Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe
This Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam combines the luscious sweetness of fresh cherries with the aromatic richness of amaretto liqueur and almond extract. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or gifting to loved ones, this jam offers a delightful balance of fruity and nutty flavors with an optional thickened texture for your preferred consistency.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups (about 2 to 3 jars depending on size) 1x
- Category: Jam / Preserve
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for a more intense almond flavor)
- 1 tbsp pectin (optional, for a thicker consistency)
- Prepare the Cherries: Rinse and pit fresh cherries thoroughly or thaw frozen cherries. Depending on your texture preference, leave the cherries whole for chunkier jam or chop them coarsely for a smoother result.
- Cook the Fruit: Combine cherries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir the mixture well and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the cherries to release their juices and the sugar to start dissolving.
- Simmer and Mash: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the contents to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the cherries soften, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash them gently. Continue simmering for 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add Amaretto and Almond Extract: Once the jam begins to thicken, stir in the amaretto liqueur and almond extract if using. Let the jam simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Optional – Add Pectin: For a thicker jam, stir in pectin now and bring the mixture to a boil for 2-3 minutes to activate the thickening properties.
- Check for Doneness: To test the jam’s readiness, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. Push the jam gently with your finger; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is done.
- Jar the Jam: Remove the jam from heat and ladle it carefully into sterilized jars. Seal them tightly with lids and allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor, but frozen cherries work well if fresh are out of season.
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of your cherries and personal preference.
- Almond extract is optional but enhances the aroma and taste of the jam.
- Pectin is optional; adding it will help achieve a firmer set if desired.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cherry jam, amaretto jam, homemade jam recipe, cherry preserves, easy jam, fruit spread, almond flavored jam