This easy homemade cherry syrup is sweet, fruity, and perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or drinks! All you need are fresh cherries, sugar, and a bit of water to make it shine.
Making this syrup is a breeze! I love pouring it over waffles and pretending I’m in a fancy cafĂ©. Who knew being a chef could be so simple and delicious? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are fantastic, but you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure they’re pitted—it’s crucial for smooth syrup!
Sugar: I typically use granulated sugar for sweetness, but you can swap it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. Just adjust to taste!
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works too. Lime juice can also make a nice twist!
Vanilla Extract: Using vanilla extract is optional, but it gives a warmer flavor. If you’re out, a dash of almond extract could work in its place for something different.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor From My Cherries?
To bring out the incredible flavor of the cherries, you should let them cook gently and slowly. Here’s how:
- Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer—this softens the cherries and allows their natural sweetness to shine.
- Crush them lightly with a spoon or masher; this ensures the syrup is thick and flavorful.
Trust me, taking your time here makes a big difference!
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes of cooking time, plus a few more minutes for prep and cooling. Overall, you can have delicious homemade cherry syrup ready in under 30 minutes! Just remember to let it cool completely before storing it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. This will help the sugar start dissolving as it heats up.
2. Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 10-15 minutes until the cherries are soft and the sugar has completely dissolved. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
3. Crush the Cherries:
After simmering, take a spoon or a potato masher and lightly crush the cherries in the saucepan. This will help release their juicy goodness and create a thicker syrup.
4. Strain the Syrup:
Once you’ve crushed the cherries, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl to strain out the solids. Press down on the solids to extract as much syrup as you can.
5. Final Touches:
Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. The salt really helps to balance the sweetness!
6. Cool and Store:
Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass jar or bottle. Make sure to seal it tightly! Your homemade cherry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
Now, enjoy your vibrant, flavorful cherry syrup drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or mixed into drinks! It’s such a treat!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well. Just make sure they’re thawed and pitted before using them. They may even create a sweeter syrup since frozen cherries tend to be picked at their peak ripeness!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Syrup?
If you prefer a less sweet syrup, simply reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or more, depending on your taste. You can always taste the mixture during cooking and add more sugar if needed!
How Should I Store My Cherry Syrup?
Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Just make sure to give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may settle a bit!
Can I Make This Syrup with Other Fruits?
Yes, you can! This basic syrup method works well with many fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Just adjust the cooking time based on the fruit you choose!
