How to Preserve Cherries Like a Pro (+ Must-Try Fresh Cherry Recipes)

The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Fresh Cherries: Techniques and Recipes

We love fresh cherries, and had an abundance of them this year. We didn't want all of that goodness to go to waste, so we researched the best way to preserve all that natural goodness! Cherries are nature’s candy—sweet, juicy, and gone way too fast. But don’t worry! With just a little prep, you can enjoy that bold cherry flavor long after the season ends. Whether you’re swimming in a backyard harvest or scored a farmer’s market deal, this post will show you exactly how to preserve cherries like a pro and turn them into next-level desserts and snacks.

Top Methods for Preserving Fresh Cherries

Preserving cherries ensures you can savor their sweet-tart goodness long after the season ends. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Freezing

Freezing is one of the easiest and most popular ways to preserve cherries. It retains their flavor and nutrients with minimal effort.

· Steps:

1. Wash and pit the cherries (a cherry pitter makes this quick). Here are a couple best sellers on Amazon. Click on the pic below to check pricing.

2. Spread the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours to prevent clumping.

3. Transfer the frozen cherries to airtight freezer bags or containers.

4. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

· Pro Tip:
Want to use frozen cherries in smoothies or baking? Freeze them with a sprinkle of lemon juice to keep color and flavor vibrant.

2. Canning

Canning cherries allows for long-term storage at room temperature and is ideal for making jams, preserves, or canned whole cherries.

(Never canned anything before, you can buy this beginner kit on Amazon. Click the pic to check pricing)

· Steps:

1. Wash and pit cherries.

2. Prepare a light or medium syrup (e.g., 2 cups sugar to 4 cups water for light syrup) or use water/juice.

3. Pack cherries into sterilized jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.

4. Pour hot syrup over the cherries, remove air bubbles, and seal with lids.

5. Process in a boiling water bath (10–15 minutes for pints, depending on altitude).

6. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months.

· Pro Tips:
Try flavoring the syrup with a cinnamon stick or star anise for a festive holiday vibe.:

Use sweet cherries for plain canning or sour cherries for pie fillings.

3. Drying

Dried cherries are a sweet, portable snack or ingredient for trail mixes and baking.

Here are a couple best seller Dehydrators on Amazon to get you started. Click the pic for pricing.

· Steps:

1. Wash, pit, and halve cherries.

2. Optionally, blanch cherries in boiling water for 30 seconds to preserve color.

3. Arrange cherries on a dehydrator tray or baking sheet (for oven drying).

4. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 12–24 hours in a dehydrator or 165°F (74°C) in an oven with the door slightly ajar until leathery but not sticky.

5. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months.

We stuck ours in the freezer.

· Pro Tips:
Check for moisture to prevent mold; fully dried cherries should not stick together.

Rehydrate dried cherries in water or juice for baking.

4. Making Jam or Preserves

Turning cherries into jam or preserves captures their flavor in a spreadable form.

· Steps:

1. Wash, pit, and chop cherries.

2. Combine cherries with sugar (typically ¾ cup sugar per cup of cherries) and a splash of lemon juice in a large pot.

3. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring frequently (about 20–30 minutes).

4. Test for doneness (jam should gel on a cold plate).

5. Pour into sterilized jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

6. Store for up to 12 months.

· Pro Tips:

Add pectin for a firmer set, especially with sweet cherries.

Experiment with spices like vanilla or cinnamon for unique flavors.

5. Pickling

Pickled cherries are a tangy, savory treat, perfect for pairing with cheeses or meats.

· Steps:

1. Wash and pit cherries (or leave whole with stems for presentation).

2. Prepare a brine with vinegar, water, sugar, and spices (e.g., peppercorns, bay leaves, or cloves).

3. Pack cherries into sterilized jars, pour hot brine over them, and seal.

4. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before eating or process in a water bath for longer storage.

·· Pro Tips:

Use firm cherries to maintain texture.

Pickled cherries last up to 6 months in the fridge or 12 months when canned.

Must Try Fresh Cherry Recipes

Got a fresh cherry bounty? Don’t miss these!

Recipe 1: Cherry Almond Crisp

A warm, comforting dessert with a crunchy almond topping, perfect for summer evenings.

Ingredients (Serves 6):

• 4 cups (600g) fresh cherries, pitted

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ¾ cup (70g) rolled oats

• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (50g) sliced almonds

• ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

2. In a bowl, toss cherries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

3. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.

4. Sprinkle the topping over the cherries and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the cherries are bubbly.

5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Pro Tips:

• Frozen cherries can be used if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw.

• Add a splash of almond extract to the cherry mixture for extra flavor.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

Recipe 2: Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad

A refreshing, savory-sweet salad that pairs cherries with creamy goat cheese and peppery arugula.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 cups (300g) fresh cherries, pitted and halved

• 4 cups (100g) arugula

• ½ cup (75g) crumbled goat cheese

• ¼ cup (30g) toasted pecans or walnuts

• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherries, goat cheese, pecans, and shallot.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

4. Serve immediately as a side or light main dish.

Pro Tips:

• Substitute spinach or mixed greens if arugula is too peppery.

• Pickled cherries (from the preservation methods in your post) can add a tangy twist.

• Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your cherry haul go to waste! Whether you're into sweet jams, savory meals, or just making the most of your seasonal produce, preserving cherries is one of the smartest (and tastiest) homesteading moves you can make.

Got a favorite cherry tip or recipe? Drop us and email or tag us on Instagram @iwantahomestead — we love seeing what you’re cooking up!