Elevate your beverages and treats with this luscious Homemade Cherry Vanilla Syrup! Learn how to make this versatile cherry syrup at home in just minutes!

It’s a perfect way to preserve all the cherries you bought throughout the season!

Bursting with the sweet, fruity flavor of fresh cherries and a hint of warm vanilla, this easy syrup recipe is perfect for coffee, cocktails, pancakes, ice cream, and so much more. Be sure to check out our No-Churn Cherry Garcia Ice Cream recipe!

Related: How to Freeze Cherries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh & Flavorful: Made with real cherries for an authentic taste.
• Easy & Quick: Ready in under 10 minutes!
• Versatile Use: Perfect for coffee, lattes, cocktails, sodas, desserts, and breakfast items.
• Natural Sweetener: Control the ingredients and avoid artificial flavors.
• Adds a Gourmet Touch

How To Use Your Cherry Vanilla Syrup

• Coffee & Lattes: Add a spoonful or two to your hot or iced coffee and lattes for a delightful twist. Use our recipe to make your own Iced Vanilla Cherry Matcha Latte!
• Cocktails & Mocktails: Elevate your cocktails, sodas, and sparkling water with a splash of fruity vanilla goodness. Try it in a Cherry Vanilla Old Fashioned or a non-alcoholic cherry vanilla spritzer.
• Breakfast Delights: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, French toast, and oatmeal.
• Desserts: Spoon over ice cream, yogurt, cakes, and pastries.
• Baking: Use it to moisten cakes or add flavor to baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sugar instead of organic cane sugar? Yes, granulated sugar will work just as well.

Fresh or frozen cherries? Fresh pitted cherries are ideal, but thawed frozen cherries can also be used. They might release more liquid, so you may need to simmer for a slightly longer time.  

Can I adjust the sweetness? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Start with the recipe as written and add more sugar to taste if needed.

Vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste? Yes, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, but vanilla bean paste provides a more intense flavor and those lovely black specks. Add it after removing the syrup from the heat.

Can I make a larger batch? Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients, keeping the ratios the same. The cooking time may need to be slightly increased for larger batches.

Do I have to strain the syrup? Straining is optional. If you prefer a smoother syrup without the cherry pieces, then strain it. Otherwise, you can leave the soft cherry bits in the syrup.

How long does the syrup last? Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this homemade cherry vanilla syrup will last for up to 2 weeks.

Ingredients Needed To Make Cherry Vanilla Syrup

• ¼ cup organic cane sugar
• 6-7 whole cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup cherry juice
• 2 tbsp filtered water
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste

How to Make Cherry Syrup at Home

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the organic cane sugar, pitted whole cherries, cherry juice, and filtered water.

Simmer and Infuse: Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.

Infuse Cherry Flavor: Continue to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cherry flavor to infuse into the syrup. Use the back of a spoon to lightly press down on the cherries to release more of their juice. Avoid letting the mixture boil vigorously.

Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste.

Cool and Store: Allow the syrup to cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the cherry solids, if desired, for a smoother consistency. Store the Homemade Cherry Vanilla Syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.