Mary Berry's Kirsch Cherries Recipe

What is Mary Berry Kirsch Cherries Recipe?

Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries is a simple yet elegant dessert that features cherries soaked in Kirsch, a cherry brandy, often served as a topping or filling in various desserts like Black Forest cake. The cherries absorb the rich, fruity flavor of the Kirsch, adding a boozy and sweet kick to any dish.

Table of Contents

What Goes Best with Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries Recipe?

Black Forest Cake: A classic pairing with Kirsch-soaked cherries.
Ice Cream: Spoon the Kirsch cherries over vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Pavlova: Serve them over a meringue base with whipped cream.
Cheesecake: Use Kirsch cherries as a topping for cheesecakes.
Pancakes or Waffles: A perfect breakfast treat with a rich cherry sauce.
Crepes: For an elegant dessert, fold the cherries into crepes.

Ingredients

500g fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
200ml Kirsch (cherry brandy)
100g sugar
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Water (if needed, to thin the syrup)

How to Prepare Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries Recipe

Instructions

Prepare the Cherries:
- If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. If using frozen cherries, thaw them first.
Create the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice, and a small amount of water (about 100ml). Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts to form a syrup.
Add the Kirsch:
- Stir in the Kirsch and cinnamon stick (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
Simmer the Cherries:
- Add the cherries to the syrup and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the cherries are soft but not falling apart.
Cool and Store:
- Remove from heat and allow the cherries to cool in the syrup. You can serve them warm or refrigerate them for later use.

Notes

Kirsch Substitution: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace Kirsch with cherry juice or another fruit juice.
Optional Spices: You can customize the recipe by adding cloves, star anise, or other spices to complement the flavors.
Storage Time: The cherries improve in flavor if left to soak in the Kirsch for a day or two before serving.

How to Serve Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries Recipe

Dessert Topping: Serve over ice cream, cakes, or crepes.
As a Filling: Use the cherries as a filling for tarts, pastries, or Black Forest cake.
Cocktail Garnish: Kirsch cherries make a great garnish for cocktails, especially a classic Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.

How to Reheat Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries Recipe

Stovetop: Warm the cherries gently in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (20-30 seconds) in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries Recipe

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the cherries for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry’s Kirsch Cherries Recipe

Can I use frozen cherries?
- Yes, frozen cherries work well for this recipe; just thaw them before use.
Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
- Yes, substitute Kirsch with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
What kind of desserts can I serve this with?
- It’s perfect with ice cream, cakes, cheesecakes, or crepes.
Can I use other fruits?
- Yes, you can try this method with fruits like raspberries or blackberries.
What’s the best way to store Kirsch cherries?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I add other flavors?
- Yes, spices like star anise, cloves, or vanilla extract can add complexity to the flavor.
How long should the cherries soak in the Kirsch?
- For the best flavor, let the cherries soak for at least 24 hours.
Can I use a different type of brandy?
- Yes, other fruit brandies or regular brandy can be used, but the cherry flavor will be less pronounced.
What kind of cherries should I use?
- Fresh or frozen sweet cherries work best, but sour cherries can also be used for a tarter flavor.
How can I thicken the syrup?
- If the syrup is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry.