Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe. Cherry Maple Beef Jerky is a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy dried beef snack.

If you’ve ever had store-bought jerky and wished it tasted more natural and flavorful, you already know how disappointing some brands can be.

I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this amazing recipe right in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Snack

History and Origin

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky is inspired by traditional North American jerky making. Early settlers dried meat for preservation, often adding maple for sweetness.

Today, the combination of cherry and maple flavor brings a modern twist to classic jerky.

What does Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe taste like?

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky tastes sweet at first bite, then smoky and savory with a gentle tang of cherry. The maple brings a warm caramel-like finish.

By the way, you can also try the Texas Roadhouse Sangria Margarita Recipe.

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe:

Ingredients	Quantity
Beef (flank or sirloin)	1 pound
Maple syrup	1/3 cup
Cherry juice (unsweetened)	1/4 cup
Soy sauce	2 tablespoons
Brown sugar	1 tablespoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
Smoked paprika	1/2 teaspoon

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe:

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Ziplock bag or an airtight container
• Baking sheet or dehydrator
• Wire rack

How to Make Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe

Step 1: Slice the beef

Trim any visible fat and slice the beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain for tender jerky.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, cherry juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk well.

Step 3: Marinate the beef

Add beef strips to the marinade. Toss gently until every piece is coated. For eight to twelve hours, cover and chill.

Step 4: Arrange for drying

Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Lay the strips individually, ensuring nothing overlaps.

Step 5: Dehydrate the jerky

Dry in the oven at 175°F for 3.5 to 4 hours or until the jerky is firm and dry but still slightly flexible.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe:

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	155
Protein	18 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	0 g

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Maple Beef Jerky is perfect for road trips, hiking, camping, and quick protein-packed snacking. I love packing it in snack bags so you can grab it anytime.

It also pairs well with nuts and dried fruits if you enjoy mix-and-match snack packs. Keep it handy for a sweet and smoky treat.

Storage Tips

Always store your jerky in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Freeze in small pieces for extended storage.

When keeping jerky at room temperature, finish it within three to four days. Make sure moisture does not get trapped inside, or the jerky may spoil faster.

Variations and Flavor Twists

You can change the flavors of this jerky based on your preference. Try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, liquid smoke for a deeper smoky note, or replace cherry juice with pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness. Experiment and discover your favorite version.

Tips for Slicing Beef Perfectly

Thin and even slices are the key to perfect jerky. Partially freeze the beef for 30 to 45 minutes before slicing.

This firms the meat, making it easier to cut evenly. Always slice against the grain for tender jerky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid using fatty meat, as fat causes jerky to spoil faster. Do not overlap the strips while dehydrating.

Thick slices will take longer to dry and may stay chewy. Also, avoid over-marinating because jerky gets flavor only from the marinade.

Adjusting Sweetness and Smokiness

If you prefer sweeter jerky, increase the maple syrup slightly. For smokier jerky, add extra smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.

Taste your marinade before adding the beef so you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Why Homemade Jerky is Better

Homemade jerky gives you full control over flavor and ingredients. Store-bought jerky may have preservatives and artificial flavors.

When you make it at home, every bite tastes fresh, natural, and satisfying. It is also more economical and enjoyable to prepare.

Best Cuts of Beef for Jerky

Choosing the right cut is very important. Lean cuts like top round, bottom round, flank steak, or sirloin work best because they contain less fat.

Less fat means longer shelf life and cleaner slices. Always trim excess fat before slicing.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making this Cherry Maple Beef Jerky Recipe with me. It is simple, flavorful, and healthier than store-bought jerky. Try it once, and you will crave homemade jerky every time.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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