You’re in for a treat with this Easy Amaretto Cherries recipe! This delightful dish brings the taste of sweet summer cherries and the warmth of amaretto liqueur right into your kitchen. Perfect for preserving or enjoying right away, these cherries add a touch of elegance to desserts, cocktails, or even breakfast. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple and uses just a few ingredients. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also adds a vibrant flair to your favorite dishes. Imagine serving these beautiful cherries at brunch or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. They are perfect for every occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

How to Make Easy Amaretto Cherries (Lazzaroni Copycat Recipe)

Let’s gather what you need to create these tasty treats. Here are the ingredients:

3 – 3.5 lbs Cherries (pitted)
1 1/4 C Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Amaretto
1/2 C Water (preferably filtered)
1 Lemon (juiced; zest saved for another purpose)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Almond Extract

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps:

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the pitted cherries, sugar, amaretto, and water.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir often to help dissolve the sugar.
Once it simmers, let it cook for about 20 minutes until the cherries start to soften and burst.
After 20 minutes, add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Keep simmering for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
Divide the cherries and their juices evenly into 3-4 clean quart-sized mason jars or 5-6 pint-sized wide-mouth mason jars. Make sure to leave 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
If you’re not canning them, let the jars cool to touch and then store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for a year or more.
If you choose to water-bath can the cherries for extended shelf life, ensure your jars and lids are sterilized by boiling in water for 15 minutes. Fill the jars, secure the tops, and boil in a water bath for 25-30 minutes, keeping the water level above the jars by at least 2 inches.
After boiling, remove the jars and place them on a clean towel on the countertop. Let them rest undisturbed for 12-24 hours. You should hear the lids pop as they seal. If any jars do not seal, either continue boiling them or store them in the fridge once cool.

How to Serve Easy Amaretto Cherries

These cherries are incredibly versatile! You can serve them over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious brunch treat. They also make a lovely addition to a cheese platter or can be enjoyed with yogurt for a simple dessert. If you’d like a little kick, try adding them to cocktails for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store Easy Amaretto Cherries

If you store your cherries in sterilized mason jars, they can last up to 18 months in your pantry if canned properly. Once opened, consume them within two months for the best flavor. Keep opened jars in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.

Tips to Make Easy Amaretto Cherries

Choose ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste.
Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist!

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by adding a splash of vanilla or even some orange juice for a citrusy flavor. If you’d like some spice, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the mixture.

FAQs

How long do these cherries last in the fridge?
Once opened, the cherries will stay fresh for about two months in the refrigerator. If you keep them sealed and stored correctly, they can last up to a year or more if canned.

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen cherries, but you might need to adjust the cooking time since they might release more liquid as they thaw.

What can I use instead of amaretto?
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can use almond extract with a little extra sugar to mimic the sweetness and flavor of amaretto, or you can try using another fruit liqueur for a different flavor profile.

Easy Amaretto Cherries

A delightful recipe combining sweet cherries and amaretto liqueur, perfect for preserving or immediate enjoyment.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 3 quart jars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the cherries

3-3.5 lbs Cherries (pitted) Choose ripe cherries for the best flavor and texture.
1.25 C Granulated Sugar Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste.
0.5 C Amaretto You can use almond extract with extra sugar as a non-alcoholic option.
0.5 C Water (preferably filtered)
1 unit Lemon (juiced; zest saved for another purpose)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract Feel free to experiment with additional flavors.
1 tsp Almond Extract

Method

Cooking

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the pitted cherries, sugar, amaretto, and water.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often to help dissolve the sugar.
Let it cook for about 20 minutes until the cherries start to soften and burst.
Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
Divide the cherries and their juices into 3-4 quart-sized mason jars or 5-6 pint-sized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
If not canning, let the jars cool and store in the refrigerator.
To can, ensure jars are sterilized, fill, secure, and boil in a water bath for 25-30 minutes.
After boiling, let jars seal undisturbed for 12-24 hours.

Notes

These cherries are versatile and can be served over ice cream, pancakes, or used in cocktails. They can last up to 18 months if canned properly.