How to Make and Can Strawberry Pancake Syrup | USDA-Approved Canning Recipe

How to Make and Can Strawberry Pancake Syrup | USDA-Approved Canning Recipe

Looking for the perfect way to preserve the flavor of fresh strawberries? This homemade strawberry pancake syrup recipe is thick, rich, and bursting with berry flavor—and it’s made using a USDA-approved canning method. If you've tried the strawberry syrup from the Ball canning book and wanted something thicker and more flavorful, this recipe is a must-try.

Whether you're new to canning or a seasoned preserver, this guide walks you through every step for safely preparing and processing strawberry syrup using half-pint bottles.

🛑 A Quick Note Before You Begin
Before attempting any canning recipe, make sure you're familiar with safe canning procedures. Refer to USDA guidelines, and always follow approved recipes to avoid the risk of spoilage or unsafe food. A link to the USDA strawberry syrup recipe is included in the description box of the original video.

🍓 Ingredients
8 cups of fresh strawberry juice

12 cups granulated sugar

🔎 Tip: This recipe uses pure strawberry juice. You can either run your capped and washed strawberries through a food mill using the berry screen or mash them with a potato masher and strain through cheesecloth to extract the juice. Using a food mill removes about 95% of seeds and tougher fruit parts for a smooth result.

🍯 How to Make Strawberry Pancake Syrup
1. Juice the Strawberries
After washing and capping the strawberries, run them through a food mill (or use an alternative method) to extract the juice. Aim for a pulp-rich juice, not watery.

2. Measure and Combine
Add the 8 cups of strawberry juice and 12 cups of sugar to a large pot. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.

3. Boil and Skim
Bring the mixture to a full boil and simmer for one minute. Skim off the foam carefully—if left behind, foam can settle and alter the headspace, which may affect sealing.

🫙 Canning Instructions
This recipe uses 8 oz syrup bottles (available from Fillmore Container). Be sure to get the ones marked CT (continuous thread) for home canning compatibility.

🔥 Hot Pack Method
Preheat your syrup, jars, and lids.

Pour hot syrup into hot jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.

Wipe jar rims clean with a damp paper towel.

Place hot lids on, and screw the bands fingertip-tight.

💧 Water Bath Processing
Use a tall stockpot or standard water bath canner. (Note: syrup bottles are taller than quart jars, so a deeper pot may be necessary.)

Place jars into boiling water, ensuring at least 1 inch of water covers the tops.

Process for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).

Turn off heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then remove jars carefully.

💡 Sealing Tip: These lids won’t "pop" like regular canning lids. To check the seal, lay a butter knife flat across the top of the lid. A sealed lid will curve inward, allowing light to show underneath the knife.

🧴 Yield and Storage
This batch yielded 11 full 8 oz bottles and 1 partially filled bottle. Over time, the syrup will naturally darken to a deep red or brownish-red—this is completely normal and does not indicate spoilage.

🔬 Why Headspace Matters
Hot liquids expand during canning and contract as they cool. That’s why it’s important to fill hot jars with hot contents and maintain the correct headspace. If you start with cold syrup, it may expand too much during processing and cause siphoning (loss of liquid).

This method ensures a tight seal and proper fill level by accounting for the temperature difference. These bottles offer a perfect visual of this concept as the syrup visibly settles after cooling without any product loss.

🥞 Delicious Ways to Use Your Syrup
Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast

Mix into sparkling water or lemonade for a summer refresher

Add to cocktails or mocktails for a fruity twist

Use as an ice cream or yogurt topping

✅ Final Thoughts
This thick, flavorful strawberry pancake syrup far outshines thinner commercial versions and even some traditional home-canned recipes. If you're ready to elevate your homemade syrup game using safe and approved methods, this recipe is the one to try.