How to Make Amaretto Cherries are a delightful and surprisingly easy homemade treat, perfect for elevating desserts or simply enjoying as a sophisticated snack. This simple recipe shows you exactly how to imbue fresh or frozen cherries with the warm, almond-kissed flavor of amaretto liqueur, offering a burst of gourmet goodness without the gourmet price tag.
Key Ingredients for Amaretto Cherries:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for an extra almond kick)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added warmth)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
How to Make Amaretto Cherries:
Whip up a batch of these incredible Amaretto Cherries in no time! This recipe is a breeze, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. The resulting sweet and boozy cherries offer a rich texture and a delightful almond aroma that will have you reaching for just one more. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for simmering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Cherries: If using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and pit them. If using frozen cherries, ensure they have been completely thawed and any excess liquid has been drained. Combine the pitted (or thawed) cherries in a medium saucepan.
- Create the Amaretto Syrup: In a separate small bowl or directly over the saucepan if you’re feeling efficient, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sugar and water mixture over the cherries in the saucepan. Add the amaretto liqueur. If you are using them, add the almond extract, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest now.
- Gentle Heating: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not bring it to a rolling boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and the cherries to burst.
- Develop the Flavors: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Allow the cherries to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the syrup has slightly thickened and coats the cherries beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cherries will soften slightly but should retain their shape.
- Cool and Infuse: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick if used. Allow the Amaretto Cherries to cool completely in their syrup within the saucepan. This cooling period is crucial for allowing the cherries to fully absorb the amaretto flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Amaretto Cherries:
You’ll adore these Amaretto Cherries for their intensely warm, comforting almond flavor that perfectly complements the sweet tang of the cherries. What’s even better is the incredible cost-saving benefit of making these gourmet delights right in your own kitchen, avoiding the often-high prices of pre-made liqueur-infused fruits. The subtle sweetness of the syrup, kissed by amaretto and brightened by optional lemon zest, creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and incredibly craveable, far surpassing plain cherries or even a simple cherry compote.
Think of them as a more adult, boozy cousin to your grandmother’s canned cherries, offering a burst of rich, liqueur-infused goodness with every bite. They are the perfect topping for ice cream, cheesecakes, or simply enjoyed straight from the jar. Don’t just dream about these decadent treats; bring them to life with this straightforward recipe and experience a new level of homemade indulgence.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the Amaretto Cherries to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store these delightful cherries in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 weeks. Always ensure the cherries are submerged in their syrup for optimal preservation and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Transfer cooled cherries to an airtight glass jar or container. Keep refrigerated.
- Shelf Life: Best consumed within 2 weeks for optimal flavor.
Final Thoughts:
Making your own Amaretto Cherries is a simple pleasure that yields incredibly delicious results, transforming humble fruit into a sophisticated treat. The warm almond notes of amaretto infuse the cherries beautifully, and we encourage you to give this easy recipe a try for a touch of homemade luxury.
Amaretto Cherries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and pit them. If using frozen cherries, ensure they have been completely thawed and any excess liquid has been drained. Combine the pitted (or thawed) cherries in a medium saucepan.1 pound fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries, pitted
- In a separate small bowl or directly over the saucepan if you’re feeling efficient, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water
- Pour the sugar and water mixture over the cherries in the saucepan. Add the amaretto liqueur. If you are using them, add the almond extract, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest now.1 pound fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries, pitted, 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/2 lemon zest
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not bring it to a rolling boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate too quickly and the cherries to burst.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Allow the cherries to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the syrup has slightly thickened and coats the cherries beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cherries will soften slightly but should retain their shape.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick if used. Allow the Amaretto Cherries to cool completely in their syrup within the saucepan. This cooling period is crucial for allowing the cherries to fully absorb the amaretto flavor.1 cinnamon stick