These Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries are a sweet treat! Juicy cherries are soaked in a yummy amaretto flavor, making them perfect for adding a special touch to desserts or drinks.
Making these cherries is super fun! Just mix the ingredients, let them sit, and enjoy the delightful taste. Trust me, they add a burst of joy to any recipe—who could resist a little cherry magic? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are the best choice for this recipe. If they’re out of season, frozen pitted cherries work just as well and are often more convenient. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before using.
Amaretto Liqueur: Amaretto gives these cherries a rich almond flavor. If you need a non-alcoholic option, almond extract can be used, but cut back to about 1-2 teaspoons since it’s more concentrated. Add a little extra sugar to balance the taste.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is classic, but you could try brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also substitute, just adjust the liquid accordingly since they’re both more liquidy.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully. If you’re out, you can use imitation vanilla, but the taste may not be as rich. I always keep vanilla bean paste on hand for an extra touch of class!
How Do You Make Sure the Cherries Are Perfectly Infused?
A key step is simmering the cherries in the sugar syrup. This softens them and helps absorb the flavors. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add your cherries and simmer gently for about 5 minutes—don’t overcook them, or they’ll lose their shape.
- Remove from heat and mix in the amaretto and vanilla while the mixture is still warm for better flavor absorption.
- Let it cool at room temperature before transferring to a jar; this way, the flavors will combine beautifully.
These techniques ensure you’re left with vibrant, flavorful cherries that are a real treat!
Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries (Lazzaroni Copycat)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 24 hours of chilling time. You’ll mix the ingredients and let the cherries soak up all the delicious flavors overnight, which makes them truly special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sugar Syrup:
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and water, and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep an eye on it while it comes to a gentle simmer. This step is key for making that sweet syrup!
2. Cook the Cherries:
Once your sugar syrup is simmering, add the pitted cherries. Let them simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This will help them soften a bit and soak up sweetness. Be careful not to overcook them; we want them to hold their shape!
3. Add the Amaretto and Vanilla:
After you’ve simmered the cherries, take the saucepan off the heat. Then, mix in the amaretto liqueur and vanilla extract. If you’re using lemon juice, add that too! Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cool the Mixture:
Allow the cherry mixture to cool down to room temperature. This is important so the flavors meld perfectly before storing them.
5. Jar It Up:
Once cooled, transfer the cherries (and syrup) into a clean jar or container with a lid. You want them to be all packed in there nicely!
6. Chill and Enjoy:
Seal the jar and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This waiting time lets all the delicious flavors blend together. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
7. Serving Ideas:
After chilling, your homemade amaretto cherries are ready to be enjoyed! Use them to top desserts, mix into cocktails, or simply indulge in them straight from the jar. They make any occasion a little more special!
Enjoy your delicious copycat Lazzaroni amaretto cherries! 🍒
FAQ for Easy Homemade Amaretto Cherries
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them before use and drain any excess liquid to ensure they soak up all that delicious flavor!
How Long Can I Store the Amaretto Cherries?
You can store the cherries in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to 2-3 weeks. Just make sure they’re kept in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and freshness.
Can I Adjust the Amount of Sugar?
Yes, feel free to customize the sweetness! You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat, but keep in mind that the syrup will also be affected. Test the mixture as you go!
What’s the Best Way to Use Amaretto Cherries?
These cherries are versatile—they’re delicious on desserts like ice cream, cheesecakes, and brownies, or you can use them in cocktails, such as an amaretto sour or even a classic whiskey sour. Enjoy them any way you like!
