Looking for a way to use up ripe bananas? This Banana Simple Syrup is a creative way to put them to good use. With just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes, you can create a delicious banana-flavored syrup that's perfect for coffee and matcha!
Making simple syrups at home is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy coffee shop-quality drinks in the comfort of your own home.
While banana may seem like an unusual choice, it’s actually a tasty and fun way to shake up your morning coffee!
You only need a few simple ingredients including bananas, brown sugar, water, and cinnamon.
Not sure what to make first? Start with a classic Banana Latte!
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Ingredients
Making banana simple syrup requires only a few basic ingredients and less than 15 minutes.
It's such a fun and unique way to use up those ripe bananas!
Bananas: Use bananas with dark spots, as they are fully ripe and will give you the best flavor. Unripe bananas taste starchy, while ripe ones are naturally sweet!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is granulated sugar that has the addition of molasses, which gives it that distinctive brown color and caramelized flavor. You can use dark or light brown sugar.
Water: Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.
Vanilla: The addition of vanilla complements the caramelized richness of the brown sugar.
Spices and Salt: Just a pinch of salt for balance. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring that warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of classic banana bread.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
You’ll need a mesh strainer to remove the banana chunks from the syrup for a smooth consistency.
If you prefer, you can blend the bananas directly into the syrup, but keep in mind that this will create a much thicker consistency.
How to Make This Recipe
This banana syrup has a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor, with the flavor of the bananas shining through but isn't overpowering.
Keep this syrup on hand to make iced banana lattes all week!
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Mash the bananas.
Step 2: In a small pan, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the bananas infuse the syrup, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the bananas with a spoon to remove all the syrup.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla, then allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.
Step 6: Use in coffees, lattes, matcha, or cocktails!
Note: It's important to keep the syrup at a gentle simmer, avoiding a vigorous boil— the goal is a light, thin syrup, not a thick caramel.
Serving Ideas
This banana coffee syrup isn't just for coffee!
Coffee and Lattes: Sweeten your morning coffee and lattes with this banana simple syrup.
Cocktails: Add banana syrup to cocktails like a banana daiquiri, pina colada, or rum punch.
Pancake Syrup: Drizzle over pancakes or waffles paired with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries and fresh banana slices.
Boba Tea: Add it to a homemade bubble tea for extra flavor!
Oatmeal and chia pudding: Stir it into oatmeal or chia pudding for extra flavor and sweetness.
Yogurt: Swirl it into vegan yogurt or drizzle over parfaits for a touch of sweetness.
Tips & Tricks
For the sweetest results, use ripe bananas with dark spots on the skin.
Since the banana simple syrup already contains sugar and the natural sweetness from the bananas, it's a good idea to pair it with unsweetened plant-based milk to maintain control over the overall sweetness of your drink.
When making the syrup, avoid boiling it too vigorously. Keep it at a gentle simmer— the goal is a light, thin simple syrup, not a thick caramel-like one.
After simmering, strain the syrup to remove any leftover banana chunks, giving you a smooth and silky syrup (unless you enjoy chunky coffee!)
Storage
Store banana bread syrup in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
If you want it to last longer, you can also freeze it in small portions using a silicon ice cube tray for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straining it removes the banana chunks. Alternatively, you can blend it but that will create a thicker consistency.
Yes, it works well in both hot and cold beverages like coffee, tea, or lattes.
For the best results, choose bananas with dark spots all over. Unripe bananas have a starchy flavor and won't be as sweet or flavorful.
More Syrup Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Banana Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe Bananas mashed
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg optional
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or extract
Instructions
- In a small pan, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the bananas infuse the syrup, about 10 minutes. Keep it at a gentle simmer— the goal is a light, thin simple syrup, not a thick caramel-like one.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the bananas with a spoon to remove all the syrup.
- Stir in the vanilla, then allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
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