This easy homemade cherry syrup is a sweet treat that will brighten up your pancakes, waffles, or ice cream! Made with fresh cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s simple to prepare.
You’ll love how quick it comes together! Just simmer, stir, and voilà! Whenever there’s a special breakfast or dessert moment, this syrup always steals the show. 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are best for flavor, but frozen cherries work just fine too! If cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones for a consistent taste.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is common, but you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like agave nectar if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just adjust the amount based on sweetness preference!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the syrup, but if you don’t have any, a splash of lime juice or even apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
Vanilla Extract: While optional, this adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have vanilla, a dash of almond extract can provide a unique twist!
How Do You Achieve the Right Consistency for the Syrup?
Getting that perfect syrup consistency is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by boiling the mixture to help dissolve the sugar and soften the cherries, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
- To thicken, keep simmering gently. The syrup will become thicker as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first!
- For additional thickness, mash some cherries to release more juice. This gives you a mixture with both syrup and fruit chunks, making it extra delicious.
Just remember, you can adjust the cooking time based on how thick you want it. A few extra minutes can make a 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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll need around 10-15 minutes for preparation and cooking, and then a little bit of time to let the syrup cool before storing it. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a homemade treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir the mixture well to start dissolving the sugar and mixing flavors.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. This can take a few minutes, so stir occasionally to help break down the cherries and prevent sticking to the bottom.
3. Simmer the Mixture:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. You want to see the cherries soften and the syrup thicken a little. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
4. Add Fresh Flavors:
After simmering, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and optional vanilla extract, which adds a delicious depth to your syrup.
5. Mash the Cherries:
Using a spoon or a fork, mash some of the cherries. This helps release more juice and creates a thicker syrup with fruity bits for extra texture.
6. Cool Down:
Let the cherry syrup cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools, so be patient!
7. Store and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer your syrup to a clean jar or container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
8. Serve Your Delicious Syrup:
Drizzle this vibrant cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. It also makes a fun topping for desserts or drinks. Enjoy your homemade creation!
Your vibrant, naturally flavored cherry syrup is ready to brighten up your meals!
FAQ About Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them a bit before starting, or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they break down nicely.
How Can I Store Leftover Cherry Syrup?
Store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but I doubt it will last that long once you taste it!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Syrup?
If you’d prefer a less sweet syrup, simply reduce the sugar amount. Start with 3/4 cup instead of a full cup and taste as you go. You can always add more sugar while cooking if needed!
Can I Use Alternative Sweeteners?
Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the amount of water you need in the recipe.
