I learned how to make simple syrup with coconut sugar because I love the benefits of coconut sugar – but sometimes it just won’t dissolve! This easy simple syrup recipe solves that problem and creates a healthy, natural sweetener that can easily be used to sweeten foods and drinks.
By making a simple syrup with coconut sugar, I can make a liquid sweetener that has the benefits of coconut sugar, yet it still dissolves in the food or drink in which I’m adding it.
I made the switch to natural sweeteners several years ago because of the effects of processed sugar on the body. My favorite liquid sweetener is honey, and my favorite powdered sweetener is coconut sugar. I wanted to use coconut sugar as a liquid in a recipe, and thus this easy Coconut Sugar Simple Syrup recipe came to be.
If I’m baking, I normally use honey or maple syrup. I find that both of them give a slightly different taste to the foods, and that normally enhances the taste of my baked goods. Maple syrup works well in pumpkin or cinnamon recipes; honey can be used to sweeten fruity baked goods.
However, sometimes I don’t want the honey or maple flavor because they won’t work in the recipe. Take, for example, iced tea. I like honey in my hot tea, but not in my sweet tea. Homemade lemonade is another drink that is very delicious with a sweetener like coconut sugar simple syrup. Try making this Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade recipe with this coconut sugar simply syrup instead of liquid stevia.
As much as I love coconut sugar, it doesn’t dissolve very well. I do sprinkle some on my cereal, but it doesn’t fully dissolve in the milk. I don’t mind that in cereal, but I do want coconut sugar to dissolve in other foods and drinks.
COCONUT SUGAR BENEFITS
One of the reasons that I like coconut sugar is that it is not bitter. It’s also widely available, so I can pick it up at the store and not have to order it online.
Coconut sugar is made from the coconut palm tree, and it can also be called coconut palm sugar. Palm sugar, however, is from a different tree.
White sugar doesn’t have any nutrients, so it’s purely empty calories. Coconut sugar can’t be called a healthy food, but it does have minerals like iron and zinc.
It also has a dietary fiber called inulin. This fiber isn’t digested in your upper GI tract; it works sort of like a prebiotic to feed the good bacteria in your gut.
Coconut sugar is a lower glycemic index food than table sugar, which means that it won’t raise your blood sugar as high as white sugar.
While I wouldn’t call coconut sugar a healthy food, it is better for you alternative to white sugar or brown sugar.
Coconut Sugar Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add water to a medium sized pan and bring to boil over high heat.
- Turn heat down to medium and add coconut sugar. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes or until the coconut sugar melts.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. You can use it immediately or store in the fridge in a mason jar.
Notes
MORE HOMEMADE KITCHEN BASICS:
- Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
- Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix Recipe
- Cream of Anything Soup Mix Recipe
- Copycat Onion Soup Mix Recipe
Cari Dunn is homesteading on an 11.5 acre farm with her husband, three kids, 5 goats, and flock of chickens. She currently blogs at Everything Pretty where she features health and beauty tips along with DIY beauty recipes.
