These maraschino cherries are the perfect healthier homemade version of this delicious classic! It’s perfect to serve with drinks, ice cream, or eat as a snack.

What are Maraschino Cherries?

Traditionally, maraschino cherries are preserved, sweetened cherries, made from sweeter cherries like the Royal Ann, Rainier, or Gold varieties. Mainstream ones are soaked in a solution to bleach the fruit and then dyed their traditional bright red color.

These homemade maraschino cherries are safe from any chemical alteration made with fresh cherries, tart cherry juice, lemon juice, and coconut sugar! They’re a perfect addition to your favorite summer drink, ice cream, or even to eat on their own.

The Ingredients to make Maraschino Cherries

• Fresh cherries. You can use any variety you prefer for these!
• Tart cherry juice. I like to use a version without any added sweeteners.
• Lemon juice.
• Coconut sugar.
• Cinnamon stick.

How to make Homemade Maraschino Cherries

• Clean and pit the cherries (leaving the stems on some of the cherries if desired) and set them aside.
• Mix together and boil the rest of the ingredients together, allowing it to reduce for 3-5 minutes.
• Add the cherries to the pot and stir, allowing to simmer for a few minutes to lightly soften the cherries. They should be slightly softened but still hold their shape.
• Remove from the heat and allow to fully cool before adding to a glass jar. Chill in the fridge before serving over ice cream or with cocktails. Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Can you use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can! They won’t hold their shape quite as well, but it works as a time saver. I recommend letting them defrost overnight in the fridge and straining any excess liquid.

How long does this recipe last in the fridge? What’s the best way to store them?

They’ll last in the fridge in glass for 1-2 weeks. They’re not traditionally preserved so I haven’t tried to keep them longer than that.

How do you serve Maraschino Cherries?

• Ice cream. These are the cherries that you’ll find on ice cream dishes if you go to a restaurant or fancy ice cream parlor! It really adds something extra!
• Cocktails. They’re often served with many cocktails like an old-fashioned, manhattan, and more.
• Shirley temple. You need these if you’re going to make this non-alcoholic drink!

You’ll also love…

• Frozen Chocolate Fruit Salad
• Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt Jars
• Frozen Peach Bellini Mocktail

How to make Maraschino Cherries {Alcohol and Refined Sugar Free}

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• Author: Michelle
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh cherries
• 1/2 cup tart cherry juice
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick

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Instructions

1. Clean and pit the cherries (leaving the stems on some of the cherries if desired) and set them aside.
2. Add the cherry juice, water, lemon juice, coconut sugar, and cinnamon to a saucepot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a low simmer, allowing it to reduce for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the cherries to the pot and stir, allowing to simmer for a few minutes to lightly soften the cherries. They should be lightly softened but still, hold their shape.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to fully cool before adding to a glass jar. Chill in the fridge before serving over ice cream or with cocktails. Keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

All nutritional facts are estimated and will vary.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Category: Treats

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 92
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 23.5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0.8g

Keywords: maraschino cherries