This cherry syrup is deliciously sweet and perfect for pancakes, waffles, and desserts. Made with fresh or frozen cherries, it’s a quick and tasty treat to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries add great flavor, but frozen ones work well too. If cherries are out of season or unavailable, you can substitute with other berries like blueberries or strawberries for a different taste.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you prefer, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even a sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind it might change the consistency a bit.
Lemon Juice: It adds a nice brightness to the syrup. If you don’t have lemon, a splash of vinegar can work, or just skip it if you prefer a sweeter syrup.
Vanilla Extract: While optional, it enhances the flavor beautifully. You can use almond extract instead for a fun twist, or omit it for a simpler taste.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the syrup. If you want a thicker syrup but don’t have cornstarch, try using arrowroot powder or just cook it down a bit longer to achieve the consistency you like.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cherry Syrup?
The technique of crushing the cherries helps unlock their juices, which is essential for making a flavorful syrup. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- After simmering, use a potato masher to gently crush some of the cherries right in the saucepan. This releases more juice while leaving some chunks for texture.
- If you prefer a smoother syrup, pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth after cooking to remove any solids.
- If you like a chunkier syrup, simply skip straining. Just remember it will have a thicker appearance and texture.
Adjust the thickness by adding the cornstarch slurry if you want, but remember that cooking it longer will also help thicken without the need for extra ingredients!
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker syrup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15-20 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick process with some time spent simmering the cherries. Just make sure to let it cool a bit before pouring it into a jar. You’ll be enjoying your sweet homemade cherry syrup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the pitted cherries, water, and sugar. Stir well to make sure the sugar begins to dissolve in the water. This will help create a delightful syrup later on!
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Keep stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until the cherries soften and start to break down.
3. Crush the Cherries:
Using a potato masher or a spoon, gently crush some of the cherries in the saucepan. This will help release more juice and flavor into the syrup, while leaving some chunks for a nice texture.
4. Add Acid and Flavor:
Next, stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, if you’re using it. These ingredients will brighten up the syrup and add a lovely flavor.
5. Thicken the Syrup (Optional):
If you want a thicker syrup, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the saucepan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until your syrup thickens. If you prefer it thinner, just skip this step.
6. Cool the Syrup:
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to pour and also enhance the flavors.
7. Strain (Optional):
If you want a smooth syrup, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the cherry solids. If you like it chunky, feel free to skip this step! Just be careful as you pour to not spill.
8. Store the Syrup:
Transfer your cherry syrup to a clean jar or bottle. You can refrigerate it, and it will last about 1-2 weeks. Just give it a little stir before using, as it may settle in the fridge.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Use this sweet cherry syrup warm or cold over your favorite foods: think pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or even in cocktails. Enjoy your homemade creation!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a great option and will work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer without thawing to keep the syrup from becoming too watery.
How Can I Store Leftover Cherry Syrup?
Store any leftover cherry syrup in a clean jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It should last about 1-2 weeks. Make sure to stir it before using, as some settling may occur.
What Should I Do If My Syrup Is Too Thick?
If your syrup becomes too thick after cooling, simply stir in a little water (1-2 tablespoons) and heat it gently on the stove until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust as necessary for flavor.
Can I Modify the Sweetness of the Syrup?
Yes! You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar amount, or by using alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners may slightly change the flavor and texture.
