This easy homemade cherry syrup is sweet, fruity, and perfect for pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious topping in no time.
Making syrup is fun! I love watching the cherries pop as they cook down—it’s like mini fireworks in the kitchen! Serve it warm or cool, and enjoy a burst of cherry goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries add a wonderful flavor, but frozen cherries work just as well in a pinch! If you’re not a fan of cherries, try blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even maple syrup for a unique sweetness, keeping in mind it may change the color and taste of the syrup.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the syrup. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled juice is fine. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar can give a similar tang.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional, but I highly recommend it. It adds a lovely depth. If you want a different flavor, try almond extract instead!
How Do I Get My Syrup to Thicken Perfectly?
Thickening syrup is a key step, and it’s all about patience. You want to simmer the cherries without rushing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook at a gentle simmer rather than a full boil. This helps the cherries break down gradually.
- Keep stirring every few minutes. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- If it’s not thick enough after 20 minutes, let it simmer a bit longer, but don’t forget it will thicken further as it cools.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade cherry syrup takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes gathering your ingredients and prepping the cherries, and then 15-20 minutes cooking everything down. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, toss in the pitted cherries, water, and granulated sugar. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. This is where the magic begins!
2. Cooking the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a bubbling boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to medium-low to let it simmer gently. This slow cooking will help the cherries break down and release their sweet juices.
3. Simmering to Thicken:
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to keep an eye on it and give it a little stir now and then. The cherries will become softer, and the syrup will thicken nicely.
4. Adding Flavor:
Once the cherries have broken down, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, if you’re using it. This adds a lovely brightness and depth to the syrup!
5. Straining the Syrup:
Let the syrup cool slightly. If you prefer it smooth, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to strain out the cherry solids. If you like a chunkier texture, feel free to leave them in!
6. Storing and Serving:
Transfer your lovely cherry syrup to a clean jar or bottle, and pop it in the refrigerator. It’s delicious served warm or chilled over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or whatever dessert you fancy!
Enjoy your homemade cherry syrup—it’s a delightful treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cherries just as easily as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them straight into the pot. The cooking time may be slightly longer to let them break down adequately.
How Do I Store the Cherry Syrup?
Store your homemade cherry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 2-3 weeks. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it to avoid condensation inside the jar!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Syrup?
Yes, you can! Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet syrup. Start with ¾ cup of sugar and adjust to taste as it cooks, keeping in mind that the syrup will be concentrated and sweeten further after cooling.
Can I Use Other Fruits for This Syrup?
Definitely! This syrup recipe is versatile. You can try using blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. Just keep the same proportions for water and sugar, and you’ll have a different delightful syrup!
