Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe Magic

Sweet summer memories bloom in this homemade cherry amaretto jam that captures pure nostalgic delight.

Ripe cherries create a luxurious spread bursting with intense flavor.

Each spoonful whispers stories of sun-drenched orchards and gentle afternoon breezes.

Smooth amaretto liqueur adds a sophisticated twist to classic preserves.

Crimson fruits simmer slowly, developing complex layers of taste and aroma.

Crafting this jam becomes an intimate culinary adventure connecting you to generations of home cooks.

You can transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary morning treat that sparkles with rustic charm.

Cherry Amaretto Jam for Sweet and Tangy Spreads

• Transform ordinary toast or pancakes with this luxurious homemade cherry amaretto jam that adds gourmet flair to morning meals.
• Combine sweet cherries with rich amaretto liqueur in just 20 minutes, creating a sophisticated preserve that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum taste impact.
• Craft a small-batch specialty that impresses friends and family, turning a simple preserving project into a delightful weekend cooking experience with professional-level results.
• Store this jam in the refrigerator for three weeks or freeze up to six months, ensuring you have a delectable spread ready whenever a gourmet craving strikes.

What to Include in Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe

• Fresh Cherries, Frozen Cherries: Sweet and tart base for the jam, choose ripe and deep red cherries for best flavor.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with jam's texture and preservation.
• Pectin: Natural thickening agent that helps jam set properly, look for low-sugar pectin versions.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps with pectin activation, fresh is best.
• Amaretto: Italian almond liqueur that brings rich, sophisticated flavor to the jam.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond notes and complements the cherry flavor, use pure extract for best results.

Steps to Cook and Preserve Cherry Amaretto Jam

Step 1: Prepare Cherries

• Carefully remove pits from fresh cherries and chop them into small pieces
• If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw completely and drain excess liquid
• Ensure cherries are clean and free from stems

Step 2: Create Jam Base

• Place cherries in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Add sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Heat mixture over medium temperature
• Gently mash cherries with wooden spoon while stirring
• Continue cooking until cherries start breaking down and sugar dissolves
• Stir continuously to prevent sticking

Step 3: Enhance Jam Consistency

• Sprinkle pectin evenly across the mixture
• Increase heat to achieve full rolling boil
• Stir vigorously and continuously
• Maintain boiling for 1-2 minutes
• Watch for thickening texture

Step 4: Infuse Flavor

• Remove saucepan from heat
• Add amaretto liqueur
• Pour in almond extract
• Stir gently to distribute flavors evenly

Step 5: Package and Preserve

• Sterilize glass jars and lids with boiling water
• Carefully ladle hot jam into clean jars
• Leave quarter-inch space at top
• Wipe jar rims with clean cloth
• Secure lids tightly
• Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes if canning
• Alternatively, cool and store in refrigerator
• Jam will keep refrigerated for 3 weeks
• Can freeze up to 6 months for longer preservation

Pro Tips for Making Better Cherry Amaretto Jam

• Perfectly Pit Cherries: Use a cherry pitter or paperclip to remove seeds quickly and cleanly without crushing the fruit.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar quantity based on cherry ripeness and personal taste preferences, using less sugar for sweeter cherries.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different amaretto brands or swap with bourbon for unique taste variations that complement the cherry profile.
• Ensure Smooth Consistency: Mash cherries gently to create a balanced texture between chunky fruit pieces and smooth jam spread.
• Store Safely: Always use sterilized jars and follow proper canning techniques to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam's shelf life.

How to Store Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam the Right Way

• Store jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 3 weeks of preparation.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze up to 6 months for longer preservation.
• Remove frozen jam from freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Gently warm small portions in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.

Great Pairings for Cherry Amaretto Jam

• Spread the cherry amaretto jam over a soft, creamy brie for a luxurious flavor combination that balances the jam's sweetness with the cheese's rich, buttery texture.
• Top a smooth, velvety cheesecake with this jam to add a burst of fruity and boozy notes that complement the dessert's creamy base.
• Serve alongside a freshly baked almond croissant, letting the jam's amaretto and cherry flavors enhance the pastry's nutty and buttery profile.
• Use a spoonful of jam to elevate a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or add a splash of complexity to a champagne cocktail for a sophisticated twist.

Flavor Add-Ins for Cherry Amaretto Jam

• Low-Sugar Splash: Replace standard sugar with a reduced-sugar pectin and natural stevia for a healthier jam option with fewer calories.
• Diabetic-Friendly Formula: Use sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to create a low-glycemic version suitable for diabetic diets.
• Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute amaretto with cherry juice or non-alcoholic cherry syrup to maintain flavor depth while removing alcohol content.
• Vegan Cherry Spread: Replace pectin with chia seeds as a natural thickening agent and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan jam alternative.

FAQs for Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam

• What is pectin and why is it used in this jam recipe?

Pectin is a natural fruit-based thickening agent that helps jam set and achieve the right consistency. It binds the fruit’s natural sugars and creates a gel-like texture without needing to cook the jam for hours.

• Can I substitute amaretto with another liqueur?

Yes, you can replace amaretto with kirsch, brandy, or Grand Marnier. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use cherry juice or almond extract for similar flavor depth.

• How do I know if my jam has reached the right consistency?

The jam should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. When cooled, it should have a slightly firm, spreadable texture that isn’t runny or too stiff.

• Is it necessary to use fresh cherries, or can I use canned or frozen?

Frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe and are often more convenient. Canned cherries can be used but may require adjusting sugar levels since they’re often pre-sweetened.

Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry magic meets Italian amaretto liqueur in this luscious homemade cherry amaretto jam, blending ripe fruit and almond-kissed spirit. Preserving summer’s bounty, each spoonful promises a delightful taste of pure comfort you’ll savor on toast, pastries, or straight from the jar.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (950 ml) cherries (dark sweet or tart, pitted)
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 package (1.75 ounces / 50 g) powdered pectin

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond extract
• ¼ cup (60 ml) amaretto liqueur

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Instructions

1. Prepare cherries by meticulously removing pits and chopping into uniform pieces. For frozen cherries, allow complete thawing and thoroughly drain excess moisture to ensure optimal jam consistency.
2. Transfer chopped cherries into a spacious cooking vessel, incorporating sugar and lemon juice. Apply medium heat, stirring consistently while gently crushing cherries with a wooden utensil.
3. Monitor the mixture as it transitions from initial simmering to a soft bubbling state. Continue cooking approximately 10 minutes, observing cherries gradually disintegrating and sugar dissolving completely.
4. Introduce pectin into the simmering fruit mixture, elevating heat to achieve a vigorous rolling boil. Maintain constant stirring for 1-2 minutes to activate pectin’s thickening properties.
5. Remove culinary preparation from direct heat source, immediately incorporating amaretto liqueur and delicate almond extract. Gently fold these aromatic ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the jam.
6. Carefully transfer the hot, fragrant mixture into sanitized glass containers, ensuring precise spacing of approximately quarter-inch from container rim. Meticulously cleanse jar edges to guarantee proper sealing.
7. For long-term preservation, submerge sealed jars in rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, allow jam to cool naturally and store in refrigerator for short-term consumption or freeze for extended preservation.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the most flavorful jam, preferably dark red or black varieties for deeper color and taste.
• Adjust sugar levels based on cherry sweetness; start with less and taste as you cook to prevent overly sweet results.
• Experiment with different liqueurs like kirsch or bourbon for unique flavor variations that complement the cherry’s natural profile.
• Use pectin carefully to ensure proper jam consistency; too much can make the texture rubbery, while too little prevents proper setting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg