This easy homemade cherry syrup is a sweet treat that’s perfect for pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream! Just grab some fresh cherries and a few simple ingredients to make this tasty sauce.
I love how quickly this syrup comes together—just cook the cherries with sugar and a bit of water! No fancy equipment needed, just deliciousness in a jar. 🥞🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are great, but you can use frozen ones too! Just make sure they’re pitted. If cherries aren’t available, blueberries or raspberries can work as flavorful substitutes.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is classic for sweetness. If you prefer to reduce sugar, try using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount based on your taste.
Lemon Juice: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works just fine. You can also use lime juice for a twist!
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth to the flavor, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, a splash of almond extract can give a lovely flavor instead.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the syrup. If you prefer a cornstarch alternative, try arrowroot powder or simply skip it for a thinner syrup.
How Do I Make the Syrup Thick and Smooth?
For the perfect syrup consistency, follow these steps closely! The key to a good syrup lies in cooking it just the right amount and using cornstarch if you like it thicker.
- Start by boiling the cherry mixture gently to soften the fruit. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
- When simmering for 10-15 minutes, keep an eye on the color changing to vibrant red; that means flavor is developing!
- If you want a thicker syrup, mix cornstarch with water till smooth, then stir into the syrup and cook a bit longer until it thickens.
- After cooking, strain the syrup if you want a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunky texture, just leave the cherries in.
Now you’re all set to make a delicious cherry syrup that can brighten up any dish!
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 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 cherry syrup takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the ingredients, and then just let it cool for a bit. Store it in the fridge, where it will keep fresh for up to a week. So you have plenty of time to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combining the Ingredients:
Start by placing your pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir everything together and get ready for the magic to happen!
2. Bringing It to a Boil:
Set your stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar, which will make your syrup nice and sweet.
3. Let It Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat so that it simmers gently. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cherries have softened and the liquid becomes beautifully vibrant red.
4. Adding Flavor:
After the cherries are soft, stir in the lemon juice and add vanilla extract if you’d like. This is where your syrup starts getting its delicious flavor!
5. Thickening the Syrup:
If you prefer your syrup a bit thicker, mix the cornstarch with water to make a smooth paste, and stir it into the cherry mixture. Cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Cooling Down:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for just a little while. This will help you handle it more easily when pouring into jars!
7. Straining (Optional):
If you want a smooth syrup, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to separate the cherry solids. If you enjoy a chunkier syrup, feel free to skip this step!
8. Storing Your Syrup:
Carefully pour the syrup into a clean jar or container and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before sealing it up.
9. Enjoying Your Cherry Syrup:
Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week! Enjoy it drizzled over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt for a sweet, fruity treat!
Happy cooking! 🍒💖
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Other Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for cherry syrup, you can easily substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just keep the same sugar and water ratios for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftover Syrup?
Store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s perfect for adding a fruity touch to breakfast treats throughout the week!
Can I Make This Syrup Without Sugar?
You can try using a sugar substitute like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative suited for cooking. If you opt for a substitute, adjust the amount based on your taste preference, as some substitutes are sweeter than sugar!
How to Use Leftover Cherry Pulp?
If you strain the syrup and have leftover cherry pulp, don’t throw it away! It can be added to smoothies, used in baking (like muffins), or even stirred into yogurt for added flavor and texture.
