Simple syrup is one of those little bakery secrets that makes a big difference. It is just two ingredients, sugar and water, boiled together into a sweet syrup that you brush or drizzle over cake layers to keep them incredibly moist. It is the trick I use so my layer cakes stay soft and fresh for days, even after a few days in the fridge. Once you start using it, you will never go back!
pastry chef tip
The secret to moist layer cakes
Brushing a little simple syrup over each cake layer before you frost locks in moisture, so your cake stays tender and fresh instead of drying out. It is an easy step that takes seconds and makes homemade cakes taste bakery-level. A squeeze bottle makes it especially quick and neat, but a pastry brush works perfectly too.
Ingredient Notes
- Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Water: 1 cup water. That is it! The ratio is 1 part sugar to 1 part water, so you can easily scale it up or down.
How to Make Simple Syrup
Pro tips
Tips & flavor variations
- Do not overcook it. Pull it off the heat the moment it boils, once the sugar has dissolved it is done.
- A squeeze bottle makes application neat and even, but a pastry brush works just as well.
- Vanilla syrup: stir in a splash of vanilla extract after it cools.
- Citrus syrup: add strips of lemon or orange zest while it heats, then strain.
- Richer syrup: for a sweeter, thicker syrup, use 2 parts sugar to 1 part water.
How to Use Simple Syrup
Brush or drizzle it over your cake layers before frosting to keep them moist. It is wonderful on any layer cake, like my gluten free chocolate cake or a lemon drizzle cake. You can also use it to sweeten iced drinks and lemonade.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
More cake recipes to try:
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How to Make Simple Syrup
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a small pot over medium-high heat. Stir and bring to a boil.
- As soon as it begins to boil and the sugar has fully dissolved, remove it from the heat.
- Let cool completely, then transfer to a squeeze bottle or jar.
- Drizzle or brush over cake layers before frosting to keep them moist.
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