Sour Cherry Slatko (Serbian Spoon Sweet)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Vanilla: Extract Easy

Sour Cherry Slatko (Serbian Spoon Sweet)

Slatko is whole fruit cooked in thick, clear syrup and served as a small spoonful with water. This version uses sour cherries for a bright, tart balance. Makes 3 cups in about 7 hr 5 min.

Prep 25 min

Cook 40 min

Cooling 6 hr

Total 7 hr 5 min

Servings 24

Diet Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

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servings

2 ¼ lb (1000 g)pitted sour cherries, stems and pits removed
4 ½ cups (900 g)granulated sugar
½lemon, sliced thin
1 tsp (5 ml)vanilla extract

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Instructions

Layer the pitted cherries and sugar in a wide, deep pot, ending with sugar. Cover with a clean towel and leave 6 hours or overnight until a syrup forms.
Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils. Do not stir with a spoon; gently shake the pot to keep the fruit whole.
Skim off foam as it rises so the syrup stays clear.
Simmer 20 to 30 minutes until the syrup thickens; a drop on a cold plate should hold its shape (about 220 F / 104 C).
Add the lemon slices and vanilla and boil 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and cool in the pot.
Spoon into clean jars and refrigerate. Serve a spoonful on a small plate with a glass of cold water.

Tips

Resting the cherries with sugar draws out juice and keeps the fruit plump.
Shake, do not stir, to protect the fruit.
Good with turkish coffee.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make sour cherry slatko (serbian spoon sweet)?

Plan on 25 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, plus 6 hours to chill. The recipe makes 3 cups (24 servings).

How should I store sour cherry slatko (serbian spoon sweet)?

Refrigerate in clean jars up to 1 month or freeze up to 6 months. Not a shelf-stable canning recipe.

Can I make sour cherry slatko (serbian spoon sweet) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Slatko is a Serbian and Balkan whole-fruit preserve in thick syrup, traditionally offered to guests as a welcome. Serve it with turkish coffee.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 24 servings this recipe makes.

172 Calories / serving

0.1g Fat

44.3g Carbs

0.5g Protein

42.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (24 servings): ~4128 cal · 2g fat · 1063g carbs · 12g protein · 1030g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.