This easy homemade cherry syrup is sweet, fruity, and perfect for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream! Made with fresh cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s a true treat.
When I make this, I can’t resist tasting it straight from the jar! 🍒 It’s simple to whip up and makes everything feel extra special. Try it on your breakfast, and you’ll be hooked!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cherries: The star of the show! Fresh cherries have a fantastic flavor, but you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard here, but feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup can work too but may change the syrup’s texture slightly.
Lemon Juice: This helps to balance the sweetness of the syrup. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works fine. You can also try lime juice for a twist!
Vanilla Extract: Totally optional, but adds a lovely warmth. If you want to skip it, the syrup will still be delightful.
How Do You Get the Right Syrup Consistency?
Getting the perfect syrup consistency is key to a great homemade cherry syrup. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Simmer the mixture without rushing. You want the cherries to soften and release their juices.
- Keep an eye on it! If it boils too hard, it can thicken too much. Aim for a gentle simmer.
- Don’t forget to mash the cherries after cooking! This adds body to the syrup.
- If it’s too thick after cooling, add a splash of water and stir until you reach your desired texture.
With these tips, you’re all set to make a delicious cherry syrup at home! Enjoy adding it to your favorite dishes.
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted (you can also use frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cherry syrup recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes gathering and measuring your ingredients, then about 20 minutes cooking and simmering the cherries. After that, a little time to cool and you’re ready to enjoy your syrup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
Start by placing the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water into a medium saucepan. This is where all the magic begins! Keep everything at medium heat to control that simmer.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Turn the heat up a bit and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. You want it to be nice and bubbly!
3. Simmer and Thicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium-low simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Watch as the cherries soften and the syrup thickens. It will start smelling amazing!
4. Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla:
After simmering, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). The lemon juice helps to brighten the syrup and balances the sweetness.
5. Mash and Cool:
Let the syrup cool slightly. If you like a chunkier texture, mash the cherries with a spoon or potato masher. For a smoother syrup, you can blend it slightly with an immersion blender.
6. Strain (If Desired):
If you prefer a completely smooth syrup, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Be sure to press down on the solids to get every last drop of flavor!
7. Store the Syrup:
Transfer your freshly made cherry syrup into a clean jar or bottle. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but I bet it won’t last that long!
8. Enjoy Your Creation:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Drizzle this delicious cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. You can even mix it into cocktails for a tasty cherry twist!
Hope you enjoy this vibrant, homemade cherry syrup—perfect for adding a burst of fresh cherry flavor to all your favorite dishes!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well—just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
How Long Does This Cherry Syrup Last?
Your homemade cherry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure to keep it in a clean, airtight jar to maintain freshness!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Syrup?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. Just remember, this may also affect the syrup’s texture slightly.
What Can I Use Cherry Syrup For Besides Pancakes?
Cherry syrup is versatile! Use it as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or mix it into your favorite cocktails or smoothies for a delicious twist!
