Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Processing Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Yield: About 4 half-pint jars | Difficulty: Easy
There’s nothing quite like opening a jar of homemade cherry amaretto jam – the sweet aroma of ripe cherries mingling with the warm, nutty fragrance of amaretto liqueur is simply intoxicating. This gourmet creation transforms simple breakfasts into special occasions and elevates desserts to new heights. The perfect balance between the natural tartness of cherries and the sophisticated almond notes from amaretto creates a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at brunch, create thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Premium Ingredients for Gourmet Cherry Amaretto Jam
Essential Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh cherries – pitted and halved (about 2 pounds whole cherries)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar – adjust based on cherry sweetness
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – bright acidity balances sweetness
- ¼ cup amaretto liqueur – Disaronno brand recommended for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – optional, enhances almond notes
- 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid pectin – optional, for thicker consistency
Essential Equipment:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot – prevents scorching and ensures even heating
- Sterilized canning jars with lids – half-pint size perfect for gifts
- Cherry pitter – saves significant time and effort
- Canning funnel and jar lifter – for safe, clean processing
Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot
- Sterilized canning jars with lids
- Cherry pitter
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Wooden spoon
- Water bath canner or large pot
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved (about 2 pounds whole)
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar adjust based on cherry sweetness
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice bright acidity balances sweetness
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur Disaronno brand recommended
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional, enhances almond notes
- 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid pectin optional, for thicker consistency
Instructions
- Choose ripe cherries, wash thoroughly, and pat dry. Remove stems and pit each cherry, then cut in half.
- In heavy-bottomed pot, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well and let sit 15 minutes to macerate and draw out juices.
- Place pot over medium heat, stirring frequently as sugar dissolves. Bring to boil, then reduce to steady simmer.
- Cook 15-20 minutes until mixture coats the back of a spoon and leaves clear path when finger is drawn through it.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in amaretto liqueur and vanilla extract. Add pectin if using for thicker consistency.
- Sterilize canning jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep hot until ready to use.
- Using canning funnel, fill hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids, and tighten bands fingertip-tight.
- Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours until lids are properly sealed.
Notes
Simple Steps to Cherry Amaretto Jam Perfection
Prepare Your Cherries
- Select and Clean (10 minutes): Choose the ripest, most flavorful cherries available. Wash thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry completely.
- Pit and Halve (10 minutes): Remove stems and pit each cherry. Cut in half to release natural juices during cooking while maintaining beautiful texture.
Cook the Magic
- Macerate the Fruit (15 minutes): In your heavy-bottomed pot, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well and let sit 15 minutes to draw out natural juices.
- Simmer to Perfection (15-20 minutes): Place over medium heat, stirring frequently as sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to steady simmer. Cook until mixture coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when finger is drawn through it.
- Add the Amaretto (2 minutes): Remove from heat and carefully stir in amaretto liqueur and vanilla extract. The alcohol will cook off, leaving distinctive almond flavor. Add pectin now if using for thicker consistency.
🏺 Preserve Your Creation
- Prepare Jars (10 minutes): Sterilize jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep hot until ready to use.
- Fill and Seal (5 minutes): Using canning funnel, fill hot jars leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids, and tighten bands fingertip-tight.
- Process for Safety (10 minutes): Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours until lids are sealed.
Serving Ideas & Creative Uses
This versatile jam transforms ordinary moments into special occasions. Try our Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu for an elegant dessert, or explore our Honey Bun Cake Recipe for more sweet inspiration.
Breakfast & Brunch Magic
- Spread on warm croissants, toast, or English muffins
- Swirl into cream cheese for elegant bagel topping
- Mix into yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding for gourmet breakfast
Sophisticated Pairings
- Perfect companion for brie, goat cheese, or aged gouda
- Creates stunning charcuterie board centerpiece
- Balances salty cheeses with sweet complexity
Baking & Dessert Applications
- Use as filling for thumbprint cookies or tarts
- Layer in cakes for professional bakery results
- Glaze for cocktails or meat dishes
Expert Tips & Variations
Love preserving? Try our Mexican Lasagna Recipe for savory meal prep, or our Juicy Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe for comfort food perfection.
Success Secrets
- Choose ripe cherries at peak season for best flavor
- Macerate before cooking to develop natural syrup
- Don’t skip lemon juice – essential for proper setting and flavor
- Test for doneness using the spoon coating method
Creative Variations
- No-Alcohol Version: Replace amaretto with almond extract plus cherry juice
- Spiced Option: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or black pepper
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in cocoa powder for black forest flavor
- Low-Sugar Alternative: Use honey or stevia (may affect shelf life)
Storage & Gift-Giving
This Cherry Amaretto Jam makes incredible homemade gifts and stays fresh for months when properly processed. Store unopened jars in cool, dark places for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3-4 weeks. For gift-giving, pair with our Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe ingredients for a complete gourmet basket.
For more preserve inspiration, check out our Greek Chicken Flatbread recipe that pairs beautifully with homemade jams and spreads.
For more preserving recipes and gourmet cooking inspiration, Follow me on Pinterest where I share daily tips for elevating your kitchen creations!
Your Cherry Amaretto Jam Questions Answered
Can I use frozen cherries for this jam?
Absolutely! Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using. Frozen cherries work especially well when fresh aren’t in season. For more fruit preservation tips, check our Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu recipe.
Why is my jam too runny?
Several factors affect thickness: fruit pectin content, cooking time, and sugar ratio. You can re-cook with added pectin if needed, or enjoy as a delicious syrup over pancakes or ice cream.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Replace amaretto with 1-2 teaspoons almond extract plus ¼ cup cherry juice or water. The almond flavor will still shine through beautifully.
How long does homemade jam last?
Properly processed jars last up to 1 year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3-4 weeks. Similar storage applies to our Honey Bun Cake Recipe components.
What’s the best way to sterilize jars?
Wash in hot soapy water, then boil for 10 minutes. Keep hot until filling to prevent thermal shock. Proper sterilization ensures safe preservation.