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Home » Breakfast » Pancake Recipes

Cherry Syrup For Pancakes

Published: Dec 6, 2022 by Ali

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This cherry syrup for pancakes is the best pancake topping for fruity pancakes. It’s made with only 6 ingredients in 15 minutes, and you can use either fresh or frozen cherries.

Up close view of a spoonful of cherry syrup on a white background.

Taking the time to make your own homemade pancake syrup, such as this chocolate pancake syrup, for drizzling over pancakes is always worth it.

This cherry syrup goes so well with these cherry pancakes, these banana oat pancakes or these oat milk pancakes.

Jump to:
  • Recipe Highlights
  • Ingredients
  • Equipment
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe

Recipe Highlights

  • This syrup is packed with real, natural cherry flavor, and tastes much better than any sort of store bought artificial cherry syrup.
  • It takes 15 minutes to make, meaning that you can easily make it as you are cooking fresh pancakes.
  • It can be made with fresh or frozen cherries so you can easily make this syrup throughout the year, even when cherries aren’t in season.
  • It is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make the cherry syrup.
  • Cherries: This recipe will work with any type of cherries, however it tastes particularly good when made with dark sweet cherries, such as Bing or Chelan. You can use either fresh or frozen cherries.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich flavor that compliments the cherries well, as well as adds sweetness to the syrup. You can substitute this with granulated sugar if needed.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to give this syrup its classic, thick pancake syrup consistency.
  • Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice brings out the cherry flavor and adds brightness.
  • Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract gives the syrup an extra bit of sweetness.

Equipment

  • A cherry pitter to pit fresh cherries with.
  • A small saucepan to make the cherry syrup in.
  • A glass mason jar to store leftover syrup in.

Instructions

Step 1: Add the cherries, water and brown sugar to a saucepan. Heat on medium to high heat until the mixture comes to a light boil.

A process photo illustrating step 1.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth.

Step 3: Once boiling, add the cornstarch mixture to the cherry syrup and mix to combine. Use a fork to mash up the cherries.

A collage of process photos illustrating steps 2 and 3.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to maintain a light simmer. Continue to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens up. Remove it from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.

A process photo illustrating step 4.

Storage

  • Fridge: Let leftover cherry pancake syrup cool to room temperature. Transfer leftovers to an airtight glass container and store in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a saucepan before serving.
  • Freezer: Because this syrup has cornstarch in it, it is not recommended to freeze it. Freezing this syrup can result in significant changes to its taste and texture.

Expert Tips

  • Blend for a smooth syrup. This cherry syrup will naturally have small chunks of cherries in it. If you prefer a pancake syrup that is completely smooth, blend the syrup in a food processor or small blender after it has cooled to room temperature.
  • Add water if the syrup is too thick. The longer the syrup simmers, the thicker it will become. It will also thicken up a lot as it cools down. If the syrup is too thick at room temperature, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Be creative in using the syrup. This cherry syrup is the perfect pancake syrup, but it is also great on so many other things, such as on french toast, waffles, ice cream, cheesecake or with brie and a baguette.

FAQ

Is this cherry syrup tart?

Not really. This syrup is slightly to moderately sweet. For a tarter syrup, use tart cherries and reduce the sugar by half.

Do I have to thaw frozen cherries before making the syrup?

No. You can add frozen cherries directly from the freezer to the pan.

Is this cherry syrup good for making cherry-flavored drinks with?

No. This is the perfect cherry-flavored pancake syrup, but it is not meant for making drinks with. For drinks, use a cherry simple syrup, which is made with cherries, sugar and water and doesn’t contain any cornstarch.

Overhead view of a stack of pancakes, topped with red cherry syrup.
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📖 Recipe

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Up close view of a spoonful of cherry syrup on a white background.

Cherry Syrup For Pancakes


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: ¾ cup 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This cherry syrup for pancakes is the best pancake topping for fruity pancakes. It’s made with only 6 ingredients in 15 minutes, and you can use either fresh or frozen cherries.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cherries, frozen
  • ½ cup + 2 tbsp water
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Add the frozen cherries, ½ cup of water and brown sugar to a small saucepan and heat on medium-high. Bring the mixture to a low boil. Use a fork to break up the cherries, releasing their juices.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water together until smooth.
  3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the cherry syrup, and stir to combine.
  4. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for another 3 to 4 minutes until the syrup thickens up.
  5. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a smooth cherry syrup, blend the syrup after it cools to room temperature.
  • If the syrup is too thick after cooling down, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • This cherry pancake syrup tastes delicious served on top of these cherry pancakes or these oat milk pancakes.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pancake Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 39.2g
  • Sodium: 11mg
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44.2g
  • Fiber: 1.7g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ann E Czajkowski

    January 23, 2025 at 12:01 pm

    Thank you a great recipe for cherry sauce for whatever I want. I made one modification to your recipe. The stores have been having sales for cherries so I took the cherries and put them in my processer and just gently chopped them, I used your delicious recipe and BoyOh Boy it is so GOOD. thank you so much. Godd bless you and you family always.

    Reply
  2. Margo Aragon

    December 01, 2024 at 11:48 pm

    How long does this last in fridge after making it?

    Reply
    • Ali

      December 02, 2024 at 4:42 pm

      About 5 to 7 days!

      Reply
  3. J

    January 07, 2024 at 12:46 pm

    This was fantastic! I cut the sugar down to 1/4 cup and therefore the lemon juice to 1/2 tablespoon. I’m trying to limit my sugar consumption & it was still nicely sweet and delicious over French toast. I left the cherries smashed, but chunky & every bite was a treat.

    Reply
    • Ali

      January 11, 2024 at 3:20 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it, thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
  4. Jess

    July 31, 2023 at 3:39 pm

    Definitely making this for our traditional first-day-of-school pancakes! Kids will be so excited!

    Reply
  5. rebecca

    July 31, 2023 at 3:37 pm

    wow, this is such an easy recipe! I really like having the cherry chunks in it!

    Reply
  6. dana

    July 31, 2023 at 3:28 pm

    Oh heck yes. I am ALL about cherries, so obviously fell in love with this syrup. Fab on waffles, too!

    Reply
  7. Justine

    July 31, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    I just bought a bag of cherries and was trying to figure out what to do with them! This was perfect! It was easy to make and was sooooo yummy!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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