Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet
Capture the vibrant essence of summer with this traditional Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet, a delightful Greek preserve that transforms juicy sour cherries into a glossy, ruby-red topping perfect for enhancing your favorite desserts. Made with just five simple ingredients—sour cherries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla extract—this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The secret lies in simmering the cherries slowly, creating a luscious syrup with a beautifully intense flavor. Ideal for drizzling over Greek yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream, this timeless recipe can also be enjoyed on its own by the spoonful. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a shelf life of months, this preserve is an irresistible way to savor cherries all year round. Whether you're indulging in a nostalgic taste of Greek tradition or looking for a unique dessert topping, this spoon sweet is guaranteed to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams sour cherries, pitted
- 500 grams sugar
- 250 milliliters water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Rinse the sour cherries thoroughly under cold water and remove their stems and pits. Place the pitted cherries in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Add the sugar evenly over the cherries and pour in the water. Allow the mixture to rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature so the juices from the cherries begin to release (optional, but enhances flavor).
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on the surface to ensure clarity.
Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The lemon juice helps preserve the color and prevents crystallization.
To test if the spoon sweet is ready, drop a small amount of the syrup onto a cold plate. It should form a thick drop that holds its shape and doesn't spread out. If it's too runny, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Transfer the spoon sweet to sterilized jars while still warm and seal tightly.
Once completely cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place. The spoon sweet will keep for several months. Refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2274 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 28 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 560.6 g | 204% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 540.3 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 103 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 915 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
