Our sugar-free vanilla syrup recipe is a healthy alternative to your regular sweeteners. Especially if you love a mellow and floral touch to jazz up your drinks and desserts.
When we serve some of our more health-conscious guests, we use our sugar-free vanilla syrup in our bubble tea recipes, coffee, and sometimes over mochi waffles and pancakes.
So, if you're watching your calorie intake and don't want to compromise on taste, try our copycat Starbucks sugar-free vanilla syrup. Who knows - you might start enjoying home cafe drinks more than your usual Starbucks order.
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Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup Ingredients
Water, vanilla extract, salt, and Erythritol are the main ingredients in our homemade Starbucks sugar-free vanilla syrup. However, Erythritol can be replaced with stevia or monk fruit, and we’ll show you the ratios below.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract uses are very diverse in drink-making and baking. Therefore, it is an important ingredient in any pantry. However, there are two main types of extract available, pure and imitation.
Pure extract is made with beans and alcohol, while imitation extract is made with synthetic flavouring. Our recipe will use pure extract, which is of higher quality and possesses a deeper, more complex flavour.
You can also use vanilla pods, but they can be quite expensive, and once you cut one open, storing it is quite difficult. We usually try to use it all up.
Because of these reasons, we just use natural vanilla extract instead. It is cheaper, easy to store, and can be used in small portions.
Salt
We use salt to enhance the flavour of the sugar-free vanilla syrup. Just a small amount can bring out the sweetness and complexity of the flavour profile.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sweetener derived from natural sources such as corn or birch. Its sweetness level is similar to sugar but with zero calories. So, if you want to savour your favourite desserts guilt-free, Erythritol is your best bet.
Furthermore, it is a popular choice for low-carb recipes as it doesn't have a strong aftertaste, nor does it cause digestive issues.
Erythritol contains only 0.2 grams of net carbs per teaspoon, making it a great option for a keto diet.
Stevia
However, you can use Stevia if you can't find Erythritol for our sugar-free vanilla syrup recipe. Stevia has a slightly dry and bitter aftertaste compared to Erythritol. It has less than 0.5 grams of net carbs per serving. So, it's also suitable for the keto diet.
Here's the conversion ratios of 1 cup of sugar is equivalent to:
- 1.5 cups erythritol
- 1.25 teaspoon granulated Stevia
- 2 teaspoon Stevia syrup or Liquid Stevia
- 1 cup granulated monk fruit
- 2 teaspoon monk fruit syrup
However, remember that Stevia has a slightly bitter aftertaste, which can be off-putting. Conversely, monk fruit is a good substitute, adding a slightly fruity aftertaste to your sugar-free vanilla syrup. However, it is relatively more expensive than the other options.
Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup erythritol granulated, or 2 teaspoon Stevia
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Combine water and Stevia or Erythritol in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sweetener dissolves.
- Allow the sweetener mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Then, remove the fragrant sweetener from the heat and stir in the extract and salt.
- Allow the sugar-free vanilla syrup to cool to room temperature before storing.
Recipe Notes
- You can adjust the level of sweetness in this glaze by adding more or less Erythritol.
- You can experiment with the flavour profile by adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. If so, you'd be one step closer to making chai syrup.
- If you can't find Erythritol, use 2 teaspoon of Stevia instead.
Nutrition
Calories have been calculated using an online calculator. Nutritional information offered on Honest Food Talks is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimate.
Cooking Tips for Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
Start by combining water and Erythritol in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sweetener dissolves. Allow the glaze to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Once it thickens, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the extract and salt. Allow the fragrant glaze to cool to room temperature. Finally, store the sugar-free vanilla syrup in a bottle or jar in the refrigerator.
When stored properly in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce should last up to 1 month. However, ensure you sterilise jars or bottles first before filling them in. You can do this by washing and heating them in a preheated oven at 120 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes or until dry.
Uses Of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
Our aromatic sweetener recipe is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a plethora of recipes. Its taste profile is quite harmonious with most flavours. Feel free to experiment with different flavour profiles and your preferred level of sweetness.
Here are some of our favourite pairings for this phenomenal sauce:
- Hot coffee, tea, or chocolate drinks: Add 1-2 tablespoons of this fragrant sweetener to coffee. Use 2 tablespoons if you have a sweet tooth.
- Chai: You can enhance your vanilla chai by adding 1-2 tablespoons of this sweetener.
- Iced beverages: 2-3 tablespoons of the sauce is perfect for a glass of iced drinks like coffee or tea. This amount is suitable because the drink's sweetness will still remain the same as the ice melts.
- Smoothies: You can add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to fruit smoothies and protein shakes for a smooth and floral touch.
- Baking: you can use 1-2 tablespoons of sugar-free vanilla syrup as a convenient glaze or topping for cakes, cookies, and muffins.
- Oatmeal and Yogurt: You can add 1-2 teaspoons of this glaze to your oatmeal and yoghurt for a hint of floral sweetness.
- Cocktails: Use 4 tablespoons of this syrup to make a speedy cocktail. It pairs well with vodka, rum, and bourbon.
- Desserts: Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons on desserts such as cheesecake, ice cream, and whipped cream for a layer of extra flavour.
Our Favourite Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup Brands
If you're looking for convenience or are in a bit of a rush, we recommend Torani, Starbucks, and Monin as the best sugar-free vanilla syrup brands. These sauces have 0 grams of carbohydrates per pump or ½ tbsp.
These Starbucks sugar-free vanilla syrup options are super popular among people on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. However, ultimately, it would be cheaper and healthier to make it from scratch.
Want to know what other low-carb recipes you can whip up in your kitchen? Follow us on Instagram @honestfoodtalks for more healthy recipes.
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