Cherry Preserves for a Quick and Easy Topping
You can make this cherry preserves recipe with fresh or frozen cherries. The fresh-picked cherry flavor can't be beat! It's so delicious and versatile, you'll enjoy it in lots of different ways.
Servings 22 2 tablespoons each
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet cherries pitted, roughly chopped
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean scraped
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pit the cherries. If using frozen, they will be pitted.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large pot.
- Cook over medium heat then reduce to simmer.
- Simmer the preserves for about 45 minutes, Stir frequently, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the volume has reduced by about half.
- Spoon preserves into mason jars or container. Leave on the counter to cool. Cover and refrigerate. They are good in the fridge for about 3 weeks.