Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe

Homemade jam is something else, really, while in most cases the brightsweetness of cherries combines with that nice nutty flavor fromamaretto. This Cherry Amaretto Jam totally gives off those nostalgicvibes with every spoonful, taking me back to those summer days spent picking cherries at a nearby orchard and then rushing home to whirlthem into some fancy-colored spread.

Jams and preserves have always been a tradition in my family. Every summer, my mother would gather up the best seasonal fruits, spending hours in the kitchen boiling, mashing, and canning, all the while sharing stories about her childhood in the countryside.

For me, making this Cherry Amaretto Jam carries on that tradition, but with a slight twist: the luxurious splash of amaretto liqueur adds depth and sophistication that elevates this from a simple cherry preserve to something truly special.

The Story Behind My Cherry Amaretto Jam

You see, this Cherry Amaretto Jam keeps the tradition alive, onlytwisted, since that fancy splash of amaretto liqueur lends some depth and sophistication to what could have been a plain old cherry preserve.
So, this recipe was inspired during a summer vacation spent in Italy. I can just envision those cherry trees standing in a row along that quaint little cobblestone road, bearing their dark, red cherries under the sun of the Mediterranean. We stopped at this quaint little café, and after a very long, sun-drenched afternoon, I had a slice of cherry almond tart. That wonderful combination of cherries with almonds stayed in my head, and I couldn’t seem to get it out of my system for years.

When I got home, I was literally dying for that flavor combination once more, but instead of making the tart, it would be cool to do it in a jam. That natural sweetness of the cherries with the bitterness of the nutty amaretto was just right. This is obviously great jam at any time, but there’s just something super cozy about slathering it on warm toast when it’s chilly outside.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Jam

For this Cherry Amaretto Jam, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients, but each plays a vital role in creating a balanced, flavorful preserve:

• Cherries: Fresh cherries bring brightness and tang, but frozen cherries work just as well if fresh ones are out of season. You can choose to leave them whole for a chunkier texture or chop them for a smoother jam.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and helps the jam set properly. It also acts as a preservative.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the cherries and adds the acidity necessary for the jam to thicken.
• Amaretto Liqueur: This almond-flavored liqueur adds a subtle depth, giving the jam a sophisticated twist.
• Almond Extract (optional): For those who love a more pronounced almond flavor, a dash of almond extract can really bring out the nuttiness of the amaretto.
• Pectin (optional): If you prefer a thicker jam, pectin can be added. It helps the jam set faster, giving you a firmer consistency.

How to Make Cherry Amaretto Jam: A Cozy Kitchen Ritual

Making jam is not just about the recipe—it’s about the process. There’s something deeply comforting about watching the cherries soften and release their juices, the air filling with the scent of sweet fruit and almond liqueur. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

1. Prepare the Cherries: Whether you use fresh or frozen cherries, the key is to remove the pits and decide on your preferred texture. If you like a chunky jam, leave the cherries whole; if you prefer something smoother, chop them up before cooking.
2. Cook the Fruit: Once the cherries are prepped, combine them with sugar and lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed pot. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to macerate—the cherries will release their juices, and the sugar will start dissolving.
3. Simmer and Mash: Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. As the cherries soften, mash them with a spoon or potato masher. This is where you control the texture—mash lightly for chunkier jam or more thoroughly for a smoother result.
4. Add Amaretto and Almond Extract: Once the cherries have softened and the jam begins to thicken, stir in the amaretto and, if you like, a touch of almond extract. The amaretto adds richness, while the almond extract intensifies the flavor.
5. Optional Pectin: If you want your jam thicker, this is the stage to stir in pectin. It only takes a few minutes of extra boiling to help the jam set more firmly.
6. Check for Doneness: Testing whether your jam is ready is easy—just place a small spoonful on a cold plate and run your finger through it. If it wrinkles slightly and doesn’t flow back together, it’s done.
7. Jar the Jam: Once your jam has reached the desired consistency, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars. Seal them tightly and let them cool to room temperature before storing them.

Recipe Information

This actually will yield about 2 cups of jam, which is awesome to make just a small batch or to share with your friends. Prep is about 15 minutes, and it cooks for about 30-40 minutes, so totally doable on a chill afternoon. Each tablespoon has roughly 50 calories, so it is a tastylittle treat without going overboard.

Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Amaretto Jam

• Use ripe, in-season cherries: They offer the best flavor and natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar.
• Thaw frozen cherries fully: If using frozen cherries, make sure they’re fully thawed and drained to prevent excess water from diluting the jam.
• Sterilize jars properly: This is essential for ensuring your jam stays fresh and safe for longer storage. You can boil the jars or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
• Test for consistency frequently: Jam can go from runny to set quickly. Don’t skip the cold plate test to make sure it’s just right.

Serving Suggestions

Super versatile, this jam will be great on fresh bread or toast but willbring a sweet nutty kick into loads of dishes. Try topping it on yourpancakes or waffles or stirring into yogurt in the morning for a great burst of flavor. It’s just such a great addition to add to any cheese board, going super with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. And if you want to treat yourself, you can use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or throw it in a cake for a fancy dessert.

Now Over to You

This Cherry Amaretto Jam is more than just a recipe; it’s a little jar of happiness. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or keeping it for yourself to brighten up breakfast, the sweet-tart flavor of cherries combined with the warmth of amaretto is simply irresistible. I’d love to hear how your jam turns out or how you plan to use it! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below or tag your creations with #EmmasCakeStudio on social media. Happy jamming!