This Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup is sweet and bursting with cherry flavor. Perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or drizzling over yogurt!
Making this syrup is super simple! Just cook the cherries with sugar and water. I love to keep a jar in the fridge for a quick treat—it always brightens my breakfast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work well. If cherries are out of season, you can use canned cherries, but choose those packed in water or juice without added sugar for a healthier option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you could use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Keep in mind these might change the flavor slightly, but they can be delicious alternatives!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the syrup, but if it’s not on hand, bottled lemon juice will do. You can even substitute it with a splash of vinegar or a few drops of citric acid.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional! If you don’t have any, feel free to skip it. Alternatively, a little almond extract can add a nice twist as well.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for Cherry Syrup?
Making the syrup just right can be tricky, especially with thickness. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start by cooking the cherry mixture until soft, then mash gently to release juice.
- Straining it is key; this separates the pulp from the syrup, leaving a smooth finish.
- If you like a thicker syrup, use the cornstarch slurry method! Stir this in once the juice is simmering again.
- Watch it closely; it thickens quickly—just a minute or two is usually enough!
Let the syrup cool to see its final consistency. If it’s too thin for your liking, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more cornstarch (mixed with water) and simmer it again!
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active cooking time. Once you cook the syrup, let it cool down before storing it in the fridge. Overall, you can have this delicious cherry syrup ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and water. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve.
2. Cook the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cherries become soft and the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Mash the Cherries
After simmering, take the saucepan off the heat. Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the cherries. This helps release their delicious juice into the syrup.
4. Strain the Mixture
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to separate the liquid from the cherry pulp. Use the back of a spoon to press the pulp, extracting as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp once you’re done.
5. Add Flavorings
Return the cherry juice to the saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice and the optional vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
6. Thicken the Syrup (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker syrup, bring the juice back to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Cool and Store
Let the syrup cool down to room temperature. Pour it into a clean jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your vibrant cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or mix it into your favorite beverages. Enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor!
Happy cooking! 🍒
FAQ About Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly for this syrup. Just make sure to thaw them first if they’re clumped together; you can do this quickly in the microwave or by leaving them in the fridge overnight.
How Should I Store Leftover Syrup?
Store any leftover cherry syrup in a clean jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks—just give it a good stir before using!
Can I Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste! Just keep in mind that lowering the sugar might affect the syrup’s sweetness and shelf life. If using less sugar, taste as you go to find the right balance for you.
How Can I Thicken the Syrup If It’s Too Thin?
If your cherry syrup is thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it by simmering it longer or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water). Stir this mixture in until it thickens to your desired consistency. Just remember to simmer it for a minute or two afterwards!
