Pandan Simple Syrup

This homemade Pandan Simple Syrup is a simple and easy way to add flavour to coffee or desserts. With only 3 ingredients, you can make this vibrant, naturally green and aromatic syrup at home. Add it to pancakes or your morning coffee for a taste of the tropics!

What is pandan? 

Pandan is a tropical, cultivated plant also known as Screwpine.

It has long, narrow, fan-like leaves that look like blades, and exhibits a very fragrant aroma.

Pandan is very commonly used in Southeast Asia and in Sri Lanka to flavour food.

What does pandan taste like?

It has a sweet, vanilla-like taste and aroma due to its chemical composition, which it shares with jasmine and basmati rice. 

How to use it?

You can use pandan not only as a flavouring, but also as a natural green colouring.

In Southeast Asia, it is common to steep the pandan leaves in coconut milk to flavour desserts, such as:

• Bubur Cha Cha 
• Kaya Pandan Coconut Jam
• Mini Kueh Dadar (Rolled Coconut Crepes)

Or, the leaves can be blended in water to produce a vibrant and concentrated extract, for Cendol (starch jellies).

Dried pandan leaf can be ground into a powder, which makes it a convenient way to add flavour to dishes as well, such as Pandan French Toast.

Where to find pandan?

If you live in North America, it can be difficult to find pandan leaves. Pandan grows in tropical regions. 

However, some Asian supermarkets will carry frozen pandan leaves. They're usually bundled together in a package, and may look like banana leaves. (They are different)!  

If you can't find pandan leaves, you may be able to find pandan extract.

What is pandan extract?

Pandan extract is a concentrated thick paste with pandan flavouring and usually green food colouring.

It's a great option to have on hand if you only need a little bit, and you can keep it in the cupboard for a period of time.

You can usually find pandan extract in Asian supermarkets.

3 ingredients for the syrup

This recipe for Pandan Simple Syrup uses pandan leaves, not pandan extract. 

It's called a "simple" syrup since it uses a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar.

You'll need:

• pandan leaves: frozen (or fresh if you can find it!) leaves, chopped into 1" pieces if your blender isn't super high-powered
• water
• granulated sugar: or cane sugar will work

How to make the syrup

Add the pandan leaves to a high-powered blender. (You can chop the leaves into smaller chunks to help out the blender).

Next, pour in ½ C water.

Blend the leaves until it reaches a pulp-like consistency.

Strain the green pandan juice into a small saucepan.

Then, add sugar to the pandan juice and stir over medium heat, until it reaches a simmer and the sugar has dissolved.

Remove from heat and transfer the syrup to a clean, sterilized jar. 

Cool and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Note: You may need to give the syrup a stir/shake to evenly disperse any pandan sediment.

How to use the pandan simple syrup

Use the Homemade Pandan Simple Syrup as you would regular simple syrup or vanilla syrup.

For a boost of flavour, try it in desserts, alcoholic drinks, or coffee, like Pandan Cold Brew Coffee.

How to store the syrup

Like any homemade syrup, store the pandan syrup in a clean, sterile jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

FAQ's

Can I store the syrup at room temperature?

No, it's best to keep the syrup in the fridge as it is not shelf-stable.

Where can I find pandan leaves?

Some Asian grocery stores will carry pandan leaves. They will usually be frozen.

What can I do with the pandan pulp?

Save the pandan pulp to make Pandan Cold Brew Coffee.

Otherwise, you can compost it.

Other recipes you may like

Pandan Cold Brew Coffee

Cendol

Purple Lavender Simple Syrup

Pandan Mochi Waffles

Be sure to let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!