fridge overnight. I love doing this with my simple overnight oats.
Hot Chocolate. Is there anything better than a delicious mug of hot cocoa in the fall? Add apple taste to it by stirring in this syrup.
Milkshakes + Smoothies. This is a wonderful addition to a vanilla milkshake or a fall themed smoothie!

Tips for success

Use a fine mesh strainer. This will ensure that all the apple chunks or any thick parts will be removed. This will allow your syrup to be smooth, with no debris.
Do not let the mixture simmer for too long. Once the sugars are dissolved, be sure to immediately take it off the burner. If it is left too long, the mixture can become extremely strong, and could become extremely thick.
Always refrigerate. Because this recipe uses fresh apples, always refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep is fresh.

More Festive Fall Recipe

If you make this recipe, I would absolutely love for you to leave a rating and review. I absolutely love connecting with you!