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Make Your Own Maraschino Cherries: A Sweet Nostalgia

My earliest memory involving maraschino cherries isn’t some elaborate dessert; it’s a simple, perfect Shirley Temple. Sitting at the counter of a bustling diner with my grandfather, the bright red cherry, nestled at the bottom of the fizzy drink, was pure magic. He’d always let me have his too, turning the ordinary into an extraordinary moment, a small token of love that tasted like sweet, candied joy. These little jewels represent more than just a sugary treat; they encapsulate a sense of childhood wonder and cherished memories. And now, I’m excited to share the journey of making these delightful cherries from scratch!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 48 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: Varies
Total Time: 48 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

4 1/2 lbs pitted red cherries
4 1/2 lbs white sugar
3 cups water
Juice of 1 lemon
1 ounce almond extract
1 ounce red food coloring

For the Brine:

2 quarts water
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon alum

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Sterilized jars with lids
Water bath canner (optional, for long-term storage)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the brine. In a large pot, heat the 2 quarts of water. Add the 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of alum, stirring until completely dissolved.
Once the brine is ready, add the 4 1/2 lbs of pitted red cherries. Ensure the cherries are fully submerged in the brine. If necessary, you can use a plate or weight to keep them down.
Cover the pot and let the cherries soak in the heated brine overnight. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic texture of maraschino cherries.
The next morning, drain the cherries thoroughly and rinse them in cold water to remove excess salt.
In the same large pot (cleaned, of course!), combine the 4 1/2 lbs of rinsed cherries, 4 1/2 lbs of white sugar, 3 cups of water, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 ounce of red food coloring.
Heat the mixture to a boiling point over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the cherry mixture stand for approximately 24 hours. This allows the cherries to fully absorb the sweet syrup.
The next day, repeat the boiling process. Again, bring the juice and cherries to a boil, then remove from heat and let stand for another 24 hours.
On the third day, bring the cherry mixture to a boil for the final time. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the 1 ounce of almond extract.
Immediately pack the hot cherries into hot, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings.
To ensure long-term preservation, process the jars in a boiling water bath. According to the Ball Blue Book, process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a proper seal and preventing spoilage. If you’re unfamiliar with water bath canning, consult reliable canning resources for detailed instructions and safety guidelines. If you don’t plan to can them, you can skip this step and store the cherries in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Cherry Variety: Royal Anne cherries are traditionally used for maraschino cherries. However, you can experiment with other firm, sweet cherries like Rainier or Bing cherries. Keep in mind that the flavor and color will vary slightly depending on the type of cherry used.
Brining for Texture: The brining process is essential for creating the firm, slightly crisp texture characteristic of maraschino cherries. Don’t skip this step!
Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by a cup or two. However, remember that sugar acts as a preservative, so reducing it significantly may affect the shelf life of the cherries.
Almond Extract: Use high-quality almond extract for the best flavor. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much almond extract can make the cherries taste artificial.
Food Coloring: While red food coloring is traditional, you can experiment with natural food colorings like beet juice for a more natural option. Keep in mind that the color intensity may not be as vibrant.
Water Bath Canning Safety: Always follow proper canning procedures to ensure the safety of your preserved cherries. Use sterilized jars and lids, and process the jars for the correct amount of time to create a vacuum seal.
No Water Bath Option: If you don’t want to do a water bath you can always freeze the cherries for a longer shelf life.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These homemade maraschino cherries are incredibly versatile. Of course, they’re perfect as a classic sundae topping, adding a burst of sweetness and color. You can also use them to garnish cocktails (like a sophisticated Old Fashioned or Manhattan), decorate cakes and cupcakes, or simply enjoy them straight from the jar as a sweet treat.

If you’ve properly processed the cherries in a water bath, they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate the cherries, and they should last for several weeks. If you didn’t water bath them, make sure you store them in the fridge from the start.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	264 kcal	13%
Total Fat	0.1g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	390mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	67.6g	23%
Dietary Fiber	1.4g	5%
Sugars	65.3g	N/A
Protein	0.7g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

Boozy Cherries: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or brandy to the syrup during the final boil for an adult twist.
Spice It Up: Infuse the syrup with warming spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves for a festive flavor.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon, orange, or lime zest to the syrup for a bright, citrusy aroma.
Alternative Sweeteners: While white sugar is traditional, you could experiment with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Note that this will affect the color and texture of the cherries.
No Artificial Colors: For a more natural option, omit the red food coloring altogether or use natural food coloring options like beet juice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to brine the cherries?
A: Brining helps to firm up the cherries, giving them the characteristic crisp texture of maraschino cherries. It also helps to leach out some of the natural moisture, allowing them to better absorb the sweet syrup.

Q: Can I skip the water bath canning process?
A: Yes, you can skip the water bath canning process if you plan to store the cherries in the refrigerator. However, they will not last as long and should be consumed within a few weeks.

Q: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
A: Fresh cherries are best for this recipe, as frozen cherries tend to be softer and may not hold their shape as well. If you do use frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Q: My cherries are not as bright red as store-bought maraschino cherries. What can I do?
A: The color intensity will depend on the type of cherries you use and the amount of food coloring you add. For a more vibrant color, you can use a higher concentration of red food coloring, but be mindful of potential artificial flavors.

Q: Can I use different extracts besides almond extract?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla extract or cherry extract. However, almond extract is traditional and provides a unique flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries.

Final Thoughts

Making your own maraschino cherries is a labor of love, but the result is well worth the effort. These homemade gems are far superior to the store-bought variety, with a fresher, more complex flavor and a satisfyingly firm texture. I urge you to embark on this culinary adventure. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the sweet taste of nostalgia transport you back to simpler times. And don’t forget to experiment with variations to find your perfect maraschino cherry!

Make Your Own Maraschino Cherries Recipe