This Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup is a sweet treat made with juicy cherries and sugar. It’s perfect for drizzling on pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt!
Making this syrup is so simple! Just cook the cherries and sugar together, and voilà—deliciousness in a bottle. I love keeping it handy for breakfast or dessert! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are great for this syrup, but frozen ones work just as well. They’re often more convenient and just as tasty. You can use dark sweet cherries or tart cherries depending on your preference.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the usual choice for sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead, you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly.
Lemon juice: This adds a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can be a good substitute – it adds a different twist to the flavor.
Vanilla extract: This ingredient enhances the syrup’s flavor. If you don’t have any, feel free to skip it! Some people even like adding almond extract for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Syrup Consistency?
The key to a great syrup is achieving the right thickness. It’s all about simmering the mixture long enough! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by bringing the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. During this time, the cherries will break down.
- You want the syrup to coat the back of a spoon. Test this by dipping a spoon into the syrup; if it leaves a coating, you’re good to go!
- If it’s too thin, simmer a few minutes longer. It will thicken as it cools, too.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious syrup ready for all your favorite dishes! Enjoy!
How to Make 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 25-30 minutes total. You’ll need around 5-10 minutes for prep, and then about 20 minutes for cooking and simmering the syrup. After cooking, allow some time for it to cool before storing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, throw together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir everything together gently.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Set your stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This should take a couple of minutes, and be sure to stir occasionally so that the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Simmer the Mixture:
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to low and let it gently simmer. Keep an eye on it for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll notice the cherries turning soft and the syrup thickening slightly. If you prefer a thicker syrup, let it simmer a bit longer.
4. Add Lemon Juice and Salt:
When you’re satisfied with the consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt. This will enhance the flavor!
5. Strain (optional):
If you like a smooth syrup, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the solids from the liquid, pressing gently to get the most syrup possible. If you prefer a chunkier syrup, just leave those cherries in!
6. Stir in Vanilla:
If you’d like to add extra flavor, mix in the vanilla extract at this stage. It’s completely optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness.
7. Cool and Store:
Let your cherry syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into a clean jar or bottle for easy storage.
8. Enjoy Your Syrup:
Store your homemade cherry syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your delicious homemade cherry syrup! 🍒
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly and save you a bit of prep time since they’re already pitted. Just toss them right into the saucepan frozen, and follow the recipe as directed.
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Syrup?
Store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may settle a bit over time.
Can I Substitute the Sugar?
Yes! You can use honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the total liquid in the recipe slightly, as these sweeteners can vary in consistency.
How Can I Thicken the Syrup More if Needed?
If your syrup isn’t thick enough for your liking, simply return it to the stove and simmer it for a few more minutes. The longer you simmer, the thicker it will become, just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning!
