🍒 How to Make Glacé Cherries: A Traditional British Sweet Treat

🇬🇧 Introduction: The Secret Behind Shiny Cherries

Glacé cherries (also known as candied cherries) are the glossy, jewel-toned fruits found in fruitcakes, cherry scones, Battenberg, and festive bakes across the UK. While shop-bought versions are easy to find, homemade glacé cherries taste better, contain fewer additives, and are a brilliant way to preserve a summer cherry harvest.

This guide shows you exactly how to make glacé cherries at home using fresh cherries, sugar, and patience.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

500g fresh cherries (pitted, with or without stalks)
500g granulated sugar
250ml water
Optional: a splash of lemon juice or almond extract for extra flavour
Optional: natural food colouring if you want the deep red effect

🍳 Equipment

Medium saucepan
Slotted spoon
Sterilised jars or airtight containers
Wooden spoon
Optional: candy thermometer (not essential)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method for Homemade Glacé Cherries

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Wash and pit the cherries (keep stalks on if using for decoration).
You can use any type, but firm, dark red cherries work best.

Step 2: Blanch (Optional but Recommended)

Bring a pan of water to the boil.
Drop in cherries for 1–2 minutes, then drain and rinse in cold water.
This softens skins slightly, helping the syrup soak in better.

Step 3: Make a Simple Syrup

In a saucepan, combine 250ml water + 250g sugar.
Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cherries to the Syrup

Simmer the cherries in the syrup for 10–12 minutes.
Turn off the heat and leave the cherries in the syrup overnight (covered).

Step 5: Repeat the Syrup Process

The next day, drain the syrup into the pan and add another 100g of sugar.
Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Return cherries to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
Repeat this process over 3–5 days, adding 50–100g sugar each day.

This slow infusion creates the glossy, candy-like texture glacé cherries are known for.

Step 6: Drying & Storing

After the final simmer, remove cherries with a slotted spoon.
Lay them on a cooling rack or baking paper to dry slightly for a few hours or overnight.
Store in sterilised jars or keep in the remaining syrup for extra moisture.

🍰 Ways to Use Homemade Glacé Cherries

Add to Christmas cakes, Dundee cake, or tea loaves
Mix into cherry almond biscuits or scones
Use for cocktail garnishes or trifles
Decorate iced buns, tarts, or fairy cakes

🧠 FAQs

1. How long do homemade glacé cherries last?
Up to 3 months if kept in sterilised jars in the fridge. If stored in syrup, they may last longer.

2. Can I make them without a candy thermometer?
Yes. Just simmer gently and ensure the syrup thickens over the days.

3. Can I use frozen cherries?
Fresh is better for shape and colour, but thawed frozen cherries can work if gently handled.

4. Are glacé cherries vegan?
Yes—no animal products involved if using basic sugar syrup.

5. Do I need to colour them?
Not at all. Homemade glacé cherries are often darker and more natural-looking, but you can add a tiny drop of red colouring for effect.

📋 Quick Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients

500g cherries
500g sugar
250ml water
Optional: lemon juice or almond extract

Steps

Pit and blanch cherries
Simmer in 250g sugar + water syrup
Let sit overnight
Each day, add more sugar and repeat for 3–5 days
Dry and store in jars

🌟 Conclusion

Making your own glacé cherries is a slow but satisfying process that pays off with incredible flavour and beautiful colour. They’re perfect for gifting, baking, or just showing off at your next tea party. Whether you’re prepping for Christmas or preserving cherries from your tree, this traditional recipe will become a go-to.