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–+ servings
Kirsch Cherries drained in a glass bowl.
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Homemade Cherries in Kirsch

These cherries in kirsch preserve juicy black cherries in sugar, lemon and kirsch. An easy recipe that’s perfect for Black Forest Gateau and desserts.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Preserve
Cuisine: British
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 95kcal
Author: Georgina Hartley

Ingredients

  • 500 g black cherries
  • 500 g water
  • 75 g white sugar
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • 90 g Kirsch
Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Wash and pit the cherries then place into a large saucepan.
  • Cover the cherries with the water, making sure they are fully submerged, then bring them up to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook the cherries for 3 minutes until just tender and still holding their shape.
  • Drain the cherries from the pan, reserving the cherry water. Spoon the cherries into clean, sterilised jar/s.
  • Weigh the cherry water, you need about 250g. If it’s over that weight then you can pour back into the saucepan and cook the water to reduce down until you have achieved the correct weight.
  • Add the sugar and lemon juice to the cherry water and bring to a gentle boil. Continue to simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the kirsch.
  • Pour the kirsch syrup over the cherries in the jar/s. Make sure the cherries are fully submerged in the syrup. Seal tightly closed with a lid and allow to cool completely.
  • Store in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 weeks.

Notes

  • Use sterilised jars to store. I store mine in 2 x 380g jars.
  • Glass jars can be sterilised in the oven; wash them thoroughly then heated in an oven pre-heated to 160°C / 140°C fan assisted / gas mark 3 / 320°F for 20 minutes. Lids, plastic jugs, funnels and spoons can be sterilised in boiling water for 10 minutes.
  • You can use morello or sour cherries but then you might like to omit the lemon juice or add a little more sugar.
  • These cherries will last up to 2 weeks if kept in sterilised jars in the refrigerator.
  • These Cherries in Kirsch are perfect for Black Forest Gateau.
Ingredient measurements: Please note when you see ‘grams’ listed as opposed to ‘millilitres,’ or any other term of measurement, that is not incorrect. I weigh all of my ingredients, including liquids, for accuracy.
US customary measurements: These US measurements for the ingredients provided are based on a conversion calculator. This recipe was tested with metric measurements and I recommend using a digital scale to weigh ingredients for the most accurate results. READ MORE >>> Why you should always weigh vs measuring with cups 
Nutrition information: Please note that the nutrition information provided below is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Please seek a professional nutritionist’s advice for further clarification.
The nutrition serving assumes you portion the cherries between 8 people (and includes the divided syrup).
 

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 803IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.3mg