This homemade cherry syrup is a sweet delight! Made with fresh cherries and sugar, it’s perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or even your favorite drinks.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! Just cook the cherries down, strain, and bottle it up. It’s like summer in a jar, ready for your breakfast. 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are perfect for this syrup, but if they’re not in season, frozen ones work just as well. Just make sure they’re pitted! If you’re using other types of fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, you can create a different but just as tasty syrup.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a healthier option, substitute honey or maple syrup, but adjust the water accordingly since these are liquid sweeteners.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness! You can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons. Lime juice is also a tasty alternative, giving a different flavor twist.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for a unique twist, consider using almond extract instead, which complements cherries beautifully.
How Do I Get the Right Thickness for My Syrup?
Getting the right syrup thickness can feel tricky, but it’s simple once you know how. When simmering, the water will reduce, thickening the mixture. Keep an eye on it during those 20-25 minutes.
- For thicker syrup, let it simmer a little longer—just ensure it doesn’t boil too vigorously.
- Press the cherries against the sieve when straining to get more liquid out.
- If it’s too thin after cooling, you can return the syrup to the stove, simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Remember, syrups will often thicken further when chilled. Make adjustments while it’s warm for the best results!
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cherry syrup recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep (pitting the cherries and measuring ingredients) and 20-25 minutes for cooking, plus a little time to cool before storing. It’s quick and so rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently to mix them together. This is where the magic begins!
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Simmer the Cherries:
Let the cherries simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready once the cherries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly—this will create that delicious syrupy texture.
4. Add Flavor:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and, if you’re using it, the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor!
5. Strain the Syrup:
For a smooth syrup, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. Press the cherry solids to extract as much liquid as possible. If you prefer a chunkier syrup, feel free to skip this step!
6. Cool and Store:
Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Seal it tightly!
7. Refrigerate:
Your homemade cherry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s perfect for drizzling and adding flavor to many dishes!
8. Enjoy:
Use your vibrant, flavorful cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or even in drinks. It’s a sweet treat that’s easy to make!
Enjoy your homemade cherry syrup and the deliciousness it brings to your meals!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this syrup. Just ensure they are pitted before adding them to the saucepan. There’s no need to thaw them; they can be added directly from the freezer!
How Do I Store Leftover Syrup?
Store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container or a clean jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Just give it a little shake or stir before using, as it may settle a bit.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Syrup?
Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness! If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. Just remember that less sugar may alter the overall thickness and preservation of the syrup.
What Can I Use This Syrup For?
This cherry syrup is incredibly versatile! Use it on pancakes and waffles, drizzled over yogurt or ice cream, in cocktails, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake. It can even add a delightful flavor to smoothies!
