Homemade Candied Cherries Recipe – Sweetened Delights
Imagine the sight of shimmering, jewel-like pieces of Homemade Candied Cherries glistening in the afternoon sun, their glossy red hue a testament to hours of love and sugar syrup alchemy. The journey of creating Homemade Candied Cherries is one of those sweet endeavors where fresh cherries transform into tender, glossy treasures. Whether adorning desserts or enjoyed on their own, these sweetened cherries bring pure joy with every bite.
Every time I make these delightful treats, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the air was sweetened with the promise of candied goodness. I remember her gentle hands guiding me as we carefully tended to the bubbling pot, filling the room with warmth and anticipation. The process was more than just cooking; it was a treasured ritual full of laughter and love, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet and delightful, you might enjoy making these cherry cheesecake egg rolls or perhaps some strawberry custard tart for a lovely treat.
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Homemade Candied Cherries Recipe – Sweetened Delights
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the tender and glossy treasures of homemade candied cherries, a sweet endeavor that transforms fresh cherries into delightful treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups natural Maraschino cherries, drained
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup juice from the cherries
Instructions
- Begin by draining the cherries and reserving the juice.
- In a heavy-bottom pot, combine the cherry juice and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer without stirring, gently swirling the pot until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cherries to the pot and simmer slowly over medium heat, turning the cherries occasionally as they cook, for about 20-45 minutes until they appear candied.
- Check the syrup with a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the soft ball stage (237°F / 113°C), then remove from heat.
- Transfer the cherries onto a tray or silicone mat and let them cool completely.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture.
- Monitor the temperature closely using a candy thermometer to avoid burning the syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: homemade candied cherries, sweetened cherries, candied cherries recipe, homemade cherries
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Candied Cherries
- Easy to make: Follow these simple steps without any fancy tools, perfect for creating sweetened cherries that everyone will love.
- Flexible: It’s easy to change up the ingredients or style to suit your taste, transforming fresh cherries into delightful treats.
- Great for busy days, families, or guests: These cherries are a great addition to any dessert or a unique sweet snack for gatherings.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Homemade Candied Cherries
Tools You’ll Need
- Heavy-bottom pot
- Candy thermometer
- Spatula
- Tray or silicone mat
- Sealed container
Step 1: Preparation for the Homemade Candied Cherries
- 2 cups natural Maraschino cherries, drained
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup juice from the cherries
Step 2: Cooking the Homemade Candied Cherries
Begin by draining the cherries and reserving the juice. In a heavy-bottom pot, combine the cherry juice and sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer without stirring, gently swirling the pot occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
Next, add the cherries to the pot and continue to simmer slowly over medium heat, turning the cherries occasionally as they cook. This will take about 20-45 minutes until the cherries begin to wrinkle and achieve a candied appearance.
Check the syrup using a candy thermometer and ensure it reaches the soft ball stage (237°F / 113°C). Once done, remove the mixture from heat.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Transfer the cherries onto a tray or silicone mat and let them cool completely. Once cooled, the candied cherries are ready to be used as decorations for cakes, or simply enjoyed as a treat. Store any extras in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Homemade Candied Cherries Every Time
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture. The riper the cherries, the juicier your final product will be.
- Monitor the temperature closely to avoid burning the sugar syrup; using a candy thermometer helps maintain precision.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t rush the cooking process. Candied cherries need time to develop their flavor and texture, so simmer gently.
- Avoid stirring too much as it can cause the sugar to crystallize. Instead, swirl the pot gently to mix.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the syrup for additional flavor depth.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cloves to give your cherries a unique twist perfect for holidays.
Perfect Sides to Serve with Homemade Candied Cherries
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and cool contrast.
- Use as a topping for cheesecake or panna cotta for added sweetness and color.
FAQs
Stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator, your homemade candied cherries can last up to two weeks, providing a sweet treat for days to come.
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before following the same steps in making candied cherries from scratch.
Candied cherries are simmered in sugar syrup until tender and glossy, while maraschino cherries are typically preserved in a sweet liquid, often flavored with almond or cherry. Each has its delicious uses!
While closely related, glazed cherries are often less dried out than candied cherries and may contain additional ingredients, such as corn syrup, to give them that shiny appearance.
To achieve that beautiful glaze, follow the process of candying cherries in a sugar syrup, ensuring to simmer until they take on a jewel-like sheen. This method creates perfect decorations for cakes and desserts.
Conclusion
Creating your own homemade candied cherries is a rewarding experience that combines simple ingredients and a touch of creativity. Each glossy cherry becomes a sweet masterpiece, perfect for enhancing your favorite desserts. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe offers a delightful challenge with delicious rewards.
If you enjoyed making these cherries, you might also like to try your hand at strawberry custard tart for another sweet indulgence full of fruity goodness.
We hope you enjoyed this recipe and feel inspired to give it a try. If you do, we’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your experience with friends. Happy candying!
