Smooth Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe

Silky Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe: Sweet Boozy Delight!

Sweet summer cherries burst with flavor in this delectable amaretto jam recipe that blends rich almond liqueur with ripe, juicy fruit.

Homemade preserves never tasted so decadent when you combine fresh cherries and smooth amaretto in a delightful spread.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious blend of fruity brightness and deep, warming notes.

The recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this elegant jam for its sophisticated taste profile.

Slather this rich preserve on warm toast or use it as a sophisticated dessert topping.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible cherry amaretto jam that transforms ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam

For Fruit Base:
  • Fresh Cherries or Frozen Cherries: Select ripe, deep crimson cherries with vibrant color and firm texture; frozen cherries work perfectly when fresh are unavailable.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness, helps natural pectin release, and balances sweetness while preserving vivid cherry color.
For Sweetening and Binding:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates smooth texture, enhances natural cherry flavor, and helps thicken jam without overwhelming fruit's delicate taste.
  • Pectin: Natural fruit-derived thickening agent that ensures perfect jam consistency and helps preserve jam's structural integrity.
For Flavor Enhancement:
  • Amaretto Liqueur: Introduces luxurious almond-like depth, complementing cherry's natural sweetness with sophisticated undertones.
  • Almond Extract: Intensifies amaretto's essence, providing elegant nutty background note that elevates entire jam's flavor profile.

Tools That Help With Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam

  • Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking jam, with high sides to prevent boiling over.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and gently mashing cherries during cooking.
  • Cherry Pitter: Removes pits quickly and efficiently for fresh cherries.
  • Measuring Cups: Needed for precise sugar and liquid measurements.
  • Ladle: Helps transfer hot jam into jars cleanly and safely.
  • Canning Jars: Clean, sterilized containers for storing homemade jam.
  • Boiling Water Bath Pot (optional): Used for traditional canning process.
  • Kitchen Knife: Helpful for chopping cherries if not using a pitter.

How to Make Cherry Amaretto Jam From Scratch

  • Prepare Cherry Base

Pit and chop fresh cherries or thaw frozen ones completely. Ensure cherries are room temperature and free from excess liquid.

  • Kickstart Cooking Process

Pour cherries into a heavy-bottomed pot. Combine with sugar and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Heat gently while stirring, allowing cherries to break down naturally and release their deep ruby juices.

  • Boost Flavor Profile

When mixture reaches a soft bubbling point, sprinkle pectin across surface. Stir vigorously to integrate. Let jam simmer and thicken, watching for rich consistency and glossy texture.

  • Infuse Delightful Essence

Remove pot from heat. Splash in smooth amaretto liqueur and delicate almond extract. Swirl gently to distribute aromatic flavors throughout jam.

  • Preserve and Store

Transfer hot jam into clean glass containers. Seal tightly and cool completely. Refrigerate for immediate enjoyment or freeze for future indulgence. Homemade jam will keep for several weeks when stored properly.

Flavor Add-Ins That Pair With Cherry Amaretto Jam

  • Gently remove any bruised or blemished cherries to ensure top-quality jam flavor.
  • Experiment with different liqueurs like bourbon or rum for unique flavor profiles that complement the cherry's natural sweetness.
  • Create a low-sugar version by using sugar substitutes or sugar-free pectin, perfect for diabetic-friendly diets or those watching sugar intake.
  • For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to break down cherries more finely, or leave them chunkier for a more rustic, homemade feel.
  • Maximize shelf life by using proper canning techniques, ensuring airtight seals and storing in a cool, dark pantry for extended enjoyment of your homemade jam.

Serve This Jam With Toast or Cheese Boards

  • Breakfast Bliss: Spread this luscious cherry amaretto jam on warm, buttered toast for a decadent morning treat.
  • Dessert Delight: Swirl into plain yogurt, drizzle over vanilla ice cream, or use as a filling for homemade pastries and thumbprint cookies.
  • Cheese Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a soft brie or creamy goat cheese on a charcuterie board for an elegant appetizer that highlights the jam's rich, boozy cherry flavor.
  • Cocktail Creative: Mix a spoonful into sparkling wine or use as a glaze for grilled meats to add a sophisticated fruity twist to your favorite recipes.

Store Cherry Amaretto Jam for Long-Term Use

  • Chill and Seal Tight
  • Transfer cooled jam to clean, airtight glass containers. Keep sealed in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, enjoying fresh flavors and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Portion jam into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 6 months for long-term enjoyment, perfect for future desserts or breakfast spreads.
  • Decorate small jars with ribbon or custom labels. Create charming homemade gifts that showcase your culinary skills and spread delicious cherry amaretto joy.
  • Store sealed jars in cool, dark pantry spaces away from direct sunlight. Consistent temperatures help maintain jam's vibrant taste and prevent potential spoilage.
Print
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Smooth Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe

Smooth Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Sweet cherry amaretto jam brings Italian elegance to your breakfast spread. Silky smooth preservation meets summer’s richest fruit, creating a luxurious spread you can savor with fresh bread or morning pastries.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml/32 oz) cherries (fresh or frozen, dark sweet or tart, pitted)
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) amaretto liqueur
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice (for brightness and preservation)
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 package (1.75 oz/50 g) powdered pectin (or 3 tbsps)

Instructions

  1. Cherry Preparation: Meticulously pit and chop fresh cherries or thaw frozen cherries, ensuring complete drainage of excess liquid.
  2. Jam Initiation: Transfer cherries into a spacious saucepan, incorporating sugar and lemon juice. Activate medium heat, gently mashing cherries while stirring until they soften and sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Pectin Integration: Escalate cooking process, introducing pectin and stirring vigorously to achieve a robust, rolling boil. Maintain intense stirring for 1-2 minutes to activate pectin and create desired consistency.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and gracefully fold in amaretto liqueur and almond extract, allowing aromatic notes to permeate the jam’s fundamental structure.
  5. Preservation Protocol: Carefully transfer molten jam into pristine, sterilized glass containers, leaving minimal headspace. For extended storage, execute water bath processing for 10 minutes; alternatively, allow cooling and refrigerate or freeze for optimal preservation.

Notes

  • Choose deeply colored, firm cherries without bruises for the most intense flavor and best texture in your jam.
  • Stir constantly during boiling to prevent sugar from burning and ensure smooth, even jam texture.
  • Use the cold plate method to check jam’s readiness – place a small amount on a chilled plate and run a finger through it; if it leaves a clear path, it’s perfect.
  • Always sterilize jars and lids thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam’s shelf life, especially if not using water bath canning method.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 1mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: <1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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