Step 1

Combine sugar and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Place over medium-high heat, and stir until most of the sugar has dissolved.

Step 2

Bring to the boil, and allow to boil for 2-3 minutes, until all of the sugar has dissolved. If there are a lot of sugar crystals on the side of the pan, brush them off with a pastry brush dipped in water.

Step 3

Allow the syrup to cool before using.

Step 4

Use a clean pastry brush or small spray bottle to apply the syrup to each of your cake layers as you fill your cake. Use just enough to lightly moisten the surface. It should easily absorb into the cake.

Step 5

When applying your syrup with a pastry brush, it's a good idea to pour a small amount of syrup into another container or cup and dip your brush into that to apply it - this way you won't get crumbs in the rest of your syrup.

Step 6

Basic simple syrup can be stored for several months in an airtight container, jar or bottle in the refrigerator.Syrups that have fresh ingredients like fruit added to them won't keep as long, usually only a week or two.