Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe

Making your own homemade jam is a satisfying and rewarding experience. This cherry amaretto jam combines the sweet, rich flavor of cherries with the distinct nuttiness of amaretto, creating a jam that is both delicious and unique. The natural sweetness of ripe cherries pairs beautifully with the amaretto, making this jam a delightful treat for toast, biscuits, or as a topping for desserts. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients you likely already have at home.

This Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam is perfect for the summer months when cherries are in season, but you can make it year-round with frozen cherries if needed. Whether you’re canning to enjoy throughout the year or preparing a special gift for someone, this jam is sure to impress with its smooth texture and bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination: The amaretto adds a rich, nutty depth to the cherry jam that’s unlike any other.
2. Perfect for Gifting: This jam makes a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends or family, especially during the holidays or special occasions.
3. Simple Ingredients: With just a few ingredients—cherries, sugar, and amaretto—you can create a jam that feels gourmet without being complicated.
4. Versatile Uses: Use it as a spread for toast, a topping for desserts, or even as a filling for pastries and cakes.
5. Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of homemade jam made from fresh ingredients. This recipe is easy to follow and gives you the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

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Ingredients

• 3 – 3.5 lbs Cherries, pitted
• 1 ¼ C Granulated Sugar
• ½ C Amaretto
• ½ C Water (preferably filtered)
• 1 Lemon, juiced (zest saved for another purpose)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract

Variations

Add More Flavor with Spices

If you enjoy spiced jams, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to your cherry amaretto jam for an extra layer of flavor. This works especially well in the cooler months.

Mix with Other Fruits

For a unique twist, you can combine cherries with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries. This will add more depth and complexity to the jam while keeping the cherry base as the star ingredient.

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Just note that it may affect the consistency of the jam and its ability to set. You can also try using a sugar substitute, but be sure to follow the guidelines for canning with sugar substitutes.

Make it Spicy

For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding a few slices of fresh jalapeño or chili flakes to the jam. The combination of sweetness and spice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Start by preparing the cherries. Pit them and roughly chop them if desired. Place the cherries in a large pot.

Step 2

Add the granulated sugar, amaretto, and water to the cherries in the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the cherries are evenly coated.

Step 3

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning. Cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cherries to break down and release their juices.

Step 4

Once the cherries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Continue to simmer the mixture for another 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring and skimming off any foam that forms on top. The jam should thicken to your desired consistency.

Step 6

To test the consistency, place a spoonful of jam onto a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it, and if it wrinkles and doesn’t run back together, the jam is done. If it’s too runny, simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 7

Once the jam has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Seal the jars with lids and allow them to cool to room temperature before storing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sterilize Jars: Be sure to sterilize your jars by boiling them for 10 minutes before using them to store your jam. This helps ensure the jam stays fresh longer.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from the lemon juice is essential for balancing the sweetness and helping the jam set properly.
• Test the Consistency: As mentioned above, use the plate test to check the consistency of the jam. It should be thick but still spreadable.
• Be Patient: The jam can take a little while to thicken, so be patient and keep an eye on it as it simmers.
• Add Alcohol Carefully: If you prefer a stronger amaretto flavor, you can adjust the amount of amaretto. However, be cautious not to add too much, as the alcohol content can prevent the jam from setting properly.

How to Serve

Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam is delicious spread on toast, biscuits, or scones. It’s also fantastic as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or a simple sponge cake. For a savory twist, try pairing it with a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. It can even be used as a filling for pastries or drizzled over pancakes or waffles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the jam has cooled, store it in an airtight container or jar. If you’ve properly sterilized the jars and sealed them, your homemade cherry amaretto jam should stay fresh for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Freezing

If you’ve made a large batch of jam and want to preserve it for even longer, freezing is an option. Transfer the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer. To use, thaw the jam in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat your homemade cherry amaretto jam gently on the stove over low heat if it becomes too thick after being refrigerated. Add a small amount of water if needed to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before using them in the jam.

2. Can I use a different alcohol instead of amaretto?

Yes, you can substitute amaretto with other liqueurs such as brandy, cherry liqueur, or even rum. However, the flavor of the jam will change depending on the alcohol used.

3. How long will this jam last?

If properly canned, this jam will last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.

4. Can I make this jam without sugar?

Sugar is essential in the jam-making process to help preserve the jam and create the right texture. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute designed for canning.

5. Can I make this jam without pectin?

This recipe does not require added pectin. The natural pectin in the cherries, combined with the sugar and lemon juice, helps the jam set.

6. Can I use a different type of fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries in place of cherries for a different flavor.

7. Is this recipe suitable for canning?

Yes, this jam is perfect for canning. Just be sure to follow proper canning techniques to ensure the jam stays preserved for long periods.

8. Can I reduce the amount of amaretto?

Yes, if you prefer a less pronounced alcohol flavor, you can reduce the amount of amaretto. Just be aware that it may affect the overall taste.

9. How do I know when the jam is done?

Use the plate test (as mentioned above) to check the consistency of the jam. If it wrinkles when you run your finger through it, it’s ready.

10. Can I use this jam as a topping for cakes or cupcakes?

Absolutely! This cherry amaretto jam is perfect as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even stirred into yogurt.

Conclusion

This Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam is a flavorful and unique treat that will elevate your breakfast or dessert game. With its perfect balance of sweet cherries and the nutty amaretto flavor, this jam is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh, gift it to friends and family, or store it for later enjoyment. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that will bring joy every time you take a bite.

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