These Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries are a sweet treat you’ll love! Packed with juicy cherries and a splash of smooth amaretto, they make a delightful addition to desserts or as a stand-alone snack.
They are super simple to make, and I enjoy using them to top off ice cream or mix into cocktails. You might find yourself snacking on them straight from the jar—don’t worry, I won’t tell! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh, sweet dark cherries like Bing are perfect for this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen cherries—just ensure they’re unsweetened for better control over the syrup’s sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This is essential for making the syrup. If you’re looking for healthier options, try using coconut sugar or honey, but this could change the flavor slightly.
Amaretto Liqueur: The star of this recipe, it gives cherries their signature almond flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, almond extract can be a good substitute—just decrease the quantity, as it’s more concentrated.
Lemon Juice: While optional, it helps balance the sweetness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, a splash of vinegar can also work in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor From My Cherries?
Creating a flavorful syrup is key. Start by thoroughly dissolving the sugar in water, which creates a nice base. When you simmer the cherries in the syrup, it softens them and helps them soak up all that sweet goodness.
- Cook just until the cherries soften but retain their shape. You want them tender but not mushy!
- Allow cooling completely before transferring to jars; room temperature helps the flavors meld nicely.
- For the best taste, let the cherries sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they’ll be.
Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (sweet dark cherries like Bing are ideal)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time. However, you’ll need to let the cherries mediate in the syrup for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor. So overall, plan on some time for setting and enjoying later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries:
Start by washing the fresh cherries thoroughly. Then, use a cherry pitter to remove the pits. If you want, set a few aside for a garnish later. The fresh cherries are the star of this recipe, so make sure they are ripe and juicy!
2. Create the Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Turn the heat to medium and stir gently until all the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a sweet simple syrup that your cherries will soak in.
3. Simmer the Cherries:
Now, carefully add the pitted cherries to your syrup mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cherries to soften while still maintaining their shape.
4. Blend in the Amaretto:
After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the amaretto liqueur and, if you choose, the lemon juice. The lemon juice will help balance out the sweetness and add a nice tartness to your cherries.
5. Cool and Jar:
Let the mixture cool at room temperature. Once cool, transfer the cherries and syrup into a clean jar or an airtight container. This is where they’ll soak up all that delicious flavor!
6. Refrigerate and Enjoy:
Seal the jar and refrigerate the cherries for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once they sit for a bit, they’ll be ready to serve.
7. Serve Like a Pro:
After the wait, you can enjoy these sweet boozy cherries as a topping for desserts, ice creams, or even cocktails. You might also be tempted to sneak a few straight from the jar—they’re that good!
This recipe yields a delightful jar of sweet, boozy cherries with the lovely taste of almond from the amaretto, perfect for adding a special touch to many of your favorite dishes!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen cherries work well too. Just thaw them in the refrigerator and drain any excess liquid before using, as this will help maintain the perfect syrup consistency.
How Long Do These Cherries Last in the Fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade amaretto cherries can last up to 2-3 weeks. Just make sure to keep them submerged in the syrup for optimal freshness and flavor.
Can I Adjust the Amount of Sugar in the Recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste! If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the sugar by half a cup. Just remember that the sugar also helps preserve the cherries, so a significant reduction may affect their shelf life.
What Else Can I Use Amaretto Cherries For?
These cherries are versatile! Use them as a topping for ice cream, in cocktails, or as a garnish for desserts like cakes and pastries. They also make an excellent addition to cheese platters or charcuterie boards!
