This apple syrup for coffee (or matcha) is my newest fall obsession. I've made it every week for the last month! It goes well in both coffee and matcha. I make a lot of my own syrups and flavorings at home because storebought versions are usually loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients. I much prefer to use real apples and a few simple ingredients. I tested this one multiple times until I got the flavor just right. It actually tastes like real apples instead of overly sweet artificial apple flavor. I highly recommend using a Honeycrisp apple here because I think it has the best flavor! It makes me feel like I have a "coffee shop" drink without leaving my house!
If you love homemade syrups, you will also love my blueberry syrup, so be sure to save this one to try for the summer as well!
Why You'll Love Homemade Apple Syrup
This homemade apple syrup is so simple to make. You only need 5 ingredients and a few minutes of prep to throw it together! You don't need any fancy equipment and you get to control what goes in it which means no preservatives or mystery ingredients. It makes your home smell amazing while it simmers on your stovetop.
My apple simple syrup is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and allergy-friendly as well! It's perfect to prep for the week because it keeps well in the fridge. I like to store mine in a cute little syrup dispenser. It works in hot or iced matcha or coffee and it literally tastes like fall in a bottle. It's way better than anything you can get from Starbucks!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Honeycrisp apple: I prefer to use Honeycrisp but any variety of apple works here.
- Coconut sugar: I used coconut sugar for the delicious caramel flavor, but feel free to use any type of sugar.
- Water: The water acts as a base for this infusion.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds ton of delicious flavor to this syrup!
- Sea salt: Balances the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Creates warmth.
Recipe Variations
- Fruit: Add some pear or cranberry to switch up the flavor profile!
- Sweetener: I used coconut sugar, but feel free to use any type of sugar. You can use date sugar, cane sugar or even honey or maple syrup.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar to make this recipe lower sugar and have the apples do most of the work!
- Low histamine: To make this recipe lower histamine, skip the cinnamon and use cardamom instead. You can also use non-alcoholic vanilla extract if you tolerate it, or skip the vanilla. If you are sensitive to sugar, reduce the amount or pair this drink with a high protein breakfast!
How To Make Apple Syrup
Step 1: Chop your apple.
Step 2: Add apple to saucepan along with sugar, water, cinnamon and sea salt.
Step 3: Bring to a low simmer and cook on low-medium for about 15 minutes. Add vanilla extract.
Step 4: Strain out apples (use them for oatmeal or pancakes) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator once cooled.
Recipe Tips
- Don't skip the peels! A lot of the apple flavor lives in the peels so keeping them on during simmering can deepen the flavor.
- Keep the heat on low-medium for a gentle simmer and to ensure the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Taste it before you finish reducing. You can always continue to cook for a thicker syrup and make any tweaks like adding more cinnamon or sugar to your preference.
- Make sure to let it cool before storing!
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Store this syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days once fully cooled. You can also freeze it for easy portions.
This recipe is great to batch on Sunday to have apple lattes or matchas all week long! Give it a shake or stir before using.
How to Serve
This apple syrup is super versatile and you can use it in several ways:
- Coffee: I love making apple cold foam drinks with this recipe. Add a little syrup to the bottom of your cup, then add ice, milk and cold brew. For the cold foam, mix together milk and apple syrup with a whisk and pour over the top! You can also try it in my Apple Crisp Macchiato!
- Matcha: This syrup goes so well in matcha! Whisk into a hot matcha or make an iced apple matcha latte.
- Tea: Stir into black tea for fun fall flavor.
- Oatmeal or yogurt: Drizzle on top of your bowl for a treat.
- Cocktails or mocktails: Adds the best fall flavor.
- Sparkling water: Mix with sparkling water for a quick apple soda with simple ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! This works great to prep the syrup for a party or for multiple people for the week!
I love using this homemade apple syrup in my coffee or matcha!
I would recommend not peeling the apples for the best flavor.
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these delicious fall recipes next:
If you make this apple syrup and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
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Apple Syrup for Coffee (or Matcha)
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chop your apple.
- Add apple to saucepan along with sugar, cinnamon, sea salt and water.
- Bring to a low simmer and cook on low-medium for about 15 minutes. Add vanilla extract.
- Strain out apples (use them for oatmeal or pancakes), let cool and store in a bottle in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Don't skip the peels! A lot of the apple flavor lives in the peels so keeping them on during simmering can deepen the flavor.
- Keep the heat on low-medium for a gentle simmer and to ensure the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Taste it before you finish reducing. You can always continue to cook for a thicker syrup and make any tweaks like adding more cinnamon or sugar to your preference.
- Make sure to let it cool before storing!
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