If you love jams with a twist, you’re in for an absolute treat with this Amaretto Cherry Jam! Imagine luscious black cherries simmered to sweet perfection and finished with a subtle touch of almond-flavored Amaretto. It’s fruity, fragrant, and just a little bit fancy—a real showstopper for your breakfast table! I first discovered the magic of this jam at a cozy countryside B&B, where the owner handed me a warm scone and a dollop of this delight. One bite, and I was instantly hooked!
This jam is special because it delivers that classic homemade comfort but with a dash of grown-up elegance. It’s surprisingly simple, needs just a few pantry staples, and will have your friends begging for the recipe. If you loved my classic Strawberry Vanilla Jam, just wait until you try this—there’s a whole new layer of flavor here! Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get started!
What is Amaretto Cherry Jam?
So, what exactly is Amaretto Cherry Jam? It’s a sweet, sticky jam made from ripe black cherries and infused with smooth Amaretto almond liqueur. Sounds fancy, right? Honestly, it’s as fun to make as it is to say! Ever wonder who thought to mix cherries and almond liqueur together? I’d like to thank that creative cook, because this flavor combo is pure magic. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—but trust me, this jam is good enough to win over just about anyone! Ready to be the breakfast hero? Give this recipe a try and share the love.
Why You’ll Love This
The star of this jam is that dreamy, harmonious mix of juicy black cherries and the nutty aroma of Amaretto. You get a homemade treat that tastes decadent and will make your toes curl, all without breaking the bank. Making jam at home is not only budget-friendly, it also lets you control every ingredient—no surprise preservatives or artificial flavors! Plus, those flecks of real vanilla and the subtle almond essence make every spoonful something to remember.
If you’ve enjoyed my Peach Cardamom Preserves before, you know the excitement of crafting something unique in your own kitchen. This recipe is just as easy, but with a punchy personality thanks to the Amaretto. Try it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or spoon it over pancakes—it’s the topping you didn’t know you were missing! Ready to elevate your jam game? Let’s make it together.
How to Make
Quick Overview
You’ll be delighted by just how simple and rewarding it is to make Amaretto Cherry Jam at home. With just a handful of basic ingredients and about an hour’s work, you can have jars of fresh, aromatic jam to enjoy all week (or share with lucky friends). This jam is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of ripe cherries, fragrant vanilla, and that lovely nip of almond liqueur. It’s sweet, just a little tart, and completely irresistible—plus, there’s no advanced cooking skill required!
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups pitted black cherries
2 cups granulated sugar
8 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
4 teaspoons Amaretto almond liqueur
1 teaspoon butter (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the cherries: Rinse and pit 3 1/2 cups of fresh black cherries. Chop them roughly or leave them halved if you prefer a chunkier jam.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Mash and mix: Using a potato masher or fork, lightly mash the cherries to release their juices. This helps the sugar dissolve faster and creates a nice base for the jam.
- Heat things up: Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes juicy.
- Simmer with care: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Skim off any foam that forms with a spoon—a little butter helps reduce foaming if needed.
- Add the flavor: After about 15-20 minutes, once the mixture has thickened, stir in the vanilla and Amaretto liqueur. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Check for setting point: To see if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate and run your finger through it after a minute. If it leaves a clear line and doesn’t run, it’s set! If not, simmer another 2-3 minutes and check again.
- Jar and store: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
What to Serve Amaretto Cherry Jam With
Wondering how to enjoy your Amaretto Cherry Jam? Try it slathered over freshly baked scones or crispy toast for a dreamy breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s heavenly as a filling for thumbprint cookies or as a sweet surprise in your favorite yogurt. You can even spoon it over vanilla ice cream or pancakes for a special treat. Pair it with a steaming mug of coffee or a flute of brunch Prosecco for a truly indulgent start to the day!
Top Tips for Perfecting
Use ripe, sweet cherries for maximum flavor—frozen cherries work in a pinch if fresh aren’t in season. If you prefer a smoother jam, pulse the cooked mixture with an immersion blender before jarring. For an alcohol-free version, substitute almond extract in place of Amaretto (start with half a teaspoon and add more to taste). Always sterilize your jars to help the jam stay fresh longer and avoid any spoilage.
Keep an eye on the simmering jam and stir often; jam can burn quickly if left unattended. Don’t be tempted to reduce the sugar too much, as it helps set the jam and preserve it safely! Remember, patience is key—a little extra simmer time gives you rich, thick jam every time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your Amaretto Cherry Jam in sterilized, airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. To extend the shelf life, process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes for shelf-stable storage up to a year (unopened). If you have extra, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Always use a clean spoon to serve the jam to prevent contamination, and never return unused jam to the original jar.
No need to reheat, as this jam spreads beautifully straight from the fridge! If freezing, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work beautifully—just thaw and drain before using.
Is this jam safe for kids since it has Amaretto?
The alcohol in the Amaretto largely cooks off, but if you prefer, use almond extract for a kid-friendly version.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a large enough pot to avoid overflowing during simmering.
How do I know when the jam has set?
Use the chilled plate test—if a line stays when you run your finger through a dab of jam, it’s set.
What’s the best way to pit cherries?
A cherry pitter is fastest, but you can also use a small knife or a sturdy straw.
Conclusion
Amaretto Cherry Jam is one of those magical recipes that turns simple ingredients into pure joy. Whether you spoon it on toast, swirl it into desserts, or share a jar with friends, it’s sure to bring smiles. Don’t be intimidated by homemade jam—this recipe is easy, rewarding, and guaranteed to add sparkle to any breakfast or brunch. If you enjoyed this recipe, check out some of my other homemade preserves and get creative in your kitchen! Ready to capture summer in a jar? Try this Amaretto Cherry Jam today and let me know how it turns out!