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Easy Homemade Maraschino Cherries No Dye Recipe for Perfect Natural Flavor

homemade maraschino cherries no dye - featured image
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A simple and natural recipe for homemade maraschino cherries without artificial dyes or preservatives, perfect for cocktails, desserts, and snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted (preferably Bing or Rainier)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds (900 g) of fresh cherries and remove the stems. Pit the cherries carefully, trying to keep them whole to maintain texture during cooking. This step takes about 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 1 cup (240 ml) water. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely—about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously; a gentle simmer is perfect.
  3. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
  4. Carefully add the pitted cherries to the warm syrup. Gently stir to coat all cherries without breaking them. Let the mixture cool to room temperature—about 20-30 minutes. The cherries will soak up the flavors and develop a glossy sheen.
  5. Transfer the cherries and syrup into a sterilized glass jar or airtight container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using to allow flavors to meld.
  6. After chilling, the homemade maraschino cherries are ready to serve. They keep well for up to two weeks in the fridge.

Notes

Avoid overcooking cherries to prevent mushiness. Let cherries soak in syrup for at least 24 hours for best flavor. If syrup thickens after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water before serving. For a boozy twist, add 2 tablespoons kirsch or brandy after syrup cools but before adding cherries.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade maraschino cherries, no dye cherries, natural maraschino cherries, cherry syrup, cocktail cherries, dessert topping

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-homemade-maraschino-cherries-no-dye-recipe-for-perfect-natural-flavor/