Description
Discover how to make natural maraschino cherries with this step-by-step guide. Easy to bake, these cherries offer the best flavor for all your desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh sweet cherries (Bing, Rainer), stemmed and pitted
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste; adjust for honey/maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or 2-3 cloves for spice
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Cherries: Wash and stem cherries. Pit them using a pitter or chopstick, keeping them as intact as possible.
- 2. Make Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar (or other sweetener), and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and syrup simmers gently. Add optional whole spices if using.
- 3. Simmer Cherries: Add pitted cherries to the simmering syrup. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cherries are tender but still hold their shape. Do not boil vigorously.
- 4. Cool and Flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in almond and/or vanilla extract (if using). Let cherries cool completely in the syrup to room temperature. This allows maximum flavor absorption.
- 5. Jar and Store: Once cooled, remove any whole spices. Carefully transfer cherries and syrup to sterilized jars. Ensure cherries are submerged. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 2-3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins