Imagine drizzling a luscious, homemade cherry syrup over your fluffy pancakes, transforming your breakfast into a delightful feast! This easy recipe for Cherry Syrup for Pancakes is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a quick and simple way to elevate your morning routine. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 20 minutes of your time, you can create a vibrant syrup that bursts with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. Whether you're using fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delicious world of cherry syrup!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the cherries thoroughly if using fresh cherries. If using frozen cherries, allow them to partially thaw.
- Remove the stems and pits from the cherries. If you don't have a cherry pitter, cut the cherries in half and remove the pits manually.
- Place the pitted cherries into a medium saucepan with sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low to prevent burning.
- Cook the cherries for approximately 10-12 minutes, mashing them slightly with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to release more juice.
- Continue cooking until the cherries break down and the liquid becomes syrupy and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for a few minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing the cherries to extract maximum liquid. Alternatively, leave some cherry pieces in for a more rustic texture.
- Transfer the syrup to a clean glass jar or container and let it cool completely before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature over pancakes, waffles, or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Choosing Your Cherries: Fresh cherries will provide the best flavor, but frozen cherries work just as well if fresh ones are out of season. Just make sure to allow them to thaw partially before cooking.
- Sugar Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup or try using a sugar substitute.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps balance the sweetness of the syrup. Don't skip it!
- Texture Preference: If you like a smoother syrup, strain the mixture thoroughly. For a chunkier texture, leave some cherry pieces in for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Storage: Store any leftover syrup in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator. It can last up to one week, so you can enjoy it on pancakes, waffles, or even yogurt throughout the week!
- Serving Suggestions: This cherry syrup isn’t just for pancakes! Try it over ice cream, yogurt, or even as a topping for cheesecake for a delicious twist.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon while cooking for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
