Making your own homemade golden syrup is one of those old-fashioned kitchen skills that still makes so much sense today. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can create a beautiful rich syrup that works perfectly in baking, old-fashioned puddings, biscuits, slices, and so many family favourite recipes.

I always find there is something very satisfying about making pantry staples from scratch at home. Not only is it budget friendly, but it also means you can whip up a batch whenever you need it without having to run to the supermarket.

This homemade golden syrup has a lovely deep flavour and keeps well in the pantry for months. It is perfect to have tucked away ready for baking days, winter puddings, or simply drizzled over warm porridge.

If you enjoy simple homemade pantry staples, you might also enjoy my homemade sweetened condensed milk recipe, freezer-friendly pantry meals, and old-fashioned pudding recipes over on the blog.

You can also watch more simple homemade recipes and pantry cooking ideas over on my YouTube channel at Farmers Wife Homestead.

Watch the Latest Old-Fashioned Puddings Episode

If you love old-fashioned comfort desserts, be sure to check out the latest episode in my Old-Fashioned Puddings series — Golden Dumplings made with this homemade golden syrup recipe. Soft fluffy dumplings cooked in a rich sweet syrup are one of those nostalgic recipes that truly feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

You can watch the full Golden Dumplings video here: Golden Dumplings | A Budget Friendly Pudding | Epi Two Old fasioned Puddings

And if you would like the full written Golden Dumplings recipe, you can find it here: Golden Dumplings

This homemade golden syrup is also wonderful to keep on hand for many traditional Kiwi and old-fashioned recipes throughout winter baking season.

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Homemade Golden Syrup Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 100 g white sugar or raw sugar
• 4 tbsp water
• 500 g white sugar or raw sugar
• 300 g boiling water
• A few slices of lemon

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Instructions

1. Add the first quantities of sugar and water into a heavy-based pot.
2. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture develops a caramel colour. Be careful not to overcook it or the caramel can become burnt and bitter.
3. Once the caramel colour has developed, very slowly add the boiling water. Take care as the mixture may bubble and steam.
4. Once all the water has been added, stir in the second measurement of sugar along with a few slices of lemon.
5. Turn the heat down low and gently simmer for around 45 minutes.
6. If the syrup still seems too runny, continue simmering for up to 1 hour total.
7. To test if the syrup is ready, place a few drops onto a plate. If it holds its shape and thickens when you run your finger through it, it is ready.
8. Remove the lemon slices.
9. Sterilise two pint-sized jars and ensure they are warm before filling.
10. Allow the syrup to cool slightly before ladling into the jars. Let cool further before sealing with lids to help prevent condensation forming inside the jars.
11. Store in a cool pantry.

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Stacey’s Kitchen Tips & Useful Hints

• A heavy-based pot is important to help prevent the sugar from catching and burning.
• The darker the caramel stage, the deeper the flavour will be — but don’t let it get too dark or the syrup may taste bitter.
• If the syrup thickens too much once cooled, simply warm the jar slightly before using.
• Golden syrup naturally thickens as it cools, so avoid overcooking it.
• This recipe is lovely for baking ginger crunch, ANZAC biscuits, steamed puddings, and old-fashioned slices.

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Storage Notes

This homemade golden syrup should keep for several months stored in a cool pantry.

Over time, the sugar can occasionally crystallise slightly, which is quite normal for homemade syrup recipes.

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Serving Suggestions

Use homemade golden syrup in:

• ANZAC biscuits
• Ginger crunch
• Self-saucing puddings
• Flapjacks
• Old-fashioned steamed puddings
• Porridge
• Homemade baking recipes
• Caramel-style sauces and desserts

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Final Thoughts

There is something quite special about bringing back these traditional homemade pantry staples. Recipes like this remind me that simple ingredients can still create something incredibly useful and delicious in the kitchen.

Having homemade golden syrup tucked away in the pantry feels a little like carrying on those practical old-fashioned kitchen traditions that many of us grew up with. Simple, affordable, and genuinely handy to have on hand.