These Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries are a treat! Juicy cherries soaked in sweet amaretto make the perfect topping for desserts or a fun addition to your drinks.
Who can resist the lovely flavor of amaretto? I love adding these cherries to ice cream or using them in cocktails. They’re a hit at every gathering—just watch them disappear!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries are the star of this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can opt for frozen cherries—just make sure to thaw and drain them first!
Amaretto Liqueur: This gives the cherries their signature flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic option, consider using almond extract mixed with a bit of sugar and water, but adjust to taste as it will be stronger than liqueur.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can use honey or agave syrup if you want a natural sweetener. Just remember that it may alter the flavor a bit.
Water: The water helps create a syrup. If you want to reduce calories, you can use less water and sugar. Keep an eye on the cherries as they simmer to avoid sticking.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor From Your Cherries?
Getting the right flavor from your amaretto cherries is all about the simmering process. Here are some tips to enhance your results:
- Simmer gently and avoid boiling; this helps preserve the cherries’ shape and flavor.
- Let them cool in the syrup to absorb more flavor before refrigerating.
- For stronger flavor, let them sit in the jar for a couple of days before using!
Make sure to store them in the fridge for that perfect chilled treat when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy and share this delightful addition to any dessert or cocktail!
Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 24 hours for the cherries to soak up all the delicious flavor of the amaretto. So, a little patience is needed, but it’s totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries:
Start by washing the cherries thoroughly and removing the stems. Use a cherry pitter to carefully remove the pits from the cherries. If you don’t have a pitter, you can cut them in half and remove the pit with a knife. Set your pitted cherries aside.
2. Make the Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir it gently until the sugar is fully dissolved. This creates a nice simple syrup that will sweeten your cherries.
3. Simmer the Cherries:
Add the pitted cherries to the saucepan with the simple syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to soften slightly but still hold their shape.
4. Add the Amaretto:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the amaretto liqueur. The sweet almond flavor of the amaretto will blend beautifully with the cherries, creating a tasty syrup.
5. Cool Down:
Let the mixture cool to room temperature. This helps enhance the flavors before you store it.
6. Store the Cherries:
Once cooled, transfer the cherries and syrup into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the cherries are fully submerged in the liquid to keep them fresh.
7. Refrigerate:
Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the cherries soak for at least 24 hours. This gives them time to absorb that delicious amaretto flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After 24 hours, your amaretto cherries are ready! Serve them chilled, either as a delightful topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake, or enjoy them in cocktails for a flavorful twist. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before following the recipe. The texture may be slightly softer, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Long Do the Amaretto Cherries Last in the Fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the amaretto cherries can last for up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Just make sure they remain submerged in the syrup for the best flavor and freshness.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet version, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup to your taste. You can also try adding a splash of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Amaretto Cherries?
These cherries are incredibly versatile! Serve them over ice cream, add them to cocktails like Manhattans or whiskey sours, or top pancakes and waffles for a delicious twist on breakfast. Enjoy experimenting!
