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    Where Is My Spoon > Recipes > Preserves and Canning

    Cherries in Syrup

    Last modified: Jul 10, 2025 ยท Published by Adina, Jul 15, 2020 ยท 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    pin image with the image cherries in syrup.

    Preserving cherries in syrup is easy, allowing you to make the most of the short cherry season.

    glossy cherries in syrup in a jar with a spoon in it.

    Ingredients: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Marinating time: 1 day | Servings: 2-3 small jars | Difficulty: Easy

    Have you seen last week's Cherries in Kirsch? So good, I could eat them every day if they weren't so boozy... Today's cherries in syrup are their non-alcoholic version, something my kids can have over ice cream while the grown-ups enjoy the brandy version.

    These syrup cherries are easy to make, keep well, and make the perfect topping for any dessert. A few jars of these are in the cellar, and you will always have a dessert ready when you need it.

    Candied Cherries and Kirschmichel are great cherry desserts, too.

    Jump to recipe
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • How to make cherries in syrup?
    • Tips
    • Storage
    • How to serve?
    • More preserved cherries
    • Recipe
    • Cherries in Syrup

    Recipe Ingredients

    labeled ingredients for making cherries in syrup with sugar, vanilla extract, star anise and water.

    Cherries: You can make this recipe with sweet or sour cherries. I almost always use sweet ones, because we have a huge tree in our garden, but sour ones are great too!

    Sugar: If you make this recipe with sour cherries, use 350 g/ 12.4 oz/ 1 ยพ cup granulated sugar; they will need slightly more.

    Star anise: I am adding star anise to almost every cherry preserve I make this summer. Incredible flavor! I also use them to make Roasted Cherries.

    • Alternative spices: Cinnamon stick, cloves, or allspice berries.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    How to make cherries in syrup?

    You will need two days to make this cherries in syrup recipe. But don't worry, there is not much you have to do; just let the cherries sit in the sugar for 24 hours before cooking them.

    pitting cherries using a cherry pitter, one bowl with pits, one with cherries and one yellow sieve with washed cherries.

    Step #1: Wash and pit the cherries.

    cherries marinating in a large bowl with sugar and spices.

    Step #2: Combine with sugar, vanilla, and star anise; cover and rest at room temperature for 20โ€“24 hours.

    strained marinated cherries on a plate.

    Step #3: Strain. Reserve the liquid.

    syrup and a star anise cooking in a large pot.

    Step #4: Pour the liquid into a heavy pot, add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.

    cooking cherries in syrup in a large pot.

    Step #5: Add the cherries and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until they are softer.

    foam forming on top of cherries cooked in a large pot.

    Step #6: Remove the foam that forms as good as it gets.

    Step #7: Divide the cherries between sterilized jars and top with the syrup, so that they are completely covered. Seal with the lids and let cool. I never can this kind of cherry preserve, but you can do it if you wish.

    Tips

    Use a cherry pitter (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab) to remove the stones of the fruit. Use a pitter to make a hole in the cherries while keeping them whole.

    Wear an apron and pit them in the sink to avoid stains, as cherry juice splatters.

    Donโ€™t overcook the syrup; it should stay light and pourable, not thick.

    Storage

    This recipe makes a small batch but can be easily scaled up.

    Let the cherries in syrup cool at room temperature, then store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar. Theyโ€™ll keep for up to 3 months - or longer if canned.

    Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 4-5 days.

    How to serve?

    Serve them over German waffles, pancakes, or creme fraiche crepes. They are amazing over ice cream, semolina, or rice pudding.

    Use the syrup and some finely chopped cherries to flavor homemade ice cream as well.

    Add some to smoothies or milkshakes.

    Use the syrup to moisten cake bases and the cherries to add to cake fillings or to decorate cakes like the Cherry Bakewell Cake.

    a jar with syrup cherries with a spoon in it and some cherries around it.

    More preserved cherries

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      How To Preserve Cherries - Low Sugar
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      How to Make Cherry Butter โ€“ Preserving Cherries
    • jar of cherries in kirsch, shiny and sweet.
      Cherries in Kirsch
    • bottle of infused cherry vinegar with a cork lid.
      Cherry Vinegar

    Do you like this recipe?

    Please leave a good rating in the recipe card below. Stay in touch through social media: Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Donโ€™t forget to tag #whereismyspoon when you try a recipe!

    Recipe

    glossy cherries in syrup seen from above in a jar.

    Cherries in Syrup

    Preserving cherries in syrup is easy and it allows you to make the most of the short cherry season.
    4.44 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Share GrowSaved! Rate
    Course: Preserves and Canning Recipes
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Additional Time: 1 day day
    Total Time: 1 day day 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 -3 small jars
    Calories: 186kcal
    Author: Adina
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    Ingredients 

    • 1 lb sweet or sour cherries
    • 1ยฝ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 larger star anise Note 1
    • โ…” cup water

    Instructions

    • Pit the cherries with a cherry pitter (Note 2). Place in a large bowl. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and star anise. Stir well. Cover with a kitchen cloth. Let them sit for 20-25 hours.
      1 lb sweet or sour cherries + 1ยฝ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 larger star anise
    • Boil the syrup: Strain the cherries and reserve the liquid. Pour the liquid into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the water and the star anise that was already in the cherry bowl. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer the syrup for about 15 minutes. The syrup should not thicken too much (Note 3).
      โ…” cup water
    • Simmer cherries: Add the cherries and simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes or until the cherries are softer. The syrup should not be too thick; it should remain pourable. Remove the foam and the star anise from the pot.
    • Place in jars: Divide the cherries into sterilized jars and pour the liquid over the fruit; they should be completely covered. Seal well.
    • Store syrup cherries: Let cool and keep in a dark, cool place. They will keep for at least 3 months. You could can the jars, if desired; they will keep even longer. Once opened, keep refrigerated and eat within 4-5 days.

    Notes

    1. Alternative spices: cinnamon stick, cloves (not more than 2), allspice berries, cardamom pods.
    2. Wear an apron and pit them in the sink to avoid stains, as cherry juice splatters.
    3. Donโ€™t overcook the syrup; it should stay light and pourable, not thick.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 46g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @adinabeck or tag #WhereIsMySpoon!

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    Comments

    1. LISA MACKEY says

      January 22, 2021 at 11:27 pm

      Can I use frozen sour cherries I picked and froze?
      thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Adina says

        January 22, 2021 at 11:50 pm

        Hi Lisa. Sorry, I cannot say, I've always used fresh for this recipe.

        Reply
      • lolly says

        August 08, 2022 at 2:04 am

        @LISA MACKEY, Yes ,put on cookie sheet,spread out, freeze,then in a ziploc bag to freeze long term..4-6 months! ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
      • Robert Kenney says

        August 16, 2023 at 11:31 am

        the Greeks use sour cherries - so it is worth a go - make one batch and see how it tastes.

        Reply
    4.44 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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