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Red Candied Cherries Recipe for Sweet Treats
Emily

Red Candied Cherries Recipe for Sweet Treats

A radiant, family-friendly candied cherry recipe that balances crisp fruit and glossy syrup. Nostalgic and versatile, these sweet gems satisfy desserts and midnight cravings with their vibrant color and deep flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: International
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup sugar (brown sugar is recommended for depth)
  • 1½ cups water (non-chlorinated)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (use cold water if cherries are not cold)
  • ¼ tsp almond extract (optional for warmth, substitute with orange or vanilla extract)
  • Grated lemon zest (optional for brightness)

Method
 

  1. Pat cherries dry and remove pits carefully using cherry pitter or a non-bruising tool
  2. Combine cherries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and almond extract in a 4-quart saucepan. Whisk until sugar partially dissolves
  3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer. Stir every 15 minutes and skim foam as it rises
  4. Cook for 75 minutes until syrup thickens to a spoon-coating consistency. Test by dipping a chilled spoon into the syrup

Notes

Use forged steel saucepan to avoid reacting with acidic syrup
Weigh sugar (200g) for precise results
Cool to 65°F (18°C) before sealing to prevent mold
Adjust lemon juice to 1½ tsp for a more vibrant flavor
Dust with confectioners' sugar before setting for a bakery-style finish
Fix waterlogging by undercooking by 10 minutes for juicier texture