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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 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
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
  1. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the pitted cherries, sugar, amaretto, and water.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often to help dissolve the sugar.
  3. Let it cook for about 20 minutes until the cherries start to soften and burst.
  4. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.
  5. 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.
  6. If not canning, let the jars cool and store in the refrigerator.
  7. To can, ensure jars are sterilized, fill, secure, and boil in a water bath for 25-30 minutes.
  8. 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.