This Easy Homemade Peach Syrup is bursting with sweet peachy flavor! It’s made with fresh peaches, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, making it perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or cocktails.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches give the best flavor for this syrup. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw them before starting the recipe, and they will work well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the go-to for sweetness and syrup consistency. For a healthier option, try using honey or agave syrup. Just reduce the quantity, as they are sweeter.
Lemon Juice: This adds a nice tang and helps preserve the syrup. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled works fine, but always use the freshest option if you can!
How Do I Make Sure My Syrup is Smooth and Delicious?
The key to smooth peach syrup is straining out the solids after cooking. Here’s a simple process:
- After simmering, let the mixture cool slightly to avoid burns while straining.
- Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the syrup mixture through it into a bowl or jar.
- Press down gently on the solids (the peach pulp) to extract as much syrup as possible.
- Don’t rush this process; it helps get all that delicious flavor into your syrup!
By following these steps, you’ll end up with a perfectly smooth syrup that you can enjoy for weeks!
Easy Homemade Peach Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 20-25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying your homemade peach syrup in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping the peaches into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will break down during cooking!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the chopped peaches, granulated sugar, and water. Stir everything together to mix well.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
4. Simmer the Syrup:
Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You want the peaches to get really soft and for the syrup to smell amazing!
5. Add Lemon Juice:
Once the peaches are soft, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the tablespoon of lemon juice, which adds a nice zing and helps preserve your syrup.
6. Strain the Syrup:
Let the mixture cool down a bit. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl or another jar to strain the syrup. Be sure to press the peach pulp to extract as much liquid as you can. This helps get all that delicious flavor into your syrup!
7. Store the Syrup:
You can discard the solids (or save them for another use, like mixing into yogurt!). Allow the syrup to cool completely, then pour it into a clean jar or bottle and seal it. Store it in the refrigerator.
8. Enjoy Your Peach Syrup:
Your homemade peach syrup is ready to use! You can drizzle it over pancakes, mix it into cocktails, or stir it into iced tea for a refreshing treat. Enjoy the sweet peachy goodness!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Peach Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well; just thaw them before chopping. They may release a bit more liquid than fresh peaches, so you might need to simmer a little longer to achieve the desired syrup consistency.
How Long Can I Store Homemade Peach Syrup?
Your peach syrup will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed container. For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray and transfer the cubes into a freezer bag for up to 6 months!
What Can I Use Instead of Granulated Sugar?
If you want a healthier alternative, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity since these sweeteners are generally sweeter than sugar. Start with about ¾ cup and adjust to taste!
What Else Can I Use Peach Syrup For?
This versatile syrup is excellent for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. You can also use it to sweeten iced teas, cocktails, or even yogurt for a deliciously fruity twist!